Robert Graves Diary, 1935-1939
User Collection Public
The collection consists of a complete autograph diary detailing four years in the lives of Robert Graves and Laura Riding. The period covered is from 22nd February 1935 to 6th May 1939, during which time Graves and Riding lived in Mallorca, Lugano, England, Brittany and Pennsylvania. The 1,546 page diary also contains 117 enclosures of letters from Graves' children, photographs, and press cuttings, as well as 99 other miscellaneous items such as typescripts of poems, articles and letters.
This important diary represents a highly detailed record of four years in the lives of both Robert Graves and Laura Riding, from whom he was seldom separated for more than a few hours throughout the period that it covers. As well as giving full accounts of domestic events - building projects, gardening, jam-making, shopping expeditions, visits from friends and the like - Graves notes precisely the work that he and Laura Riding have accomplished each day, both separately and in collaboration. All their working projects are minutely documented.
Please also see the Robert Graves Diary project website.
Image: Accession Number: 2002-030, Box 5, Folder 6, Lot Gr-24, Item: Gr-77
Permalink: http://vault.library.uvic.ca/collections/cd1721f5-933f-421f-866f-317957fef51d
Collection Details
- Items 1731
- Last Updated 2025-02-21
Parent Collections (1)
Works (1731)
111. Wednesday May 11 June 12
- Title:
- Wednesday May 11 June 12
- Description:
- Page from Robert Graves diary manuscript. The diary includes 1,546 pages with 117 enclosures: letters, clippings, photographs post cards, notes, games.
- Subject:
- Authors, English and Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Creator:
- Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1935-06-12
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page : 12 x 19.5 cm or smaller
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- The diary is written on quarto sheets, folded horizontally to form octavo booklets, one recto page devoted to each day.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Robert Graves Diary, 1935-1939
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- diaries
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 1969-003, Item: Gr-1-111
- Fonds Title:
- Robert Graves collection
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC050
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collection finding aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/robert-graves-collection and Robert Graves Diary project URL: http://graves.uvic.ca/diary_1935-06-12.html
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- Wednesday May 11 June 12 Posada: everything going well. Got copper wire from piano being knocked to pieces at Fábrica and made a filletfor Laura. Slow work of Claudius Film Version Tried a poem on Vulgarity: no good. To Can Medo Can Madó where turbine is having a pipe fitted & the alternadora is mended & its axel is leather coated. Viñas to supper: made omelettes. Two drafts of Moments in Never . Potato for keeping my pen unacid introduced as a permanent thing.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
112. Thursday May 12 June 13
- Title:
- Thursday May 12 June 13
- Description:
- Page from Robert Graves diary manuscript. The diary includes 1,546 pages with 117 enclosures: letters, clippings, photographs post cards, notes, games.
- Subject:
- Authors, English and Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Creator:
- Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1935-06-13
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page : 12 x 19.5 cm or smaller
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- The diary is written on quarto sheets, folded horizontally to form octavo booklets, one recto page devoted to each day.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Robert Graves Diary, 1935-1939
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- diaries
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 1969-003, Item: Gr-1-112
- Fonds Title:
- Robert Graves collection
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC050
- Is_referenced_by:
- Robert Graves Diary project URL: http://graves.uvic.ca/diary_1935-06-13.html and Special Collection finding aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/robert-graves-collection
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- Thursday May 12 June 13 Two more drafts of Moments in Never . Tore up A Foreign Land ; no good. Posada: men now working downstairs also. Planned guillotine window for kitchen. Claudius Film Version all morning. In afternoon to Cala with Pepe to plan roof for boat house: bathed; a few stones brought up. Telegram from Harrison Smith about announcing Fool of Rome for November. Replied, agree. No letters To Margarita's with Laura (her Julie dress) & to approve Pepe's ancient sink for Posada. Gelat came: we decided to tell Pepe that no more work until water settled: to force masons, workmen carpenters etc to anger with Médico. Did so. In village, Emmerich's nephew-in-law & his silent friend. Blackberries turning: two nectarines, eaten by Laura. Slept with sheet only.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
113. Friday June 14th
- Title:
- Friday June 14th
- Description:
- Page from Robert Graves diary manuscript. The diary includes 1,546 pages with 117 enclosures: letters, clippings, photographs post cards, notes, games.
