Orville Wilbur Prescott papers, 1931-1982

Summary Information

At a Glance

Arrangement

Arrangement

Selected items cataloged, remainder arranged.

• Series I: Correspondence
• Series II: Prescott's Writings
• Subseries II.1: Typescripts and Reviews of Prescott's Books
• Subseries II.2: Scrapbooks of Prescott's Book Review Columns and Other Articles
• Series III: Awards, Diploma, and Photographs

Description

Summary

Correspondence, manuscripts, awards, photographs, and clippings. The collection includes letters from authors, publishers, journalists, and the reading public about Prescott's book reviews from 1931 to 1968. Printed copies of his book review column in The New York Times from 1942 until 1968 and printed copies of his articles and book reviews in "Cue", "The Yale Review", "The Saturday Review", and other magazines and newspapers are mounted in 22 scrapbooks. There is the setting typescript of his book Lords of Italy; portraits from the Middle Ages (Harper & Row, 1972), as well as clippings of reviews and correspondence relating to his other books. There is also a volume of letters from authors and friends on his retirement from The New York Times in 1966, as well as photographs and awards. Among the cataloged correspondents are: Louis Auchincloss, John Hersey, Phyllis McGinley, Mary Renault, A.L. Rowse, and C.P. Snow.

• Series I: Correspondence

• Series II: Prescott's Writings

• Series III: Awards, Diploma, and Photographs

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.

The following boxes are located off-site: Boxes 3-7. 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); Orville Wilbur Prescott papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University 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 Orville Prescott, 1988.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--Prescott, Orville. Method of acquisition--Gift, 1988; Date of acquisition--09/22/88. Accession number--M-88-09-22.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

processed HR 04/24/89.

Revision Description

2021-07-02 EAD document created by CCR.

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.

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Subject

History / Biographical Note

Biographical / Historical

Literary critic & journalist.