THE H.V. MORTON SOCIETY
H.V. Morton (1892-1979) *
The H.V. Morton Society aims to promote interest in, and provide a means for the exchange of views and information on, the life and work of the travel writer and journalist H.V. Morton.
____________________
H.V. MORTON
In 1926 a young journalist named H.V. Morton took a light-hearted motor-car journey around England. Setting off from London in his bull-nosed Morris, which he named Maud, he quickly became enchanted with the romance of the open road. He then wrote In Search of England which described his journey and became the best-loved travel book of the 20th century.
This success inspired HVM to explore and write about every corner of Britain. It began what was destined to become a lifetime of travel. Over the next half century he journeyed to the Holy Land, following in the steps of Christ and St. Paul, and then South Africa, Italy and Spain fell under his spell.
What made H.V. Morton different from other travel writers were his wonderful gifts of poetical description, searching observation and sense of humour which are a timeless attraction for each new generation of readers.
____________________
Henry Canova Vollam Morton was born in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England, in 1892. He died in 1979 in Somerset West, South Africa, where he had established a home for his family after the Second World War.
In addition to hundreds of published essays and feature articles, H.V. Morton's body of work includes some 50 books which continue to be cherished by Morton fans throughout the world and remain an inspiration to the many travellers who follow in his footsteps each year.
* Photograph from Herschel Brickell's biographical pamphlet entitled H.V. Morton (Dodd Mead, New York, c1938)
____________________
MEMBERSHIP OF THE H.V. MORTON SOCIETY
The Society operates informally. It consists of a small band of 'Mortonites' who are widely separated geographically but who have a common interest in collecting and reading the works of HVM and in researching his life.
If you would like to join this small group, if you would like to be put in touch with other 'Mortonites' world-wide, and if you would you like to be informed on news concerning H.V. Morton from time to time, then please register with Peter Devenish at -
peter.devenish@optusnet.com.au
When you register, please let Peter know which town/city and country you are from.
There is no cost involved.
____________________
HVM NEWS
Biographies
Kenneth Fields of Lancashire, England, has self-published a short biography entitled 'H.V. Morton - The Life of an Enchanted Traveller'. It is a paperback booklet of A5 size with 48 pages. The booklet, priced at GBP2.50 plus postage, is available directly from Kenneth. He can be contacted at - Kenneth.Fields@tesco.net
Michael Bartholomew's biography entitled 'In Search of H.V. Morton' was published by Methuen Publishing, London, in April 2004. A paperback version of the book has since been published.
____________________
Plaque of Honour
At Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, on 21 May 2004, the Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council hosted a ceremony for the unveiling of a Blue Plaque in honour of H.V. Morton.
To see a photgraph of the plaque, click on the GALLERY button below.
____________________
News Contributions
If you have something of interest that you would like to share with other 'Mortonites' please contact Peter Devenish at - peter.devenish@optusnet.com.au
____________________
H.V. MORTON AS POET
Morton may be considered a poet as well as a travel writer. Mortonite Sheila Bell has turned his prose description of Fountains Abbey (The Call of England, Methuen, first edition 1928, p68) into poetic stanzas:
Now the lovely shell
Stands riddled with late sunlight
From every gaping window.
Only the birds sing vespers now.
The shadows lengthen. A bar of sunlight falls
Across the green altar of Fountains
And the space between the pillar of the nave
Grows darker.
It is difficult
To tear yourself away.
The stones are soaked in peace.
You walk through ruined cloisters,
In cold crypt-like cellars, grey Norman arches
And everywhere the same sad hush.
Where the rabbits play at the edge of the grass,
You turn,
And looking back at Fountains
See it grey,
Almost silver-grey,
Like an old saint kneeling in a meadow.
And you know in your heart
That no matter what came after,
A dream came true
There,
For a little while.
______________
THE WORKS OF H.V. MORTON
Listed below are the titles of the books and pamphlets written by H.V. Morton. He was a prolific writer and his body of work contains many hundreds of newspaper and magazine features and articles, the total of which may never fully be catalogued.
