Collection of autograph letters signed : primarily London and Higham, to Wilkie Collins, 1851 May 12-1870 Jan. 27.

Collection consists of 141 letters to Wilkie Collins; 1 letter to Charles Allston Collins; and 1 letter from Wilkie Collins to Charles Dickens. Dickens' letters concern primarily their respective writings and Dickens' travels, and document their collaborative work, especially on the play The Frozen Deep and the story (and later play) No Thoroughfare. Dickens' letters provide some close readings of Collins' works and offer many suggestions on his writings. Earlier letters reference Dickens' amateur theatricals and mention his and Collins' mutual acquaintances; later letters document his readings, including his 1867-1868 American tour. Beginning with a letter dated 22 October 1857 (MA 93.77) Dickens consistently addresses Collins as "My dear Wilkie." Letters are cataloged in 143 records (MA 93.1-143); see individual records for full description.