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)
471. June 3 Wednesday.
- Title:
- June 3 Wednesday.
- 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:
- 1936-06-03
- 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-1-468
- 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_1936-06-03.html
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- June 3 Wednesday. Laura having finished 3 sections of Troy read it to me all morning. Then in afternoon worked on Drama for Epilogue (Alan Hodge). Heavy day. In the garden were working Bartolomé (de Francia), Sebastian Aquel Sebastian de Ses Pins. Sebastian Font Fresc. Amador, Gelat. Olive at Can Torrent pulled out: other sawn into logs and stone path mended. Read Davy Jones & took notes. Laura condemned the middle olive on the drive. Gave Madora 200 pesetas. for Magdalena's wedding present. She gave us cuttings of Allegria in Casa alegria en casa , a single crimson geranium & a roundleaved cactus. Planted papyrus & potted the M's things. Smart shower of rain in evening making watering unnecessary. Another version of To Disown the Records .
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
472. June 4 Thursday.
- Title:
- June 4 Thursday.
- 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:
- 1936-06-04
- 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-1-469
- Fonds Title:
- Robert Graves collection
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC050
- Is_referenced_by:
- Robert Graves Diary project URL: http://graves.uvic.ca/diary_1936-06-04.html and Special Collection finding aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/robert-graves-collection
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- June 4 Thursday. Olive tree in drive felled. Laura also condemned one by turn of drive. To Posada where Miguel has put on lavatory door, painted kitchen door, etc. Will finish tomorrow. Reading Greek dramatists for drama notes. Laura went to bed, early not feeling well. Got some different geranium cuttings from Fonda. Bartolomé nearly finished path through fruit-trees.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
473. June 5 Friday.
- Title:
- June 5 Friday.
- 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:
- 1936-06-05
- 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-1-470
- 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_1936-06-05.html
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- June 5 Friday. Went with Gelat for walk to Vinyet which was being ploughed by a white-faced mule with a red nose-band. Solomon thought this was blood & got very excited. 24 hour strike in Palma as protest against bombing of trades-union headquarters (nine injured). So no letters. Bartolome has finished path, is building seat beside it. Watered plants at the Posada, which have taken well. Rewrote first page of Antigua for the third or fourth time. Reading the Greek tragedians. Moved all the stores stoves to the casita : in hope of winter ending.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
474. June 6 Saturday
- Title:
- June 6 Saturday
- 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:
- 1936-06-06
- 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-1-471
- Fonds Title:
- Robert Graves collection
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC050
- Is_referenced_by:
- Robert Graves Diary project URL: http://graves.uvic.ca/diary_1936-06-06.html and Special Collection finding aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/robert-graves-collection
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- June 6 Saturday Bartolomé making a bench with stones from the Can Mado oven. News came at 11 of the death of his aunt by cancer (Francisco the carpenter's wife) so he knocked off. Went to Margarita for my new trousers: not started, of course. Miguel brought framed picture of Toledo: & round table to Posada. Wrote four pages for Laura about Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides. To L.H. in answer to his: explaining my feelings. Still cold weather, no need for mosquito netting yet. One pear tree has only just begun to leaf. Flowers put in a week ago have all taken well. Abelins are leaving Deyá. Had 'stosia' dream.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
475. Enclosure – Bullfight Ticket
- Title:
- Enclosure – Bullfight Ticket
- 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:
- 1936-06-07
- 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-1-472
- 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_1936-06-07_01_enc.html
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- Enclosure – Bullfight Ticket [No transcription available for this document.]
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
476. June 7 Sunday.
- Title:
- June 7 Sunday.
