David Irving maintained a substantial personal library and archive of historical documents, microfilms, and related materials. These holdings were crucial to his historical research and publications, and their management and preservation were a recurring concern documented in his diaries and correspondence. The location and accessibility of these materials shifted over time, reflecting both logistical considerations and Irving's own evolving priorities.
Irving's personal library and archives represented a significant resource for his historical work, particularly concerning World War II and related topics. He actively sought out rare documents and microfilms, and the organization and preservation of these materials were often delegated to others. The archives were sometimes made available to researchers, albeit under specific conditions.
* 2021: The family possessed private historical materials and occasionally allowed access to outsiders with a McCain family member present. Dr. Chester Morgan of the USM history department was suggested as a contact. ([Source: diary_2021]) * 2021: A correspondent noted receiving books from Irving, including "Battle" and "Hess: The Missing Years 1941-1945." ([Source: diary_2021]) * 2022: Irving authorized the transfer of historical papers and legal files from storage to a planned Swedish archive. Original microfilms (DI etc.) were to remain in his possession for future memoir writing. Copies of microfilms from US National Archives and Library of Congress were permitted to be transferred. An archivist was being used to scrutinize files. ([Source: diary_2022_jan_jun]) * 2022: Plans were underway to transfer the archive to a Swedish site, supervised by Lars-Erik Hansen. An index was requested. Discussions occurred regarding the order of digitalization and publication. ([Source: diary_2022_jan_jun]) * 2023: Irving was searching for a specific document related to Chapter 20 of his work, unsuccessfully checking the Library of Congress and other archives. ([Source: diary_2023]) * 2023: Irving expressed interest in Mussolini’s papers and inquired about their content. He was completing Volume III of Churchill's War. ([Source: diary_2023]) * 2023: A record of Hitler’s August 22, 1939, address, authored by Albrecht, had seemingly disappeared from records, raising questions about historical narratives. ([Source: diary_2023]) * 2023: Irving sought Russian researchers/archivists to locate reports and photos from Russian archives regarding U-relocations. ([Source: diary_2022_jan_jun]) * 2023: A historian expressed interest in working with Irving's archive and making it available for research. ([Source: diary_2023]) * 2023-2024: Austrian lawmakers amended laws regarding Nazi memorabilia and propaganda, extending jurisdiction to offenses committed abroad. ([Source: emails_2023_2024]) * 2023: Irving noted the mysterious disappearance of files related to Tyler Kent from his possession. ([Source: diary_2023])
Initially, the archives were managed within the family and occasionally accessible to researchers. By 2022, a plan was established to transfer a significant portion of the collection to a Swedish archive, with digitalization and publication as future goals. The loss of certain documents and the ongoing search for others highlight the challenges of maintaining and accessing such a vast collection.
* Lars-Erik Hansen * Churchill's War * Millennium Version * Tyler Kent * David Irving