Call Number:

12H.Cheney

Repository:

Bryn Mawr College

Extent:

4 boxes

Language:

English

Date:

circa 1960s-1970s (bulk)

Abstract:

Emily Cheney Neville (BMC 1940) was an award-winning author of primarily children's books, columnist, and lawyer. Her collection spans from circa 1960s-1970s and is made up of drafts and versions of four of Neville's novels.

Emily Neville (nee Cheney) was born in 1920 in Manchester, Connecticut. She attended Bryn Mawr College, graduating in 1940. After graduation, she became the first copy girl at the New York Daily News. Soon after, she became a columnist for the New York Daily Mirror.

Neville began wrting fiction in 1961. Her 1963 book, "It's Like This, Cat" won the American Library Association Newbery Medal and the Jane Addams award for significant children's books. In 1964, her book "Berries Goodman" was named a notable children's book by the ALA. She also published the autobiography "Traveler from a Small Kingdom" and the novels "Garden of Broken Glass" and "The China Year."

In 1977, Neville earned her law degree, practicing until her death in 1997.

Bibliographic note: http://articles.courant.com/1997-12-16/news/9712160233_1_newbery-medal-manchester-novel

The Emily Cheney Neville papers consists of the papers of Emily Neville (Bryn Mawr class of 1940), Feature Writer for the New York Mirror, and author of several books. The collection spans from circa 1960s-1970s and is made up of drafts and versions of four of Neville's novels.

The collection is divided into four boxes, each of which contains a mixture of manuscripts, drafts, and typescripts.

Box 1 contains versions of Berries Goodman, The 17th Street Gang, and Fogarty (early working titles Local Boy Makes Good and Gumshoe). Box 2 contains versions of Garden of Broken Glass (early working title—Four). Box 3 contains more versions of Garden of Broken Glass, as well as reviews and a critique of the book. Book 4 contains versions of The China Year.

Emily Neville was an award-winning author. Her first novel, "It's Like This, Cat" won the Jane Addams Award for significant children's books and the American Library Association's Newbery Medal. "Berries Goodman" was chosen as a notable children's book by the ALA. This collection provides insight into Neville's writing process and would be of use to those interested in her work.