How to define grey literature? The implication of letters

Anthony Haynes writes: This episode is the third of our series on the relationship between letters and grey literature. 

In the first, we made the case, using the case of the correspondence of communications theorist I.A. Richards, for considering letters as a form of grey literature. In the second, using the case of correspondence between George Lyttleton and Rupert Hart-Davis, we explore the idea of letters as an antecedent of podcasts.

Now we consider what implications the idea of counting letters as a genre of grey literature has for the way we define grey literature.

We discuss various definitions of #greylit, notably those related to publishers, genres, and distribution channels. We argue that such definitions are problematic and that consideration of letters helps to highlight several faultlines.

Overall, the most established definitions of grey literature need overhauling.

Further listening

If you enjoyed listening to this episode, you might particularly enjoy the following:

• But what about letters: their scholarly use as grey literature
• Where do podcasts come from?
• Why we need to talk about silver literature

Credits

• Sound production: Bart Hallmark
• Music: from Handel's Water Music, courtesy of the United States Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra