A warm, memory‑driven portrait of a life in letters and friendship.
This book gathers Laurence Hutton’s lively talks, recorded by Isabel Moore, into a readable memoir of his personality, circles, and conversations in a library setting. It blends personal recollections with thoughtful reflections on literature, theatre, collecting, and the craft of publishing.
The material covers Hutton’s friendships, his care in selecting and revising words, and the playful, insightful tone that shaped his final word to friends and the public. It includes chapters on early days, dramatic memories, and intriguing explorations of death masks, autograph collecting, and the culture of literary clubs, all set against the Princeton and New York scenes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Personal anecdotes and behind‑the‑scenes moments from a life in letters and libraries
- Insights into publishing, editing, and the making of literary memory
- Accounts of collecting artifacts, portraits, and death masks from famous figures
- A window into the author’s circle, readings, and conversation topics of the era
Ideal for readers of literary history and fans of Hutton’s circle, this edition offers a reflective, accessible view of a man who found common ground in books, friends, and the shared joy of a well‑told tale.