Special Collections
Manuscripts and Personal Papers of
Novelists, Story Writers, & Poets
held by the University of Iowa Libraries
ABBE, GEORGE, 1911- . Novelist and poet. Mss of Voices in the Square (Coward-McCann, 1938) , his first novel. Iowa Authors. (Finding Aid)
BISSELL, RICHARD PIKE, 1913-1977 [O/I/P]. Papers of Richard P. Bissell, 1952-1973. 5 ft.
Typescript and holograph drafts, galley proofs, editor's notes, source material, etc., documenting the writings of this Dubuque novelist and author of 7 1/2 Cents (1953), the basis of the musical hit, The Pajama Game (1954, filmed 1957). Iowa Authors Mss.MsC565. (Finding Aid)
BOCK, FREDERICK, 1916-1981. [O/I]. Papers of Frederick Boch, 1935-1980. 3.5 ft.
Poet, Assistant Editor Poetry; Fountains of Regardlessness (1961). Correspondence, subject files, and preliminary drafts of his writings. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC567. (Finding Aid)
BOURJAILY, VANCE NYE, 1922- . Vance Bourjaily Mss., 1980. 1 ft.
Novelist and Writers' Workshop instructor. Typescript with notes and revisions of his novel, A Game Men Play (Dial Press, 1980). Iowa Authors Ms. MsC568. (Finding Aid)
BURDICK, EUGENE, 1918-1965. The Blue of Capricorn. Carbon and photocopy typescript, incomplete. MsC574. (Finding Aid)
BUTLER, ELLIS PARKER, 1869-1937. [O/P]. Papers of Ellis P. Butler, 1891-1940. 0.75 ft.
Author and businessman from Iowa, best known for his short story "Pigs is Pigs". The papers consist of correspondence to and from Butler about his writing and the Author's League of America. His wife's correspondence is also included. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC575. (Finding Aid) . See also " Lighting Out For The Territory Back East: Ellis Parker Butler, American Humorist" by Henry B. Chapin.
CARLSON, ESTHER BOLSTER, 1920- . Moon Over the Back Fence. Printer's copy, galley proof. MsC756. (Finding Aid)
CASSILL, RONALD VERLIN, 1919- . R. Verlin Cassill Manuscripts, 1958-1963. 1 ft.
Novelist and Writers' Workshop instructor. Uncorrected proof of Pretty Leslie (Simon and Schuster, 1963), a novel, and a recording of Cassill reading And in My Heart. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC579. (Finding Aid)
CLAMPITT, AMY KATHLEEN, 1920-1994. [O]. Papers of Amy Clampitt, 1984-1993. 0.25 ft.
Poet: Kingfisher (1983), Manhatten: An Elegy (UI Center for the Book, 1990), MacArthur Fellow, 1992, Collected Poems (1997). Correspondence and typescripts of some of her writings. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC582. (Finding Aid)
COLLINS, MAX ALLAN, 1946-- [O/I]. Papers of Max Allan Collins, 1967--. 38 ft.
Author, filmmaker, and comic strip writer. The papers document his film and literary career. His novels, comics (including Dick Tracy and Ms. Tree), and screenplays are represented in various forms of completion, with typescript drafts, artwork, correspondence, research, galley proofs, and promotional material. MsC500. (Finding Aid) Collins has a website at http://www.muscanet.com/~phoenix .
COREY, PAUL (FREDERICK), 1903-1992. [O/I/P]. Papers of Paul Corey, 1920-1992. 26 ft.
Writer: Three Miles Square (1939), environmentalist, and animal activist. Correspondence, subject files, scrapbooks, and preliminary drafts of writings. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC585. (Finding Aid). See also " Paul Corey's Mantz Trilogy " by Robert McCown.
DONOSO, JOSÉ, 1924-1996. Correspondence, notebooks and manuscripts of Chilean writer Jose Donoso, 1942-1967, ca. 1500 items. The collection contains a preliminary version of Donoso's first novel, Coronación, many drafts of El obsceno pájaro de la noche (The Obscene Bird of Night), as well as drafts of stories and other writings. MsC 340. (Finding Aid).
