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Start Over Repository University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts Subject Authors, American -- 19th century

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Robert Montgomery Bird family correspondence, 1820-1991 (inclusive) 1830-1908 (bulk)

Extent:
0.4 linear feet (1 box)
Abstract:
This collection contains correspondence between Robert Montgomery Bird, his wife Mary E. Bird, their son Frederic Mayer Bird, and other family members. It provides accounts of daily life in New Castle, Delaware and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the 19th century.

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

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Robert Montgomery Bird papers, 1799-1946 (inclusive) 1822-1854 (bulk)

Extent:
31 boxes
Abstract:
Comprises personal, business, literary, and family papers. In addition to Bird's own papers, this collection includes papers of his wife Mary E. Bird, his son Frederic Mayer Bird, and his biographer Clement Edgar Foust. The earliest papers (1822) date from Bird's school days at Germantown Academy, and the very latest papers (1946) relate to C. Seymour Thompson's publication of Mary E. Bird's biography of her husband. Correspondents include men and women from Bird's career in medicine; his literary career; his theatrical career (including correspondence with Edwin Forrest, as well as the documentation regarding their legal battle over copyrights and profits); his political career; and his career in publishing and journalism.

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

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Joseph Martin du Colombier manuscript of "Napoleon Bonaparte, Martyr of St. Helena", 1840 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.2 linear feet (1 box)
Abstract:
This collection contains two manuscript drafts of Joseph Martin du Colombier's play, "Napoleon Bonaparte, Martyr of St. Helena," written in 1840. The first volume is a draft of the play written in English and the second volume is a draft of the play written in French. This play, possibly inspired by the return of Napoleon's body to France in 1840, describes the end of Napoleon's life during his exile in St. Helena.

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

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Walt Whitman collection, 1842-1957 (inclusive) 1867-1894 (bulk)

Extent:
4 boxes (plus one oversized item.)
Abstract:
Materials include correspondence to, from, and concerning Walt Whitman; financial records; writings by and about Whitman; and memorabilia, such as sketches, photographs, and portraits of Whitman, his family, his friends, and his homes.

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

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"Mortimer Myself, An Autobiography", 1866 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.1 linear feet (1 volume)
Abstract:
This unpublished manuscript, titled "Mortimer Myself, An Autobiography," is signed by Reverend James Munson Olmstead. It is unclear, however, if this is actually an autobiography of Olmstead or a fictional work of his creation. The identity of "Mortimer" remains unclear throughout the text. This work is dated 1866 and was a part of Reverend John Wright's library.

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

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Clara and Rudolf Kirk collection of William Dean Howells material, 1860-1963 (inclusive)

Extent:
2.8 linear feet (7 boxes)
Abstract:
The Clara and Rudolf Kirk collection of William Dean Howells material consists of literary and visual materials by or about William Dean Howells, an American author, playwright, and literary critic. It was compiled by Clara and Rudolf Kirk, who were scholars studying Howells, circa 1940-1963. The collection includes essays and reviews written by or about Howells, correspondence and newspaper clippings by or regarding Howells, six scrapbooks about Howells' life and career, and other miscellaneous materials.

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

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Francis Howard Williams papers, 1880-1909 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.2 linear_foot (1 box and 1 oversized folder)
Abstract:
Francis Howard Williams (1844-1922) was a Philadelphia literary critic and author whose works were featured in publications such as The Atlantic Monthly, Harper's Weekly, Lippincott's Magazine, and The Independent. He was the known friend of several literary greats including Walt Whitman, Louisa May Alcott, and George W. Cable and was part of a large circle of contemporary poets, writers, editors, and publishers of the time period. The collection includes letters to Williams, writings, and ephemera.

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

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Edith Wharton and Clyde Fitch typescript of "The House of Mirth: A Play in Four Acts, circa 1906", circa 1906, undated (inclusive)

Extent:
0.2 linear_foot (1 box)
Abstract:
Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was an American novelist, best known for works that provided insightful representation of New York high society. In 1905, her novel, The House of Mirth, was published; and shortly thereafter, she worked with dramatist, Clyde Fitch (1865-1909), to develop a play adapted from the novel. The collection consists in the complete typescript of the play The House of Mirth, as well a photocopy made at a later date.

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

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Clyde Fitch typescripts and letters, circa 1890-1925 (inclusive)

Extent:
1 linear_foot (2 boxes)
Abstract:
William Clyde Fitch (better known as Clyde Fitch, 1865-1909) is considered one of the most successful American playwrights of his time, and the first to be produced abroad on a regular basis. This collection consists of typescripts of ten unpublished plays and four autograph letters written by Fitch.

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

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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]