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Wiles, R. M. (Roy McKeen) 1903-1974

R. M. Wiles fonds. -- [1929-1974]. -- 1.8 m of textual records and graphic material. -- 8 microfilm reels. -- 5 filmstrips.

Roy McKeen Wiles was born on 15 October 1903 in Truro, Nova Scotia, and educated at Dalhousie University and Harvard University. He began his academic career at the University of Alberta as a lecturer in English in 1928. He came to McMaster University as an assistant professor of English in 1935, eventually rising to professor and then department chair. He also served as a lay reader for the Anglican Diocese of Niagara. He is the author of Serial Publications in England Before 1750 (1957) and Freshest Advices: Early Provincial Newspapers in England (1965). He died in Ottawa, Ontario on 9 March 1974.

The fonds is organized into the following series:

Series 1 - Eighteenth Century Newspapers and Periodicals. Series contains notes and correspondence. It is arranged by geographic location followed by title followed by general files. (Boxes 1-3)
Series 2 - Writings by Wiles. Drafts, notes, illustrations in the form of photographs and negatives for his unpublished book, Provincial Life in Johnson's England As Disclosed in Local Newspapers. There are also typescripts of articles, books reviews, lectures, sermons, and offprints. (Box 3)
Series 3 - Notes on Various Eighteenth Century Authors and Topics. Authors are Samuel Johnson, Daniel Defoe, Oliver Goldsmith, Robert Walker. (Box 4)
Series 4 - Correspondence, Conferences, Maps, Notes and Correspondence about Microfilms, Index Cards. Framed photograph of Mr. Wilfred Walter as Malvolio. (Box 4; index cards and photograph in Box 5)
Series 5 - Microfilms and Filmstrips (Box 5)
Series 6 - Printed Materials including offprints by other authors, conference programs, pamphlets, periodicals, and mimeographs (Box 6). Oversize items, including a reproduction folder on Aldus Manutius (1450-1515) are in the map cabinets.

The fonds was supplemented by a large collection of eighteenth century newspapers and periodicals as well as books which have been catalogued for Research Collections.

Title based on content of fonds.
Fonds was acquired in 1974 from his widow, Olwina Wiles.
Finding aid available at the fonds level in hard copy and electronically.
There are no access restrictions.
Further accruals are not expected.

Contact: archives@mcmaster.ca
Last Reviewed: June 9, 2003
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