Call Number:

C1458

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 0.2 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Donald L. Gordon Papers, Box and Folder Number; Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1929-1946 (inclusive)

Creator:

Gordon, Donald L. (Donald Leonard), 1902-1965

Form:

Correspondence -- 20th century and Newspaper columns -- New York (State) -- New York -- 20th century.

Abstract:

Consists of correspondence and columns related to Donald L. Gordon's role as editor of the American News of Books and contributor to the Saturday Evening Post.

A noted literary figure, Gordon was for 35 years the founder and editor-in-chief of American News of Books, published by the American News Co. in New York City. He was an intimate of many of the great authors of his time and was widely known for his "Literary Lowbrow" column that appeared in the Saturday Evening Post and, later, in the American Magazine. Gordon is credited with coining the word "whodunit," as it is universally applied to detective fiction.

The collection consists of two files: 1) a selection of Gordon's correspondence (1929-1946) relating to his role as editor of American News of Books, 2) undated typescript copies of 24 of his "The Literary Lowbrow" columns that appeared in the Saturday Evening Post. Correspondents include Bennet A. Cerf (Modern Library), Edward Weeks (Atlantic Monthly), Clem Yore, Irita Van Doren, and many people in the New York publishing world

Arranged by publication title.