DOWNING, J. HYATT, 1888- . Papers of J. Hyatt Downing, 1925-1968. 1.5 ft.
Novelist and story writer. Correspondence, subject files, biographical material, and preliminary drafts of his writings. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC591. (Finding Aid) . See also " J. Hyatt Downing: The Chronicle of an Era " by Anthony T. Wadden.
DUBIE, NORMAN, 1945-. Papers of Norman Dubie, 1970-
Poet: numerous books from Alehouse Sonnets (1971). Manuscripts, correspondence, other papers. MsC409. (Finding Aid)
DUNCAN, THOMAS WILLIAM, 1905-1987. [O/I/P] Papers of Thomas W. Duncan, [1940?]-1959. 8.5 ft.
Novelist and story writer. Preliminary drafts, notes, revisions, and galley proofs for three of his novels, including a highly successful circus novel, Gus the Great (1947). Iowa Authors Mss. MsC594. (Finding Aid)
ENGLE, PAUL HAMILTON, 1908-1991 [P]. Papers of Paul Engle, 19??-1991. 60 ft.
Poet (numerous books from Worn Earth, 1932), editor of the O. Henry Prize Stories 1954-1959, director of the Writers' Workshop 1941-1967, director of the International Writers' Program, 1967-1976. University Archives. MsC514. See also " Paul Engle: A Checklist " by Ricahrd B. Weber. (Finding Aid)
FELSEN, HENRY GREGOR, 1916-. Papers of Henry G. Felsen, 1942-1970. 4.5 ft.
Novelist, story writer and author of children's books, including Hot Rod, a best-seller for 30 years. Correspondence and literary manuscripts. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC601. (Finding Aid)
FICKE, ARTHUR DAVISON, 1883-1945. Arthur Davison Ficke Manuscripts, 1906-1940. 2 ft.
Poet and writer born in Davenport, Iowa. Manuscripts include materials for a course in Arthurian legend given at the State University of Iowa 1906-1907, drafts of published poems and stories, and typescripts of unpublished stories and novels. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC603. (Finding Aid) See also " Twins in My Cradle: Arthur Davison Ficke, Iowa Poet " by William H. Roba.
FREDERICK, JOHN TOWNER, 1893-1975. Papers of John T. Frederick, 1908-1975. 22.5 ft.
English professor, Iowa author, and founder and editor of The Midland. Correspondence, subject files, business records for The Midland, lectures, and preliminary drafts of writings, etc. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC 513. (Finding Aid) . See also " The Achievement of John T. Frederick " by Sargent Bush, Jr.
GARLAND, HAMLIN, 1860-1940. Letters and 4 prose pieces. MsC797. (Finding Aid)
GARLOCK, DOROTHY, 1922-- . Papers of Dorothy Garlock, 1980--. 2 ft.
Romance novelist from Love and Cherish (1980), a career started to avoid the boredom of retirement. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC 607. (Finding Aid)
GEARHART, SUSAN MERRIAM. Poems. The Plow on the Hills; The West is Here; Misc. MsC774. (Finding Aid)
GLICK, CARL, 1890-1971. Papers of Carl Glick, 1918-1917. 10 ft.
Story writer, playwright and film script writer, author of books for adults and children, Glick is best remembered for his books on the Chinese in America. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC611. ( Finding Aid).
GORMAN, EDWARD, 1941--. Papers of Edward Gorman, 1985-1994. 3 ft.
Author of mysteries (the Tobin and Jack Dwyer series), westerns (as Leo Guild), and horror novels under several pseudonyms. Former advertising executive. Preliminary drafts of his writings. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC613. (Finding Aid)
HAINES, WILLIAM WISTER. Command Decision. Printer's copy. MsC617. (Finding Aid)
HALL, JAMES NORMAN, 1887-1951. Papers of James H. Hall, 1934-1952. 1.5 ft.
