W. A. Swanberg papers, 1927-1992

Summary Information

At a Glance

Arrangement

Arrangement

Material is arranged into four series.

• Series I: Cataloged Correspondence
• Series II: Uncataloged Correspondence
• Series III: Manuscripts and Project Files
• Subseries III.2 Books
• Subseries III.3: Unpublished Book Materials
• Subseries III.4: Manuscripts by Others
• Series IV: Subject Files

Description

Scope and Content

Correspondence, manuscripts, notes, memoranda, notebooks, notecards, proofs, photographs, microfilms, and printed materials. The Papers include the manuscript research materials and correspondence for each of his books except his biography of Theodore Dreiser. Among the correspondents are William Benton, Bruce Catton, Carey McWilliams, Mrs. Fremont Older (Cora Miranda Baggerly Older), and Thornton Wilder.

• Series I: Cataloged Correspondence

• Series II: Uncataloged Correspondence

• Series III: Manuscripts and Project Files

• Series IV: Subject Files

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

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 Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies 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); W. A. Swanberg papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Related Archival Materials

Materials relating to Theodore Dreiser are at: The University of Pennsylvania Library.

Accruals

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Ownership and Custodial History

Gift of W.A. Swanberg, 1984.

Gift of John W. Swanberg & Sara V. Swanberg, 1993.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Papers: Source of acquisition--Swanberg, W.A. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--1984.

Papers: Source of acquisition--Swanberg, John W. & Sara V. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--09/09/93. Accession number--M-93-09-09.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Papers Processed HR 06/--/85.

Papers Processed HR 01/05/93.

Revision Description

2012-05-09 xml document instance created by Carrie Hintz

2017-06-30 xml document instance updated by Catherine C. Ricciardi. Restrictions on collection lifted by family per Curator.

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Genre/Form

Subject

History / Biographical Note

Biographical sketch

Biographer and historian; author of books about Morgan Dix, Theodore Dreiser, Dorothy Elmhirst, James Fisk, William Randolph Hearst, Henry Luce, Joseph Pulitzer, Daniel E. Sickles, Willard D. Straight, Norman Thomas, Flora Payne Whitney, Williams C. Whitney, and the American Civil War. He won the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 1973 for "Luce and his Empire" and the National Book Award for biography in 1977 for "Norman Thomas: The Last Idealist." He also wrote many magazine articles on crime.