Call Number:

TC095

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 46 boxes
• 20 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Alan S. Downer Collection, Box and Folder Number; Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1939-1970 (inclusive)

Creator:

Downer, Alan S. (Alan Seymour), 1912-1970

Abstract:

Consists of personal papers of Alan S. Downer, Princeton professor of English (1946-1970), including correspondence, articles, lecture notes, and photographs, as well as material relating to various professional organizations to which he belonged, much of it associated with American theater.

Alan S. Downer was a professor of English at Princeton University from 1946 to 1970.

The collection contains correspondence of Downer, Princeton professor of English (1946-1970), much of which is related to Princeton's Spencer Trask lecture series, the Voice of America radio series, and invitations to notable members of the theater to address Downer's classes; works by Downer, including articles, lecture notes and course material, miscellaneous research notes, and unfinished projects; papers of various lecture series, and articles, notes, and photographs relating to American theater; and reports and miscellaneous papers dealing with McCarter Theatre. There is also material concerning various professional organizations of which Downer was a member, as well as playbooks and scripts, such as Orson Welles's "Citizen Kane." Photographs include portraits of such actors and actresses as Sarah Bernhardt, Florence Eldridge, Mel Ferrer, Julie Harris, Helen Hayes, Audrey Hepburn, and Frederic March.

Arranged in this order: correspondence; McCarter Theatre material; papers of professional organizations; lecture series; articles, notes, and photographs relating to American theater; manuscripts of articles by Downer; lecture notes and course materials; playbooks and promptbooks; miscellaneous research notes; and unfinished projects.