- Subject:
- Authors, English and Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Creator:
- Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1935-06-14
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page : 12 x 19.5 cm or smaller
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- The diary is written on quarto sheets, folded horizontally to form octavo booklets, one recto page devoted to each day.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Robert Graves Diary, 1935-1939
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- diaries
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 1969-003, Item: Gr-1-113
- Fonds Title:
- Robert Graves collection
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC050
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collection finding aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/robert-graves-collection and Robert Graves Diary project URL: http://graves.uvic.ca/diary_1935-06-14.html
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- Friday June 14th To Posada: nearly finished upstairs. Ordered lavabo window from Miguel, and sitting room window, and cupboard under sink from Francisco, measured for tiles. Entrada window frame in: middleroom being got ready for tiles. Old sink removed to make entrada-window ledge. Claudius Film Version five pp and retyped 2nd Marriage Ch. second time. Tamarisk & orange balls in flower. Planted marigold, zinnias, ageratum, & larkspur in front bed; from seedling bed. (See March 22nd) Tea at Viña. Laura at Modista (Francisca). Medora Madora gave me old linen waistcoat with pewter buttons. Proofs of Focus came. Visit with Gordon to Can Madó where Gelat is using the overflow pipe to fill deposito : to prevent médico's interdict if main stream used. To Francisco's to order bed painted & chair mended. After supper Gelat came. Will make out Piñets document tomorrow, pay Monday. Agreed form of document between Laura & him for possession of lands in his name. Decided on pump for Posada. We paid Gelat 2000 pes. on account for Posada etc.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
114. Saturday. June 15th
- Title:
- Saturday. June 15th
- Description:
- Page from Robert Graves diary manuscript. The diary includes 1,546 pages with 117 enclosures: letters, clippings, photographs post cards, notes, games.
- Subject:
- Graves, Robert, 1895-1985 and Authors, English
- Creator:
- Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1935-06-15
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page : 12 x 19.5 cm or smaller
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- The diary is written on quarto sheets, folded horizontally to form octavo booklets, one recto page devoted to each day.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Robert Graves Diary, 1935-1939
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- diaries
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 1969-003, Item: Gr-1-114
- Fonds Title:
- Robert Graves collection
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC050
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collection finding aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/robert-graves-collection and Robert Graves Diary project URL: http://graves.uvic.ca/diary_1935-06-15.html
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- Saturday. June 15th Posada: cementing window frame in entrada and walls, putting window frame in lavabo room, roofing, grouting out kitchen sink place: old sink has made good window frame. Translated Excidium Troiae into English for Laura's notes on Troy (8pp) Checked proofs of Focus . Cool weather, hot sun. To sea: lugged up 1/2 a basket of stones. Then planted michaelmas daisies, spiky plants & balsomia with Sebastian. Letter from Eddie Marsh sending poems by Christopher Hassall. Worked out games for party: 8 o'clock Can Torrent - Carl & Mary. Hors D'oeuvres: as much as one wanted: beer. Fruit salad. Dancing (Laura gave me instructions) Tasting mixed drinks: I won, on points. Prize a bottle of wine. Cards 7 1/2: Laura won, I next. Prize 2nd miniature palo . Miniature drama worked out as we went. Robert solicitor, Karl employé, Honor niece, Mary s's wife. Gordon young writer, Laura rich widow. Love entanglements and money stolen was the plot. Then circular letters, each to one for each by everyone else. Glowworms
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
115. Sunday. June 16th
- Title:
- Sunday. June 16th
- Description:
- Page from Robert Graves diary manuscript. The diary includes 1,546 pages with 117 enclosures: letters, clippings, photographs post cards, notes, games.