Manuscripts of some of Hall's poetry, plays, articles, and essays. Also drafts of his book, The Far Lands. Iowa Authors Mss. (Finding Aid)
HARNACK, CURTIS ARTHUR, 1927- [P]. Papers of Curtis Harnack, 19??--. 12 ft.
Assistant Editor (with Paul Engle) Prize Stories 1958-1959. Author of a memoir, We Have All Gone Away (1973), and other books. Early gifts included drafts of Love and Be Silent (1956-1960) and the printer's copy of a novel, The Work of an Ancient Hand (circa 1961). Iowa Authors Mss. MsC621. (Finding Aid)
HARTER, EVELYN (GLICK), 1903-1990. Mss, 1950. 1.ft.
Harter was born in Keokuk, Iowa where her father was a doctor. She completed a BA at the University of Iowa in 1925, and moved to New York City where she shared an apartment for a time with Ruth Suckow. Primarily a typographer and book designer, she worked for publishers such as Cape and Smith, Smith and Haas, and Random House. Her first novel, Dr. Katherine Bell (Doubleday, 1950) is partially set in Iowa City. She gave a corrected typescript and a set of corrected galleys just after the novel was published. MsC622. (Finding Aid). See also her article " The Life or The Work " in Books at Iowa 41.
HERBST, JOSEPHINE, 1892-1969. [P]. Josephine Herbst Letters.
Novelist and journalist. Six letters to "Cap" [1939; MsL H5385c and c2], one to "Mr. Milkman" [1928; MsL H5386m].
HOLMES, MARJORIE (MRS. LYNN MIGHELL), 1910--. Mss. 3 ft.
Author of numerous short stories, several novels and radio scripts. One story, "The General Comes Home," was sold to MGM. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC626. (Finding Aid).
HOUGH, EMERSON, 1857-1923. [P]. Emerson Hough Manuscripts. .5 ft.
Journalist, editor of Forest and Stream, and novelist of the West. Includes letterpress book, 1902-1912 and 34 letters 1912-1923 to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bigelow [MsL H838b]. Iowa Authors Mss. See also " Emerson Hough's American West " by Carole M. Johnson. MsC628.
HOWARD, GUY. Give Me Thy Vineyard (Zondervan Publishing House, 1949). Draft through galleys; awarded $7500 Zondervan fiction prize. Walkin' Preacher of the Ozarks. Printer's copy plus misc. MsC629. (Finding Aid)
HUNN, L.E. "JACK", 1905- . L.E. Hunn Papers, 1980-1988. .5 ft.
Coach, story writer and poet. Stories for his grand-children published as Adventures with Grandpa (1988); two unpublished typescripts. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC631. (Finding Aid)
JOHNSON, DOROTHY M. Papers of Dorothy M. Johnson, 1896-1958. 1 ft.
Editor, novelist and professor of journalism at the University of Montana. Typescript drafts and related correspondence for several short stories and her novel, The Hanging Tree. Also some family correspondence and photographs. Johnson wrote Liberty Valence and A Man Called Horse, both, like The Hanging Tree, made into motion pictures. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC632. (Finding Aid)
KANTOR, MACKINLAY, 1904-. Papers of MacKinlay Kantor, 1950-1958. 6 ft.
Author. Manuscript drafts, proofs, correspondence, etc. for his novel, Andersonville, with drafts for some other books. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC635. (Finding Aid)
KELM, KARLTON and WILLIAM. Papers of Karlton and William Kelm, 1928-1986. 7 ft.