1. THE HEART OF LONDON
Forty-nine essays about life in London taken from the pages of the Daily Express. In 1940 this was combined with ‘The Spell of London’ and ‘The Nights of London’ into a single volume titled ‘H.V. Morton’s London’. First published: Methuen, London, 11 June 1925.
2. THE SPELL OF LONDON
Fifty-one essays about life in London taken from the pages of the Daily Express. In 1940 this was combined with ‘The Heart of London’ and ‘The Nights of London’ into a single volume titled ‘H.V. Morton’s London’. First published: Methuen, London, 11 February 1926.
3. LONDON (The Little Guides Series)
A pocket-guide to London which replaced a similar title written by George Clinch and published by Methuen in 1912. It was published in the USA in a larger format with the title ‘The London Scene’, and in 1937 it was revised and published in the UK with the title: ‘London – A Guide’. First published: Methuen, London, June 1926.
4. THE LONDON SCENE
A larger format USA edition of the pocket-guide: ‘London’ (The Little Guides Series). First published: McBride, New York, 1926.
5. THE LONDON YEAR, A BOOK OF MANY MOODS
A series of essays describing the different social events that take place in London during each month of the year. In 1927 it was published in the USA with the title ‘When You Go To London’. In a revised edition in 1933 the UK title was changed to ‘A London Year’. First published: Methuen, London, 29 July 1926.
6. THE NIGHTS OF LONDON
Thirty-eight essays looking at London after dark, with one exception taken from the pages of the Daily Express. In 1940 this was combined with ‘The Heart of London’ and ‘The Spell of London’ into a single volume titled ‘H.V. Morton’s London’. First published: Methuen, London, 11 November 1926.
7. WHEN YOU GO TO LONDON
A USA edition of ‘The London Year, A Book of Many Moods’, with a new introductory section titled “Before You Go To London”. First published: McBride, New York, 1927.
8. MAY FAIR – HOW THE SITE OF A LOW CARNIVAL BECAME THE HEART OF FASHIONABLE LONDON
A history of Mayfair, illustrated with 20 colour prints, commissioned by the Gordon Hotels Ltd to celebrate the building of the Mayfair Hotel. (With a section written by Clifford Whitely). First published (for Gordon Hotels Ltd, in paper wrappers): Marshalsea Press, London, 1927.
9. IN SEARCH OF ENGLAND
The journal of a light-hearted motor-car journey through England, being the first of the classic ‘In Search of…’ series. The title was suggested by the Literary Editor of the Daily Express, Beverley Baxter, and first appeared in that newspaper as a series of articles during 1926. First published: Methuen, London, 2 June 1927.
10. THE LAND OF THE VIKINGS FROM THAMES TO HUMBER
A guide to the places of interest in the eastern counties of England, covering Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. This book was published under the auspices of the London and North-Eastern Railway (LNER). It was advertised in LNER publications around 1930 jointly with two books in a similar format written by Dell Leigh: ‘On the Line’, which describes various aspects of LNER operations; and ‘Cameos of Three Counties: From Humber to Tweed’, about places served by the LNER. First published: Richard Clay, Suffolk, 1928.
11. THE CALL OF ENGLAND
The journal of H.V. Morton’s second motor-car journey through England, being a companion volume to ‘In Search of England’. First published: Methuen, London, 7 June 1928.
12. IN SEARCH OF SCOTLAND
The second volume of H.V. Morton’s In Search of… series, which describes his motor-car journey around Scotland. It is based upon a series of features which he wrote originally for the Scottish Daily Express. First published: Methuen, London, 1 August 1929.
13. THE SOUL OF SCOTLAND
A pamphlet containing an extract from ‘In Search of Scotland’, which describes the National War Shrine in Edinburgh. First published: Methuen, London, 1930.
14. IN SEARCH OF IRELAND
The third volume of H.V. Morton’s ‘In Search of…’ series, which describes his motor-car journey around Ireland. It is based upon a series of articles which he wrote originally for the Daily Express. First published: Methuen, London, 4 December 1930.
15. IN SEARCH OF WALES
The fourth volume of H.V. Morton’s ‘In Search of…’ series, which describes his motor-car journey around Wales. It is based upon a series of articles which he wrote originally for the Daily Herald.
