Hyman Levy Collection

The Hyman Levy Collection contains the professional and personal papers of Hyman Levy (1889-1975), a Scottish-Jewish mathematician, philosopher, political thinker, and public figure active in Britain from the early to late 20th century. This collection contains twenty-one boxes of materials primarily of focus is Levy’s work as a mathematics professor and researcher, his interest and lecturing on the history of science, and his political thinking and affiliation with the British Communist Party.

Series 1. Correspondence, 1922-1968 and undated, includes some 650 personal letters betwixt Levy and others, including letters to prominent authors such as H.G. Wells, Aldous Huxley, Sidney and Beatrice Webb, and Max Born.

Series 2. Lectures and Speeches, 1927-1966 and undated, reflects much of Levy’s lecture materials on mathematics and the history of science. The papers show the active life of a university professor and include meeting notes, lecture preparations, some exams, and a few related academic publications.

Series 3. Written Work by Levy, 1912-1959 and undated, reflects both the academic and personal writings of Levy. Along with mathematical computations and professional consulting work, several literary writings are also included, such as an uncompleted (potentially autobiographical) novel, poetry, and an unfinished script.

Series 4. Written Work and Published Materials by Others, 1894-1968 and undated, captures many academic writings, consulting notes, and newspaper clippings of interest to Levy. Many of the works present relate to Levy’s interest in politics, the USSR, and the British Communist Party. Newspaper clippings trace Levy’s preference for, and eventual falling out with, the British Communist Party and the USSR. Much of the later papers are devoted to Jewish issues, Zionism, and the state of Israel.

Series 5. Miscellaneous, 1931-1969 and undated, contains personal papers about various activities from running a Socialist Book Club to enquiring about returns on investments from Levy’s accountant. The items provide further insight to Levy’s personal activities including trips to the USSR and USA.