Welcome to the James Hilton Society

The aims of the Society are to promote interest in the life and works of novelist and scriptwriter James Hilton (1900 - 1954)

Author James HiltonThe aims of the Society are to promote interest in the life and work of novelist and scriptwriter James Hilton (1900 - 1954).  The Society plans to issue two or three Newsletters each year and to hold an Annual Conference, with the intention of re-stimulating interest in his work.  The goal of the Society is that through ongoing publicity Hilton's extensive range of novels will once more be made freely available and back in print; and that the numerous films with which he was connected will be the subject of more critical analysis and be more regularly reissued.  It is also intended to compile a collection of his writings which could be of use to scholars.  Another project is to encourage research into the myths and legends surrounding his most esoteric novel, Lost Horizon, in which Hilton created the earthly paradise of Shangri-La.

The inaugural meeting of the Society was held in Cambridge in September 2000 to mark the centenary of Hilton's birth.  Future meetings will be held in London or Cambridge, and in addition to gatherings to discuss Hilton's novels and films it is hoped to arrange occasional excursions to places of interest associated with Hilton.  Many of our members are keen book collectors and a popular feature of our meetings is the buying and selling of copies of Hilton's books.

If you would like to join the James Hilton Society then please complete the application form click here

Alternatively, if you wish to find out more about the world of James Hilton or receive further information about the Society, please contact us

 

Dates for the diary 2011:

Dates for 2011:

The Society will be be holding a meeting in Newcastle on Thursday 7 April at 6pm to discuss the novels Random Harvest, Good-Bye, Mr Chips and Lost Horizon.  The meeting will be held at the Lit and Phil Society, 23 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne.  Further details are available from Keith Minton on 01661 835 330 (email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

The Spring meeting of the society will be held at the Vestry House Museum in Walthamstow on Saturday May 7th at 2,30pm when the theme will be the novel Random Harvest.

The society is considering holding a lunch at Christ's College Cambridge (James Hilton's old college) on  Saturday September 17th to coincide with the annual meeting at the Leys School.  The likely cost would be around £30.  It would be helpful to gauge potential interest and we would ask those members interested in attending to contact the secretary or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it accordingly.

 

Dates for the diary 2012:

Dates for 2012:

The Spring Meeting of the James Hilton Society will be held on Saturday 12th May at 2.30pm at the Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road , Walthamstow. London.  The topic for discussion will be the 1945 novel "So Well Remembered" and the 1947 film of the novel, starring John Mills, Trevor Howard, Patricia Roc and Martha Scott - it is planned to show extracts from this rare film. 

The AGM of the Society will take place on Saturday 15 September at 2.30pm at the Leys school, Cambridge, CB2 7AD, the school Hilton himself attended.  The theme of the meeting will be "Mrs Miniver" - both the book and and the film.  The famous film of 1942 was loosely based on the book of the same name by writer and poet, Jan Struther.  Ysenda Maxtone Graham, Jan Struthers grandaughter, who has written a biography of the author, has agreed to talk about Mrs Miniver.        

 

 
Works by James Hilton
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