- Subject:
- Authors, English and Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Creator:
- Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1935-06-16
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page : 12 x 19.5 cm or smaller
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- The diary is written on quarto sheets, folded horizontally to form octavo booklets, one recto page devoted to each day.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Robert Graves Diary, 1935-1939
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- diaries
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 1969-003, Item: Gr-1-115
- Fonds Title:
- Robert Graves collection
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC050
- Is_referenced_by:
- Robert Graves Diary project URL: http://graves.uvic.ca/diary_1935-06-16.html and Special Collection finding aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/robert-graves-collection
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- Sunday. June 16th Claudius Film Version Various business letters. ( Eddie Marsh also) Sea: brought up stones (little boys brought me specimens) Tired after last night. Village, then checking James Reeves poems. Incident at Can Torrent with Carl, but smoothed over. Worked late, finishing checking James Reeves poems. Final arrangement with Michael Roberts about poems. Apparently Gordon hasn't made up his mind & the chances are he will not come through. We offered Posada to Honor rent free for a year. Gelat told us definitely that there would be the Viña furniture free for Posada.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
116. Monday June 17th
- Title:
- Monday June 17th
- Description:
- Page from Robert Graves diary manuscript. The diary includes 1,546 pages with 117 enclosures: letters, clippings, photographs post cards, notes, games.
- Subject:
- Graves, Robert, 1895-1985 and Authors, English
- Creator:
- Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1935-06-17
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page : 12 x 19.5 cm or smaller
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- The diary is written on quarto sheets, folded horizontally to form octavo booklets, one recto page devoted to each day.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Robert Graves Diary, 1935-1939
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- diaries
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 1969-003, Item: Gr-1-116
- Fonds Title:
- Robert Graves collection
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC050
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collection finding aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/robert-graves-collection and Robert Graves Diary project URL: http://graves.uvic.ca/diary_1935-06-17.html
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- Monday June 17th To Palma 8.30. Laura , Karl, me, Honor, Gordon, Mary & Julian. Laura paid Gelat Piñets money and extra 3000 [pts]. To Casas bought bureau 75 pesetas, two aufabis , 35 [pts.] the two, two 2- oz. weights, (gifts) cigarette-box. 2 pesetas. Julian in basket, fretful; Laura bought backing for my pewter button waistcoat, I bought late 18th century basin (like Teruel stuff but Mallorquin) stag on blue green field, for Can Torrent and( 14 pesetas) & small brown plate for 1 peseta. Checked remainder of Focus proofs, sitting in Bar Ritz. Laura gave Gelat power of attorney for her here in Mallorca. Was going to see Joselito film, but misinformed as to when it would start. Saw a bad French film only; then had to go back on account of Julian.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
117. Tuesday June 18th
- Title:
- Tuesday June 18th
- Description:
- Page from Robert Graves diary manuscript. The diary includes 1,546 pages with 117 enclosures: letters, clippings, photographs post cards, notes, games.
- Subject:
- Graves, Robert, 1895-1985 and Authors, English
- Creator:
- Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1935-06-18
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page : 12 x 19.5 cm or smaller
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- The diary is written on quarto sheets, folded horizontally to form octavo booklets, one recto page devoted to each day.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Robert Graves Diary, 1935-1939
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- diaries
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 1969-003, Item: Gr-1-117
- Fonds Title:
- Robert Graves collection
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC050
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collection finding aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/robert-graves-collection and Robert Graves Diary project URL: http://graves.uvic.ca/diary_1935-06-18.html
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- Tuesday June 18th Letter to Liverpool Daily Post re Italy & returning to poetry. (Published) To Posada (& two carpenters) brought stones there. Entrada being plastered. Work begun on little sitting room. Laura doesn't want Gordon to go to Posada, if he's going to leave Honor. Checked Karl's trans. of Schwarz's aphorisms. Claudius Film Version gave to Karl to type. Sea: stones: brought up. Village: letter from Liddell Hart, confirming my guess that T.E. Lawrence had not been single-minded about his book, or mine. With Honor, Carl, Mary to Can Madó while Laura talked to Gordon. Definite separation between him & Honor: & will go before Honor enters Posada. Talk with Pepe. Deyá for a long time had 999 inhabitants, so as not to pay higher taxes as a 1000 township. Alice brought her kittens home.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
118. Wednesday. June 19th
- Title:
- Wednesday. June 19th
- Description:
- Page from Robert Graves diary manuscript. The diary includes 1,546 pages with 117 enclosures: letters, clippings, photographs post cards, notes, games.
- Subject:
- Authors, English and Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Creator:
- Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1935-06-19
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page : 12 x 19.5 cm or smaller
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- The diary is written on quarto sheets, folded horizontally to form octavo booklets, one recto page devoted to each day.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Robert Graves Diary, 1935-1939
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- diaries
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 1969-003, Item: Gr-1-118
- Fonds Title:
- Robert Graves collection
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC050
- Is_referenced_by:
- Robert Graves Diary project URL: http://graves.uvic.ca/diary_1935-06-19.html and Special Collection finding aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/robert-graves-collection
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- Wednesday. June 19th To Posada with Laura (& Schwarz). Will not be ready till first week in July, though 7 or 8 men working there. Armario broken open again (of priests stealing). Decided about bathroom, bath & lavabo etc, pipes, etc. Wrote long letter to Liddell Hart, explaining and agreeing, comparing T.E. Lawrence & J.C. Plutarcheanly. Mended plate with plaster & stain. Scabious beginning.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
119. Thursday June 20th
- Title:
- Thursday June 20th
- Description:
- Page from Robert Graves diary manuscript. The diary includes 1,546 pages with 117 enclosures: letters, clippings, photographs post cards, notes, games.
- Subject:
- Graves, Robert, 1895-1985 and Authors, English
- Creator:
- Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1935-06-20
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page : 12 x 19.5 cm or smaller
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- The diary is written on quarto sheets, folded horizontally to form octavo booklets, one recto page devoted to each day.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Robert Graves Diary, 1935-1939
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- diaries
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 1969-003, Item: Gr-1-119
- Fonds Title:
- Robert Graves collection
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC050
- Is_referenced_by:
- Robert Graves Diary project URL: http://graves.uvic.ca/diary_1935-06-20.html and Special Collection finding aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/robert-graves-collection
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- Thursday June 20th Fiesta: Corpus. Wrote two drafts of poem: Lines to Myself . Then read Molly & Gordon's lives. To sea: more stones. Swam round point and played at Jesus & St. Peter with Honor & Gordon. All afternoon read Molly's & Gordon's lives. Supper at fonda . Eskimo Nell read & presented to Mary. Gelat says that work on Concordia is to begin next week: there is a sociedad of the young men who are renting the place, 200 p[ts.] a year, with Juan as partner, & a profit sharing scheme. We shall present a clock & probably also pay for the tiles. He definitely bought the Piñets today.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
120. Friday June 21st
- Title:
- Friday June 21st
- Description:
- Page from Robert Graves diary manuscript. The diary includes 1,546 pages with 117 enclosures: letters, clippings, photographs post cards, notes, games.
- Subject:
- Authors, English and Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Creator:
- Graves, Robert, 1895-1985
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1935-06-21
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page : 12 x 19.5 cm or smaller
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- The diary is written on quarto sheets, folded horizontally to form octavo booklets, one recto page devoted to each day.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Robert Graves Diary, 1935-1939
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- diaries
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 1969-003, Item: Gr-1-120
- Fonds Title:
- Robert Graves collection
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC050
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collection finding aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/robert-graves-collection and Robert Graves Diary project URL: http://graves.uvic.ca/diary_1935-06-21.html
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- Friday June 21st Went to Soller with Gelat: bought him a dressing gown for San Juan , and Juan a wrist watch (50p[ts]). Also a weathered San Juan from the baker's (5 pes) and an oil painting picture of three rabbits by a Soller primitive (chocolate maker by trade): we gave him 60 pesetas: it was the first he had ever permitted himself to sell – mostly they were scriptural copies. Name, Pastor. Two more drafts of Lines to Myself , and reading Gordon's life: which was such a give-away that it made one ashamed. Posada: replastering going on in entrada , nearly done. Window in sitting-room in and plastered. Comidor Comedor ready for plastering and kitchen window has shutters fixed. Strenge gave Laura open work gloves. Up very late (third night running) reading Gordon & Molly. At the end Laura wrote Gordon a frank letter about it. Photographs came, some very good.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.