Philadelphia Area Archives

Start Over Repository University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts Record Source University of Pennsylvania Subject Authors, American -- 20th century Subject Publishers and publishing

Harold Dies papers relating to the Dreiser Trust, 1903-2013 (inclusive) 1955-2012 (bulk)

Extent:: 9 linear feet (9 boxes)
Abstract:: Harold Dies (1914-2012) was a trustee of the Dreiser Trust from its establishment following Helen Dreiser's death in 1955 to his own death in 2012. The Dreiser Trust managed the income and approved contracts for sale of Theodore Dreiser's published works. This collection documents Harold Dies' work with the Dreiser trust and includes financial information; agreements, copyright, correspondence, and royalty statements relating to the works of Helen Dreiser, Theodore Dreiser (bulk), and Paul Dresser; correspondence relating to the Trust and the estates of family members; legal and court records relating to estates of family members; some personal material of Harold Dies and members of the Dreiser family (including Gertrude A. Hopkins Dorn (niece of Theodore Dreiser), Helen Dreiser, Theodore Dreiser, Vera Dreiser, and Paul Dresser (brother of Theodore Dreiser)); and publications using Dreiser material or Dreiser-inspired content.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

James Conway collection relating to James T. Farrell and William Targ, 1935-2009 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.2 linear_foot (1 box)
Abstract:: The collection consists of correspondence between author, James T. Farrell, and World Publishing Company editor-in-chief, William Targ, of Chicago, Illinois. Also included is correspondence between the author and various editors, working files and publisher materials, and newspaper clippings and other publicity materials relating to James T. Farrell and his legacy.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

James T. Farrell papers, 1916-1983 (inclusive)

Extent:: 800 linear feet
Abstract:: Born to a working class family in Chicago, James T. Farrell (1904-1979) rose quickly to be a leading figure for 20th century naturalism in American literature. An exceptionally prolific writer, Farrell published works spanning over five decades; however, his critics expressed that his output led to poor craftsmanship and editorial discretion throughout his later works. In addition to his professional works, Farrell produced a seemingly inexhaustible amount of correspondence, diaries, articles, and musings which covered a wide range of topics from politics to baseball. The currently available portion of this collection consists of over one hundred linear feet of personal and professional correspondence. Having kept many copies of his own drafts and letters as well, the correspondence provides a nearly complete view into Farrell's conversations with publishers, politicians, family, fans and critics. Perhaps most importantly, this collection represents Farrell's legacy — an...(see more)

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Victor Bockris papers, 1970-1973 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.8 linear feet (2 boxes)
Abstract:: Victor Bockris (born in 1949) is a poet, editor, and biographer of artists, authors, and musicians. The Victor Bockris papers document the activities of a community of avant-garde poets and artists of the early 1970s, mainly active in Philadelphia and New York City.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Edward William Bok correspondence, 1881-1913 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.2 linear feet (1 box)
Abstract:: Edward William Bok was a publisher who came to the United States from the Netherlands with his parents at the age of six. This collection contains correspondence to Bok from various writers and actors spanning the years 1881 to 1913.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

James T. Farrell collection, 1964-1965 (inclusive)

Extent:: .2 linear feet (1 box)
Abstract:: Born to a working class Irish-Catholic family in Chicago, James T. Farrell (1904-1979) rose quickly to be a leading figure for 20th century naturalism in American literature. An exceptionally prolific writer, Farrell published works spanning over five decades; however, his critics expressed that his output led to poor craftsmanship and editorial discretion throughout his later works. In addition to his professional works, Farrell produced a seemingly inexhaustible amount of correspondence, diaries, articles, and musings which covered a wide range of topics from politics to baseball. This collection contains material purchased to supplement the James T. Farrell papers (Ms. Coll. 886). It contains manuscripts and correspondence related to Farrell's writings for a column entitled "The World is To Day" for the periodical Park East.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

William C. Lengel papers, 1888-1965 (inclusive) 1910-1965 (bulk)

Extent:: 13.5 linear feet (14 boxes)
Abstract:: This collection documents William C. Lengel's (1888-1965) career as an author, literary agent, and editor. It offers many insights into the literary world and publishing industry of the mid-twentieth century. The collection also contains many examples of Lengel's own writing, fiction and non-fiction. The William C. Lengel papers contains a substantial amount of material about author Theodore Dreiser, due to the fact that Lengel was a friend and literary agent to Dreiser. Most of the Dreiser material is related to their professional relationship, and includes typescripts, annotated drafts, and correspondence concerned with editorial and publishing matters.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]