Irving Stone papers, 1945-1985
Collection context
- Creator:
- Stone, Irving, 1903-1989
- Abstract:
- This collection consists of correspondence between Irving Stone and his literary agency, Laurence Pollinger, Ltd. Also included is correspondence between Lucy Moorehead (Alan Moorehead's wife and executor of Moorehead's estate) and Laurence Pollinger, Ltd.
- Extent:
- .5 linear feet 1 document box
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
The collection consists of correspondence between Irving Stone and his literary agency, Laurence Pollinger, Ltd, as well as related materials such as book reviews, receipts and letters from publishers. The majority of the correspondence is between Irving Stone and either Gerald or Laurence Pollinger. There are also letters from Jean Stone, Irving Stone's wife, written on behalf of her husband. This collection contains six autograph letters signed by Stone, 66 typed letters signed by Stone and 220 carbons of letters from Laurence Pollinger, Ltd. Also included is a collection of correspondence from 1973 between Laurence Pollinger and Lucy Moorehead, wife and estate administrator to Alan Moorehead. This collection consists of six typed letters signed by Moorehead and 14 carbons of letters from Laurence Pollinger.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Irving Stone (born Irving Tennenbaum) was an American author born in San Francisco, CA on 1903 July 14. Stone was known for writing biographical novels depicting the lives of famous historical personalities such as Vincent Van Gogh (Lust for Life). Stone received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley in 1923 and a Master's Degree in Economics from University of Southern California in 1924.
Stone began his writing career in 1926 as a playwright and supported himself by submitting stories to pulp magazines. In 1928, Stone began to write his first biographical novel, Lust for Life, based on the life of Vincent Van Gogh. The novel was published in 1934 and immediately became a bestseller. He would go on the publish works based on the lives of other famous historical figures such as Michelangelo (The Agony and the Ecstasy), Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln (Love is Eternal), Charles Darwin (The Origin), and Sigmund Freud (Passions of the Mind).
Stone's biographical novels have the reputation of being thoroughly researched and based primarily upon source materials such as journals and collections of letters written by the subjects. Stone died in 1989 at the age of 86 in Los Angeles.
Access and use
- 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.
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.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Irving Stone Papers; 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