Call Number:

C1638

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

1 box

Language:

English

Date:

1972-1987 (inclusive)

Creator:

Beckett, Samuel, 1906-1989. and Targ, William, 1907-1999

Form:

Correspondence -- 20th century and Postcards.

Abstract:

Consists of 47 postcards from Irish author Samuel Beckett (1906-1989) to American book editor and publisher William Targ (1907-1999).

Samuel Barclay Beckett (1906–1989) was an Irish novelist, playwright, short story writer, theatre director, poet, and literary translator. A resident of Paris for most of his adult life, he wrote in both English and French.

American editor William Targ (1907-1999) was editor-in-chief at World Publishing Company, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and later publisher of Targ Editions. Targ was also a bookseller, collector (including a noted Beckett collector), and writer. After the death of his first wife, Anne Jesselson, in 1965, Targ married Roslyn Siegel, a literary agent, who represented Samuel Beckett, among others.

This collection consists of 47 postcards from Irish author Samuel Beckett (1906-1989) to American book editor and noted Beckett collector William Targ (1907-1999). Some of the correspondence is jointly addressed to Targ's wife, Roslyn Targ (1925-2017), Beckett's long-time American literary agent. Written in a succinct style, the correspondence dates from Beckett's time in Paris and Berlin. Some subjects that are covered include arrangements for Beckett to inscribe copies of his works for Targ's collection; meetings in Paris; mentions of travel, health matters, forthcoming Beckett publications, and references to other writers, including James Joyce and Saul Bellow.