Main content

H. A. Pilsbry papers, 1900-1953 (bulk) 1885-1957 (inclusive)

Extent:

6.75 linear feet (8 containers)

Abstract:

Henry Augustus Pilsbry, Dean of American Malacologists, was the conservator, curator and head of the Department of Shells at the Academy of Natural Sciences for 70 years. He was also the internationally recognized authority in the field of land mollusks. He wrote and edited many volumes of the Manual of Conchology and from 1889 until his death was an editor of the journal Nautilus, which he founded. A member of many scientific expeditions, he traveled all over the United States, to the Caribbean, South America, Mexico, Hawaii and other Pacific Islands, and to Australia. This collection contains the professional papers of Henry A. Pilsbry between the years 1885 and 1957. The bulk of this collection consists of Pilsbry’s working files and drafts of published material that came from those files, including a draft of the second volume of Land Mollusks of North America. Pilsbry’s correspondence is by far the most valuable part of this...(see more)

Held at: Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Main content

John Dickinson papers, 1753-1808 (bulk) 1676-1885 (inclusive)

Extent:

5.2 linear feet and 13 containers, 5 volumes

Abstract:

John Dickinson (1732-1808), a Philadelphia lawyer and politician, was a major figure in colonial Delaware and Pennsylvania governments and during the early national period. He was an active presence and prolific writer during the American Revolution and early Republic from the passage of the Sugar Act (1764) until the Jefferson presidency (1801 to 1809). He also served in the military as colonel, private, and brigadier general. He married Mary Norris in 1770. John Dickinson died in Delaware in 1808. The John Dickinson papers contains incoming and outgoing correspondence; drafts and original manuscript documents from the revolutionary and early national government, Revolutionary War, Delaware and Pennsylvania government; land papers; legal papers; bills and receipts; collected essays, notes and commonplace books; and estate material. The papers provide a clear picture of the way in which colonists envisioned their new country and how these new Americans worked, compromised and...(see more)

Held at: Library Company of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Main content

Constantine Samuel Rafinesque papers, 1818-1977 (inclusive)

Extent:

5.0 linear inches

Abstract:

Constantine Samuel Rafinesque (1783-1840) was a naturalist who is best known for his contributions to scientific classification and nomenclature and giving Latin names to approximately 6,700 plants. While in the United States, he toured west of the Alleghenies and made important botanical discoveries in Kentucky and Illinois. This collection dates from 1818 to 1977 and consists of copies of Rafinesque's professional letters, family material, and research by F. W. Pennell regarding Rafinesque. The majority of the collection is composed of biographical letters and rough drafts made by Pennell.

Held at: Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Main content

Lloyd Alexander papers, 1941-1995 (inclusive)

Extent:

24.8 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection contains the literary papers of author Lloyd Alexander, dating from 1941-1995. Drafts, proofs, and planning notes for Alexander's writings, together with correspondence relating to his books, make up the bulk of the collection; other types of materials present include drawings, newspaper clippings, and advertisements. Titles represented include The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian, The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha, Westmark, the first five Vesper Holly adventures, and all of the Prydain chronicles.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Children's Literature Research Collection [Contact Us]

Main content

Barbara Baumgartner papers, 1989-1994 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.2 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection includes drafts, notes, and source material by the author, children’s librarian, and professional storyteller Barbara Baumgartner, for her book Crocodile! Crocodile! Stories Told Around the World (1994). The collection also includes correspondence between Baumgartner and her literary agent, and puppets used in the performance of one of the folktales.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Children's Literature Research Collection [Contact Us]

Main content

Marguerite de Angeli papers, 1935-1977 (bulk) 1914-1982 (inclusive)

Extent:

16.7 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection contains the papers of children’s book author and illustrator Marguerite de Angeli (1889-1987), with materials dating from 1914 to 1982 (bulk 1935-1977). Much of the collection consists of drafts and artwork for twenty-six of de Angeli’s children’s books. Also present are clippings, correspondence, dummies, proofs, and a scrapbook.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Children's Literature Research Collection [Contact Us]

Main content

Oliver Goldsmith papers, 1758-1798 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.11 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection is comprised of letters and other documents to and from Oliver Goldsmith. The first series has letters and documents from members in his literary circle as well as documents related to Oliver Goldsmith’s works. The second series is composed of contracts between Oliver Goldsmith and John Newbery.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

Main content

Carolyn Haywood papers, 1884-1991 (inclusive)

Extent:

42.0 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection contains the personal and literary papers of children's author and illustrator Carolyn Haywood. The collection consists of manuscripts, illustrations, proofs, sketchbooks, correspondence, clippings, audiovisual materials, photographs, scrapbooks, diplomas, and awards.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Children's Literature Research Collection [Contact Us]

Main content

Munro Leaf papers, 1918-1986 (inclusive)

Extent:

15.46 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection contains the literary papers of author and illustrator Munro Leaf (1905-1976), with materials dating from 1918 to 1986. Manuscript drafts and illustrations from fifty-eight titles are represented (including fourteen titles produced as part of his work for the US Army and the Foreign Service). In addition to graphite and pen and ink illustrations and manuscript drafts, the collection includes audiovisual materials, clippings, correspondence, dummies, ephemera, photographs, promotional materials, proofs, published volumes, and a scrapbook. Of particular note: the original manuscript for The Story of Ferdinand (1936) as well as a sizeable collection of materials related to the book and its many adaptations; both published and unpublished art and drafts for the Can Be Fun series; and a large quantity of materials related to Munro Leaf’s Watchbirds, serialized in Ladies Home Journal and published in six compilations.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

Main content

Free Library of Philadelphia Collection of Literary Manuscripts, 1666-1990 (inclusive)

Extent:

23.0 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection contains letters, manuscript fragments, autographs, and other documents by famous authors. The material dates from 1666 to 1990 with the bulk of the collection consisting of letters written by the authors to various friends with some letters to editors or critics.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]