2 Typed Letters Signed and one Typed Letter Unsigned to Mary Delane, and a collection related material.

Politician, publisher and one of the greatest crooks of the twentieth century (1923-91). The recipient, Mary Delane, is described as 'sometime woman's editor for The Times'. A collection of drafts and letters mainly relating to negotiations for the publication by Maxwell's Pergamon Press of a series of cookery books. A fine example of his Maxwell's questionable business practices. Mainly consisting of typed correspondence and draft replies, mostly in 8vo, some creased and torn but generally in good condition. The correspondence is preceded by a typescript, dated 13 October 1962, describing the proposed Waynflete extension to Magdalen College, Oxford, 'new bldg other side of bridge, to house students | College have invited Maxwell to open book shop. Most modern type to be opened in U.K. since first world war'. The stock is planned to be 'specially attractive to adolescents', and it is noted that the 'Bldg is one violently attacked by Betjman [sic]'. This is followed by the draft of a letter of 12 September 1962 in which Delane introduces herself to 'Captain Maxwell'. She has spoken to Maxwell's wife Janine about his 'plans for a library at Oxford' and would like to see him about this (presumably to suggest the series of cookery books). Maxwell replies in a typed letter signed, 1 page, 8vo, 18 September 1962, on Pergamon Press letterhead. Three more drafts by Delane are followed by an unsigned typed letter, 'Dictated by Mr. Maxwell before leaving for the States', 27 November 1962. Then another draft by Delane and a typed letter signed by Maxwell, 1 page, 16mo, 19 December 1962. The next Delane draft details her researches concerning the series, and this is answered by a typed letter signed by Mrs Peggy Ducker, Editor of the 'Commonwealth and International Library of Science Technology Engineering and Liberal Studies | A 1,000 volume original book series in aid of education | [...] | To be issued by Pergamon Press, Headington Hill Hall, Oxford'. It is clear from the tone of the succeeding letter, to Delane from her solicitor, and from the Delane draft that follows, that she feels that Maxwell has been picking her brains with no intention of employing her on the series. This seems to be confirmed by the following letter, 13 March 1963, in which another of Maxwell's employees, E. S. Street, requests 'a detailed report on the book series' as 'We are anxiously awaiting this information'. Delane states her position in the draft of a rather pained reply. There follows a letter from a firm of solicitors to Muriel Forbes [Delane's real name?] of The Times concluding that her initial conversation with Maxwell in Oxford did not constitute a contract. The correspondence concludes with another letter from Street stating that Maxwell 'still hopes that you are able to collaborate in this series' and the draft of Delane's reply, 11 April 1963, in which she states that she will 'expect to hear from Mr. Maxwell again in due course'. There is no evidence that the series came to print. Also included are cuttings relating to Maxwell and his proposed Library, one of which, a full page of The Sunday Times, 27 December 1964, carries an article 'THE MAKING OF MR MAXWELL' with a photo carrying the caption 'Robert Maxwell: a respect for success, toughness and generosity'. The collection,