Call Number:

C1461

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 0.2 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Kenneth Roberts Letters to Malcolm Johnson, Box and Folder Number; Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1936-1955 (inclusive)

Creator:

Roberts, Kenneth Lewis, 1885-1957.

Form:

Letters -- 20th century.

Abstract:

Consists primarily of letters by the American historical novelist Kenneth Roberts to his Doubleday editor, Malcolm Johnson.

Kenneth Roberts was a popular American historical novelist, whose subjects were the colonial period, the American Revolution, and the early years of the United States. His novels include Arundel (1929), Lydia Bailey (1947), Northwest Passage (1937), Oliver Wiswell (1940), and Rabble in Arms (1933).

The collection consists primarily of over 60 letters (1936-1955) by Roberts ("Ken") to his Doubleday editor, Malcolm Johnson, addressed mostly from Kennebunkport, Maine, but also from the Bahamas and Bermuda. Often of a warm and personal nature, many of these concern his current books and their progress. Many letters are accompanied by their original envelopes, and one late, long letter (1955) catches up on old times. Additional pieces include a postcard-sized photo of a painting of Mrs. Robert Rogers, with Roberts's identification and a note on the verso; a proof sheet of the title page of March to Quebec (1938) with his holograph correction; a corrected and annotated dust jacket for Arundel; two of his Christmas drinking song checklists; and miscellaneous notes, I.O.U.s, and clippings.

The letters are organized chronologically, with proofs and printed material at the end.