Story writers, novelists and playrights who wrote mostly in collaboration. Karlton published two novels: Brother (1936) and The Cherry Bed (1936). Correspondence with noted writers, drafts of plays, short stories, and novels, and material relating to the Dubuque Dial, a literary magazine. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC637. (Finding Aid)
KENTFIELD, CALVIN. The Alchemists Voyage. Drafts, page and galley proofs. MsC639. (Finding Aid)
LAIRD, CHARLTON. Thunder on the River (Atlantic Monthly and Little Brown, 1947). 1st draft titled "Pyesa". 2nd draft with wife's revisions in vertical writing. 3rd draft titled "Red Feather; White Son". 4th draft in three parts (working copy incorporating further suggestions; carbon which gives sequence; carbon of final draft). 5th draft galley titled "White Thunder". MsC646. (Finding Aid)
LAFFERTY, R.A. (Ralphael Aloyius), 1914--. R.A. Lafferty Manuscripts, 1960-1979. 2 ft.
Prize-winning author of science fiction stories and novels. Typescripts and page proofs for several stories and novels, including the printer's copy of Okla Hannali (1972). Iowa Author's Mss. MsC645. (Finding Aid)
LECHLITNER, RUTH, 1901-. Papers of Ruth Lechlitner, 1919-1988. 9.5 ft.
Poet and teacher. Correspondence, subject files, and preliminary drafts of her writings. MsC474. (Finding Aid)
LEE, ALFRED M, 1938-1994. Papers of Alfred M. Lee, ca. 1957-1994. 1.5 ft.
Graduate of the Writers' Workshop, novelist and poet. Manuscripts, clippings, photograph, correspondence. MsC851. (Finding Aid)
LEGGETT, JOHN, 1917-. Papers of John Leggett, 1933-1987. Manuscripts and correspondence of the editor, writer and director of the University of Iowa Writer's Workshop, 1969-1987. MsC503. (Finding Aid)
LEMBERGER, LEANN, Papers of LeAnn Lemberger, 1987-1997. 3.5 ft.
Author of romance novels as Leigh Michaels. Manuscript drafts, galleys, and page proofs of her novels, as well as articles by and about Lemberger, and teaching materials used for the Iowa Summer Writing Festival. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC647. (Finding Aid)
LOESER, KATINKA. Papers of Katinka Loeser, [ca. 1960-1982]. 0.5 ft.
Writer, poet and editor born in Iowa. Drafts of her poetry and short stories, a master proof of A Thousand Pardons, and an unpublished novel, Everyday China. Iowa Author Mss. MsC649. (Finding Aid)
MARGOLIN, PHILLIP, 1944-. Papers of Phillip Margolin, 1978 -. 9 ft.
Foreign editions, some manuscript materials, publicity materials, periodical appearances, and clippings for this lawyer-author of legal thrillers. MsC832. (Finding Aid)
McDONALD, JULIE JENSEN, 19-- . Mss. 3 ft.
Newspaper Editor and writer, this collection contains material related to two novels (Amalie's Story, 1970 and Petra, 1978), a play (Eyes of Sky; a Play in Six Scenes) and a biography (Ruth Buxton Sayre: First Lady of the Farms, 1980). Iowa Authors Mss. MsC651. (Finding Aid) .
MILLER, MERLE, 1919- . [P] Papers of Merle Miller, 1948-1961. 2.5 ft.
Editor at Yank, Time and Harper's, biographer of presidents, script writer, and novelist. Drafts, correspondence, printer's copies, and reviews for four of his books; the materials for The Sure Thing (1953) are extensive. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC660. (Finding Aid)
MORRELL, DAVID, 1943--. Papers of David Morrell, 1974-1997. 10 ft.
PhD in American literature 1970, Pennsylvania State University; taught at Iowa from 1970 to 1986, resigned to write. Perhaps best known for Rambo, the central character of his 1972 novel First Blood, which lead to the Rambo films starring Sylvester Stallone, Morrell has written numerous novels as well as screen- and teleplays. The growing collection of his papers includes video and audio tapes as well as research notes, correspondence, and manuscripts. MsC478. ( Finding Aid )
MOSSMAN, STEVEN DOW, 1943--. Mss. 9 ft.