16. BLUE DAYS AT SEA, AND OTHER ESSAYS
Twenty-seven essays on three different topics: About Men, About Women and About Places. Some of these originally appeared in the Daily Express, the Sunday Express and the Daily Herald. First published: Methuen, London, 20 October 1932.
17. GLASTONBURY, THE JERUSALEM OF ENGLAND
A laced booklet (8 pages with paper covers) containing an extract from ‘In Search of England’, describing Glastonbury, together with William Blake’s “The Glastonbury Hymn.” Transcribed and ornately illuminated in colour by Walter J. Dexter. First published (paper covers): Methuen, London, 1933.
18. WHAT I SAW IN THE SLUMS
A pamphlet containing a series of articles first written for the Daily Herald, about life in the slum dwellings of English cities in the 1930’s. First published: Labour Party, London, 1933.
19. A LONDON YEAR
A revised edition of ‘The London Year, A Book of Many Moods’ which was first published in 1926.
First published: (as a 2nd revised edition of ‘The London Year’) Methuen, London, June 1933.
20. IN SCOTLAND AGAIN
The journal of H.V. Morton’s second motor-car journey through Scotland, being a companion volume to ‘In Search of Scotland’. One chapter is taken from an article which he wrote for the Daily Herald. First published: Methuen, London, 26 October 1933.
21. IN THE STEPS OF THE MASTER
The journal of H.V. Morton’s journey through the Holy Land, exploring the places associated with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Later published in 1944 in an abridged edition for the Services with the title ‘Travels in Palestine and Syria’, in a children’s edition in 1954 with the title ‘In the Steps of Jesus’ and in an abridged edition in 1979, with coloured photographs by Rene Burri, with the title ‘In Search of the Holy Land’. First published: Rich & Cowan, London, October 1934.
22. OUR FELLOW MEN
Thirty essays first published in the Daily Herald, looking at the working life of English men and women in the 1930’s.
First published: Methuen, London, 7 May 1936.
23. IN THE STEPS OF ST. PAUL
The journal of H.V. Morton’s journey through Syria, Palestine, Cyprus, Turkey, Macedonia, Greece, Rhodes, Malta and Italy. Following the path of St. Paul from his birthplace at Tarsus to the scene of his martyrdom at Rome. First published: Rich & Cowan, London, October 1936.
24. LONDON - A GUIDE
The title is given as ‘Guide to London’ on the cover and ‘London – A Guide’ on the title page. It is a revised edition, in a larger format, of ‘London’ (The Little Guides Series). First published: Methuen, London, 1937.
25. THROUGH LANDS OF THE BIBLE
The journal of H.V. Morton’s journey from the Euphrates to the Nile, exploring places associated with the early Christian church. First published: Methuen, London, 27 October 1938.
26. GHOSTS OF LONDON
Thirty essays looking at the ancient customs and ceremonies which still survive in London, together with a contemporary look at life during the first few months of the Second World War. First published: Methuen, London, 16 November 1939.
27. TRAVEL IN WAR TIME
A pamphlet looking at the rediscovery of the pleasures of cycling during the travel restrictions of the Second World War. First published: B.S.A. Cycles Ltd, Birmingham, c1940.
28. H.V. MORTON’S LONDON
A single volume edition of ‘The Heart of London’, ‘The Spell of London’, and ‘The Nights of London’, with a new introduction. First published: Methuen, London, 31 October 1940.
29. WOMEN OF THE BIBLE
Twenty-three essays about the lives and characters of famous women mentioned in the Bible. First published: Methuen, London, 21 November 1940.
30. MIDDLE EAST
Extracts from ‘In the Steps of the Master’, ‘In the Steps of St Paul’ and ‘Through Lands of the Bible’, together with impressions of Greece and Turkey. First published: Methuen, London, 5 June 1941.
31. I, JAMES BLUNT
A fictional account of what life in Britain would have been like if the Nazis had won the war. First published (in paper wrappers): Methuen, London, 1942.
32. I SAW TWO ENGLANDS
The record of a motor-car journey which gives a last glimpse of pre-war England and the first impressions of England at war. First published: Methuen, London, 15 October 1942.
