C.L.R. James Institute records, 1932-2003, bulk 1983-1999
Collection context
- Creator:
- C.L.R. James Institute and Cultural Correspondence (Organization)
- Abstract:
- The C.L.R. James Institute was founded by Jim Murray to document the writing and influence of James and his circle
- Extent:
- 20 linear feet (45 boxes)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
Jim Murray was C.L.R. James' assistant in early 1983; in 1984 Murray founded the C.L.R. James Institute in New York City. Murray also edited Cultural Correspondence with Paul Buhle. This series contains correspondence with other C.L.R. James scholars and researchers; with Paul Buhle regarding Cultural Correspondence; with Anna Grimshaw regarding various projects; and over tussles regarding rights to publish James' material or the validity and authority of scholarship. Also here are manuscripts, by others, that Murray edited or critiqued, and files on projects by various students who worked for or interned at the Institute.
The hard drive and floppy discs in this series likely contain data for the numerical cataloging system devised by the institute; this system has not been maintained in the arrangement of the material in these papers.
- Biographical / historical:
-
The C.L.R. James Institute was founded in 1984 with the full authorization of C.L.R. James. It was a project of The C.L.R. James Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation based in New York City, and Jim Murray. The Institute was an archive and resource center dedicated to documenting C.L.R. James, the people, circles, and movements with which he was associated, and subjects of relevance to James Studies. The Institute had a mission and underlying philosophy that encompasses much more than James. In addition to the Research and Scholarship functions that resemble the Special Collections division of a research library, the Institute was a community library that provided space for a wide range of gatherings. These include roundtable discussions, media events, book parties, literary readings, etc., which brought together people from many walks of life. Another function of the Institute was professional networking and counseling.
Cultural Correspondence was a radical journal dealing with popular culture founded by Paul Buhle in 1975.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located off-site.
This collection has no restrictions.
- 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.
The audio and digital material cannot currenty be used in The Rare Book and Manuscript Library.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); The C.L.R. James Institute Records; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- 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