FIRM HISTORY - C J Palmer "The History of the Orwell Works".

These notes in their original form were a typescript history of Ransomes compiled during 1928-1930 by C J Palmer who had completed 60 years service with RS, RSH, RHJ and RSJ in 1928. The project was a complex undertaking and was completed 1930(Mar), Palmer ceasing his work at 1928(1 Jan). The purpose and style of the compilation are explained in the Preface - TR RAN/SP1/1/1. The "History" falls into 3 principal parts.

i. TR RAN/SP1/1 A-M Text. Divided into 11 periods, each designated by a letter A-M [1 and J were not used] and each with a contents list and a summary. Each period is then paginated numerically, prefixed by the period letter eg A1 and A2.

ii. TR RAN/SP1/1/1-2 Special Summaries. In 2 parts, part 1 also containing the Preface. They are paginated by capital letters, prefixed by "X" eg XA and XB. There is a contents list.

iii. TR RAN/SP1/1/3-5 Indexes. Names of Persons; Implements and Machinery; General. References according to pagination in i. and ii.

There are also 2 appendices and an addendum.

Documents were inserted into this "schema" by Palmer being paginated and indexed together with the typescript as part of a single unity. However, other documentary material was subsequently added, principally in the 1960's by K L Akester and L J Orvis, Works Historians, being readily identifiable by their pagination markings in biro. They were not included in Palmer's indexes and no new text was provided to accompany them. On inspection both notes and documents were found to be in a very disturbed order with several items dispersed elsewhere in the Ransome's archive. The original arrangement, as devised by Palmer was then reconstructed and all subsequent items removed due to the piecemeal nature of their addition. The only indication remaining of the latter material are the notes of addition to the contents page per period of the text and these should be disregarded. The items removed have been catalogued and classified as other items in the deposit. Individual cataloguing treatment has also been given to the material inserted by Palmer but within the respective period of its location in the text and with the appropriate pagination for reference.

It is finally of note that the "History" as now reconstructed represents not only a useful narrative but also a primary source of information where it utilises sources no longer extant.