33. ATLANTIC MEETING
A record of the historic meeting at sea of Winston Churchill and President Roosevelt in 1941, which resulted in the Atlantic Charter. First published: Methuen, London, 1 April 1943.
34. TRAVELS IN PALESTINE AND SYRIA
An abridged paperback edition for the Armed Services of ‘In the Steps of the Master’. First published: Methuen, London, September 1944.
35. IN SEARCH OF SOUTH AFRICA
The fifth volume of the ‘In Search of…’ series, which describes a journey through South Africa from Cape Town, through Cape Province into Natal, Zululand and the two northern provinces of the Free State and the Transvaal. First published: Methuen, London, 21 October 1948.
36. IN SEARCH OF LONDON
The sixth volume of the ‘In Search of…’ series, which explores the many faces of both historic and contemporary London. First published: Methuen, London, 24 May 1951.
37. IN THE STEPS OF JESUS
An abridged edition of ‘In the Steps of the Master’, specially written for young people. First published: Dodd Mead, New York, 1953.
38. A STRANGER IN SPAIN
The record of a motor-car journey, starting from Madrid and exploring all the regions of Spain. First published: Methuen, London, 3 February 1955.
39. A TRAVELLER IN ROME
An exploration of the eternal city, looking at its history, curiosities and contemporary life. First published: Methuen, London, 29 August 1957.
40. THIS IS ROME
A pilgrimage to Rome conducted by Bishop Fulton Sheen, written by H.V. Morton and photographed by Yousuf Karsh. First published: Hawthorn Books, New York, March 1960.
41. THIS IS THE HOLY LAND
A pilgrimage to the Holy Land conducted by Bishop Fulton Sheen, written by H.V. Morton and photographed by Yousuf Karsh. First published: Hawthorn Books, New York, January/February 1961.
42. A TRAVELLER IN ITALY
A journey through northern Italy, starting from Milan then exploring the four regions of Lombardy, Emilia, Venesia and Tuscany. First published: Methuen, London, 24 September 1964.
43. THE WATERS OF ROME
A description of the great fountains and aqueducts of Rome. It was published in the USA with the title ‘The Fountains of Rome’. First published: The Connoisseur & Michael Joseph, London, 1966.
44. THE FOUNTAINS OF ROME
A description of the great fountains and aqueducts of Rome. It was first published in the UK with the title ‘The Waters of Rome’. First published: Giniger/Macmillan, New York, 1966.
45. H.V. MORTON’S BRITAIN
This volume comprises extracts from ‘In Search of England’, ‘The Call of England’, ‘In Search of Scotland’, ‘In Search of Ireland’, ‘In Search of Wales’, ‘In Scotland Again’, ‘Ghosts of London’, ‘H.V. Morton’s London’ and ‘In Search of London’. First published: Giniger/Dodd Mead, New York, February 1969. First UK edition: Giniger/Methuen, London, October 1969.
46. A TRAVELLER IN SOUTHERN ITALY
A journey through southern Italy, starting from Rome, and then exploring the five regions of Abruzzi, Campania, Apulia, Basilicata and Calabria. First published: Methuen, London, May 1969.
47. H.V. MORTON’S ENGLAND
This volume comprises extracts from ‘In Search of England’, ‘The Call of England’ and ‘I Saw Two Englands’. First published: Eyre Methuen, London, 5 June 1975.
48. THE SPLENDOUR OF SCOTLAND
This volume comprises extracts from ‘In Search of Scotland’ and ‘In Scotland Again’. First published: Eyre Methuen, London, 11 November 1976.
49. THE MAGIC OF IRELAND
This volume comprises extracts from ‘In Search of Ireland’. First published: Eyre Methuen, London, 17 August 1978.
50. IN SEARCH OF THE HOLY LAND
This volume comprises extracts from ‘In the Steps of the Master’. First published: Eyre Methuen, London, April 1979.
____________________
For more information on HVM and his works, click on the LINKS button below.
To see some interesting pictures relating to HVM, click on the GALLERY button below.
____________________
This site is maintained by Peter Devenish of Perth, Western Australia, with special thanks to Kenneth Fields.
The site was last updated on 17 June 2009.
