Nancy Dawson and Herman Wouk Collection, 1952-1965
Collection context
- Creator:
- Dawson, Nancy, 1920-2001
- Abstract:
- This collection contains primarily correspondence between author Herman Wouk and his secretary and research assistant, Nancy Dawson.
- Extent:
- 0.42 linear feet 1 document box
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
The Nancy Dawson and Herman Wouk Collection is composed primarily of correspondence between Wouk and Dawson over a nine year span. There is also a small amount of subject files related to Wouk as a writer and to specific works of his.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Nancy Dawson (neeĢ Nancy Scott Causey) was born on May 17th 1920 in Greensboro, North Carolina. She attended the School of General Studies from 1949 to 1951 and received a B.S. in English on October 31st 1951. A few years later she began working for writer Herman Wouk. Wouk was living in the Virgin Islands with his wife Betty Sarah and their two children, Abraham and Joseph. Since Wouk was an extremely private person, he wanted few people to be able to reach him. Dawson was his point person in the United States and was often called upon to run important errands and conduct business for him. As Wouk's research assistant, Dawson sent along bibliographies, research notes, and citations for relevant texts. She also handled all of his incoming mail. Any interesting letters were passed onto Wouk, but the bulk of the letters consisted of Dawson summarizing that week's mail.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located on-site.
Researchers must acquire written permission from Mrs. Ralph Burk Dawson in order to access the collection.
- Terms of access:
-
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); Nancy Dawson and Herman Wouk Collection; Box and Folder (if known); 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