• by Philip Wilde, Information and Research, Central Library

Born in Adel, Leeds, Eric Rucker Eddison (1882-1945) became a leading civil servant and a writer of fantasy novels, most notably The Worm Ouroboros and The Zimiamvian Trilogy. A lifelong friend of another local author, Arthur Ransome, Eddison was described by J. R. R. Tolkien as “the greatest and most convincing writer of ‘invented worlds’ that I have read” (Tolkien lived and worked in Leeds during the 1920s, but did not meet Eddison until the 1940s).

In the 1960s Eddison’s wife, Winifred, bequeathed many of his original manuscripts and notes to the Leeds Central Library. To view the collection, please visit the Local and Family History department on the 2nd Floor of the Central Library. Two forms of ID (one with your name and another with your address) and at least 24-hours notice will be required to view items from the Treasures or Collections. Please call 0113 378 6982 for further details and to book an appointment.