Writer born in Cedar Rapids. Collection includes extensive pre-publication materials for Mossman's highly regarded novel, The Stones of Summer (1972) as well as drafts written while a student in the Writer's Workshop. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC663. (Finding Aid).
MOTT, FRANK LUTHER, 1886-1964. Mss. 3 ft.
Journalism professor and dean, Mott is best remembered for his writing on the history of American newspapers. He also wrote numerous stories, plays and novels, draft of which are preserved in this collection. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC664. (Finding Aid) .
MURDOCH, IRIS, 1919-1998. Papers of Iris Murdoch, [1953-1994?]. 31 ft.
British writer and philosopher. Manuscripts for most of her novels, plays, and poetry, primarily handwritten drafts in notebooks. MsC212. (Finding Aid)
NELSON, EVELYN. Evelyn Nelson mss, 1925-1929 .5 ft.
Correspondence, photographs, sheet music, clippings and programs. Lyric for a New Deal song. Purchased 1982. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC671. (Finding Aid)
PIPER, EDWIN FORD. "Ballads". 27p typescript. "Poetry". 19p. Portfolio of unpublished poems, 3 typescript drafts. Untitled collection of poems, 174p. An Inquiry into Some Phases of the Art of Description of Out of Door Scenes from the Writing of Robert Louis Stevenson (Thesis, English, University of Nebraska, May 1900). "Miniatures of the Ellsmere Chaucer" (Philological Quarterly, October 1924). MsC40. (Finding Aid)
ROBERTS, KATHARINE EGGLESTONE, 1895-1968. Mss. 2 ft.
Printer's copies and related materials for four of Robertson's novels: And the Bravest of These, Center of the Web, Private Report, and Wind From The River. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC683. (Finding Aid) .
ROBINSON, MARILYNNE. Papers of Marilynne Robinson, 1980-1998. 2 items.
Essayist and writer. The papers consist of two items: a draft of Housekeeping (novel, 1980) and an advance copy of The Death of Adam (essays, 1998). MsC66. (Finding Aid)
ROWAN, EDWARD BEATTY, 1898-1946. Manuscripts of Edward Beatty Rowan, 11 items.
A play, poems and drafts of five stories. MsC 412. (Finding Aid)
SABIN, EDWIN LEGRAND, 1870-1952. Papers of Edwin L. Sabin, 1900-1970. 5.5 ft.
Novelist. Correspondence, scrapbooks, subject files, preliminary drafts of his writings. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC688. (Finding Aid) . See also: " Edwin L. Sabin, Literary Explorer of the West " by Philip D. Jordan.
SALTZMAN, (KATHERINE) ELEANOR. Stuart's Hill (novel, circa 1945). First through fifth drafts; related correspondence with Household Magazine and The Writer. Ever Tomorrow (circa 1935). Draft and correspondence with publishers. MsC689. (Finding Aid)
SAUNDERS, WILLIAM IRVING, 1823-1895. William Irving Saunders Manuscripts. .5 ft.
Poet. Corrected typescript and galley proofs of Pillars of Space. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC690. (Finding Aid)
SEAGRAVE, SADIE FULLER, 1882-1972. Sadie Fuller Seagrave Manuscripts. 1 ft. 1930-1960.
Novelist and poet. Typescripts of three books of poetry, some stories, and six radio programs. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC693. (Finding Aid)
SHERMAN, RICHARD. The Bright Promise. Draft. MsC696. (Finding Aid)
SIGMUND, JAY G., 1885-1937. [P] Papers of Jay G. Sigmund, 1911-1975. 4 ft.
Insurance agent, poet, story writer and lecturer on literature. Preliminary drafts of plays, poetry, an unpublished novel, and correspondence with writers of note. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC697. (Finding Aid)
SIMPSON, FRANK B. Frank B. Simpson Manuscripts, 1952. 2 in.
