News
The 2024 Hiltonian
The 2024 edition of The Hiltonian is now available. This edition examines one of Hilton’s earlier novels The Passionate Year and contrasts this story, set in a private school, to the more famous Goodbye Mr Chips. It also assesses another lesser known novel, the uniquely structured Contango (Ill Wind). The making and cultural significance of the iconic and ‘eternal’ film of Lost Horizon is explored. The extraordinary story of Hilton’s ‘second’ wife, arguably even more dramatic than that of Hilton himself is set out. Finally, what would Hilton have made of the current world? His lectures of 1939 and 1940, made to the modern Forum in Los Angeles, are updated for the 21st century,
To receive your copy of the 2024 Hiltonian, please contact Trevor Pound at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The 2026 Hiltonian
The 2026 edition of the Society's journal is scheduled for publication in the Autumn.
2026 Spring Meeting
The Spring meeting of the Society will take place at 12.00pm on Saturday 9th May 2026 in Walthamstow Village, London at the Nag's Head, 9 Orford Road, E17 9LP. Society Chairman, Richard Hughes will explore Hilton's novel The Meadows of the Moon, which was first punlished a hundred years ago this year. This in one of Hilton's lesser known, early novels and so Richard's talk should prove both informative and entertaining.
The intention is for the talk to be preceded by a pub lunch (attendees will be responsible for paying for their own food), with the talk planned to commence at around 2pm. So we have an idea of numbers it would be helpful if those planning to attend could let Trevor Pound know by emailing him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2026 Autumn Meeting
The annual meeting of the Society this year will take place at The Leys School in Cambridge at 2.00pm on the slightly later date of Saturday 17th October. Further details will be provided in due course but members are encouraged to note the date in their diaries.
Random Harvest
We understand that Warner Brothers in Hollywood are proposing to make a new film version of Random Harvest, something the society very much welcomes as a way of stimulating interest in James Hilton and introducing a new generation to his work.
The Perfect Plan
We draw readers attention to the fact that the above short story by Hilton is now included in the compilation "Murder at the Manor", which is published by The British Library as part of its attractive Crime Classics Series. This was a rare but accomplished venture by James Hilton into the world of crime fiction.
James Hilton Biography
We are disappointed to report that the long promised biography of James Hilton, which we had been advised had been completed by American scholar, Frederick Ott, has yet to be published. Given the time that has subsequently elapsed, we have to question if it will ever see the light of day. The absence of a biography on James Hilton's eventful life is of matter of great regret.
Prior 'Hiltonians' and Society Newsletters
We still have a few copies of the 2020 and 2022 editions of The Hiltonian, the Society’s biennial journal, available for purchase as well as previous copies of the Society's Newsletters. Anyone interested in obtaining back copies should contact Trevor Pound at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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