- 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:
- 1936-06-07
- 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-1-472
- Fonds Title:
- Robert Graves collection
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC050
- Is_referenced_by:
- Robert Graves Diary project URL: http://graves.uvic.ca/diary_1936-06-07.html and Special Collection finding aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/robert-graves-collection
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- June 7 Sunday. Incorporated 'stosia' dream in Antigua . To Palma for bull-fight at 11.30 It should have been Lalanda, Armillita, Ortega; but Lalanda had sprained his ankle in a bull fight in France, and Armillita is a Mexican and the Mexican bullfighting dispute is still unsettled, so we had Curro Caro and Pericas. Curro Caro was brave but nervous and the bulls were very large and to be nervous about. Pericas's first visit to Mallorca Palma (his native city) as a matador so he had stage fright and was knocked down by his first bull not gored and lost consciousness until after the fight. Ortega was better than ever and from our good seats (17 pesetas) we could see him close and hear him talking to the bull. Curro Caro threatened, Ortega commanded. “ Mira me, toro!” and when he had him in position told him to wait a moment while he killed him. Ortega got ears and tail for Perica's bull, no other awards, though there was a protest that C.C. didn't get something for his last bull, which he killed well, taking advantage of his tallness. We met in Palma the Tio's (Pedro & Catalina) Castañer & 4 nieces, and Barcelo's daughter and son-in-law. Lena's was awful. Francisca stayed in Palma, the maestro returned with us.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
477. June 8, Monday
- Title:
- June 8, Monday
- 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:
- 1936-06-08
- 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-1-473
- 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_1936-06-08.html
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- June 8, Monday Still making little checks in Antigua . Sent off O.S.S. to John & Lucie. Paid Estanco 450 pesetas. Wrote review of Davy Jones . Sebastian training the passion-flower under the earth and along the new hedge; Bartolomé finishing the garden bench by the torrent. Sent off review . To Posada where Miguel is working: ordered zinc-bottoms for Posada doors. Overcast day: slight rain: summer not yet. Going over Drama with Laura.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
478. June 9th Tuesday
- Title:
- June 9th Tuesday
- 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:
- 1936-06-09
- 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-1-474
- 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_1936-06-09.html
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- June 9th Tuesday Hot day. Wrote a note on Eliot for Drama notes. Bartolomé finished the bench with a design on the back worked out by all 3 of us. Fuller sent Antigua (all but 2nd Trial chapter) – Incorporated all the changes I had made in first copy. Rose Arbour posts put up. Gelat told of last minute attempt to settle the water plea: everyone anxious to settle except Boy. He persists and threatens Señor of Pedrissa: says he's been promised £ 5000 pesetas. and assured that he'll win. Krasnik dog very ill: underfeeding? The alfalfa flowering. Put up Laura's mosquito net. Incorporated Fuller's corrections: now only Laura to go through Antigua . Wrote to A.G.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
479. June 10th Wednesday.
- Title:
- June 10th Wednesday.
- 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:
- 1936-06-10
- 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-1-475
- 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_1936-06-10.html
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- June 10th Wednesday. To Posada early. Kitchen window opening-apparatus fixed, knobs on kitchen door, water-shed on front door, escritoire éscritoire mended, towel-racks fixed. One zinc panel still be be fixed on front door. First load of Can Mado sand fetched for paths, and more cartloads of stone. Rowed Miguel for creosote mess on floors. Gummed down torn edges of press-patchwork-cover. Books to attic: put up my own mosquito net. Checked Greek Dramatists note. Gave Antigua to Laura to read, after a final insertion about the oxidisation of stamps. Laura Karl & I went to Can Mado on visit of inspection. Casita nearly destroyed. First dahlia.
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.
480. June 11 Thursday Corpus
- Title:
- June 11 Thursday Corpus
- 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:
- 1936-06-11
- 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-1-476
- Fonds Title:
- Robert Graves collection
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC050
- Is_referenced_by:
- Robert Graves Diary project URL: http://graves.uvic.ca/diary_1936-06-11.html and Special Collection finding aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/robert-graves-collection
- Date Digitized:
- 2002-07-19
- Transcript:
- June 11 Thursday Corpus Spent whole morning in garden potting cuttings of white, and mauve-papery, carnations and various things Strenge sent us (she took carnation cuttings from us yesterday & two Cardoons) – mixing various earths & juggling about the pots, making room. About 20 pots. Smith came: gave instructions for the ancient iron balustrade between Canellun & Can Torrent and he and Gelat worked out how the front door balustrade should go. The 'Proxies' (Macdonalds) are going, leaving a broken contract behind them: only paid 80 pesetas. and baker spent 4000 pesetas on house. Letter to Fuller. To J.B.Allen ordering first decent suit for 7 years. Planted the 'solanum'(alias Virgin's tears) by the torrent. Did all the watering, it being a fiesta . Gelat worked out ice-chest with us. Tonight for the first time at cards each of us made a tailor. Laura and I worked out a scheme for my share in Poetry & Politics .
- Technical Note:
- 300 dpi TIFF. Migration metadata by MT.