Poet. Drafts of a song, "Slumber Song (Sweetly sleep)". Words and melody arranged by Arthur A. Penn and published by Bloom Music Co. MsC699. (Finding Aid)
SMITH, GRACE NOLL. The Apple Is Eaten (poems). MsC700. (Finding Aid)
STEGNER, WALLACE EARLE, 1909-. [P] Papers of Wallace Earle Stegner, ca. 1937-1954. 4 ft.
Award-winning novelist, story writer, essayist, historian, English professor at Stanford, and frontline conservationist. Preliminary drafts and proofs for seven novels. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC703. (Finding Aid)
SUCKOW, RUTH, 1892-1960. [P] Papers of Ruth Suckow, 1887-1988. 23.5 ft.
Novelist and pacifist. Correspondence, diaries, subject files, notes, and preliminary drafts of writings. Also includes the work of Ferner Nuhn and William Suckow. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC706. (Finding Aid) . See also " Ruth Suckow's Art of Fiction " by Lois B. Muehl; Ruth Suckow: a Calendar of Letters " by Frank Pakula.
THANE, ELSWYTH, 1900- . [P] Papers of Elswyth Thane, 1943-1963. 3 ft.
Playwright, biographer and novelist. Holograph notebooks containing first drafts of several historical novels, printer's copies, and correspondence are included. There are audiotapes of her research for Potomac Squire, a book about George Washington. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC707. (Finding Aid) .
THANET, OCTAVE (i.e., FRENCH, ALICE), 1850-1934. Mss. .5 ft.
One of the most successful women writers of the later 19th century, Octave Thanet's stories and novels celebrated the status quo; she lived much of her life in Davenport, Iowa. Our holdings consist of a holograph draft of her story, "The Governor's Perogative," photographs, photocopies of other stories, and a microfilm of "Voice of Nature." Iowa Authors Mss. MsC605. (Finding Aid) .
TURCO, LEWIS. Papers of Lewis Turco, 1952-1999.
Papers of the twentieth century poet and teacher. Includes manuscripts of poems, books, essays, book reviews, plays, short stories, and correspondence and bibliographies. MsC 537. (Finding Aid)
VIERECK, GEORGE SYLVESTER, 1884-1962. Papers of George S. Viereck, 1896-1959. 1287 items.
Poet, novelist, journalist, and publicist for pro-German causes. Correspondence, drafts of magazine articles, photos, clippings of newspaper and magazine articles, typescripts of poems in German and in English, notebooks and pamphlets, a psychiatric report, legal documents, statements in court, and related material. MsC99. See also " George Sylvester Viereck: Poet and Propagandist " by Neil M. Johnson. (Finding Aid)
WARD, Rev. LEO RICHARD. "Concerning Mary Ann". "Holding Up the Hills". Drafts of two novels. MsC720. (Finding Aid)
WHITE, HERVEY, 1886-1944. [P]. Papers of Hervey White, 1 ft.
Novelist (Quicksand, 1900, and others), founder of the artist's colonies Byrdcliffe and Maverick, and editor of The Plowshare and The Wild Hawk. Drafts and typescripts of 24 stories and chapters from an unpublished autobiography. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC724 (Finding Aid)
WILSON, ANGUS (FRANK JOHNSTONE), 1913-1991. Manuscripts of Angus Wilson, 1949-1967, 109 items.
British author. Heavily revised mauscripts and typescripts of Wilson's short stories, reviews, novels, lectures, articles, and television scripts; notebooks. MsC199. (Finding Aid)
YOSELOFF, MARTIN, 1919-1997. [P]. Manuscripts of Martin Yoseloff, 1946-1990.
Editor and novelist. Manuscripts for nine books, including No Greener Meadows (1946), his first novel. Iowa Authors Mss. MsC734. (Finding Aid)
A bracketed "O" following the name indicates that a MARC-AMC record has been entered in InfoHawk, the Libraries' online catalog; an bracketed "I" indicates an inventory available online (and is linked when the name is highlighted); and a bracketed "P" indicates that the author was among the 60 included in Frank Paluka's Iowa Authors (1967).
