Subseries VII.3: Books By, 1933-2002

Scope and content:

Subseries VII.3 is arranged into three sections: general records; chronologically by publication date; and unidentified or unpublished material. General material pertains to several publications and therefore is not filed with one particular title. These files are typically administrative in nature. Records related to published books include correspondence, contracts with publishers and contributors, reviews, notes, research, and original drafts. Material in this subseries portrays Merton's meticulous research habits and depicts his particular writing methods.

Of interest is material related toThe Travels and Adventures of Serendipity.Merton and Elinor Barber began research on the word serendipity in the 1950s. The project lay dormant for several decades and discussion of publication was revived in the 1990s. The records in this subseries trace the work's progression up through eventual publication plans. As part of their initial research efforts, Merton and Barber asked colleagues to contribute their thoughts and ideas about the term serendipity. These responses, as well as articles written about the term, are located in the alphabetical research section. This section is alphabetized by contributor or author's last name. Also of note is material regarding Merton's earliest published book,Science, Technology and Society in Seventeenth Century England,which includes correspondence with Pitirim Sorokin. The subseries also contains original drafts and corrections for one of Merton's most well known and well received books,On the Shoulders of Giants.

All items pertaining toPatterns of Social Life: Explorations in the Sociology of Housingare located in Series VI.

Contents

Access and use

Parent restrictions:

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

Various folders throughout the collection may contain restrictions, which are noted in the contents list.

All original copies of audio / moving image media are closed until reformatting.

Parent terms of access:
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
Location of this collection:
RBML Home Page
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu