Joseph L. Blau papers, 1912-1987

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Series II: Arranged Correspondence


Subseries II.1: General Correspondence, 1932-1986

Series is almost evenly divided between letters received and carbons of letters sent. It includes all correspondence except that which is included in the Letters from Publishers, Permissions to Print or ACLS series (and some letters filed with specific essays or addresses).

Incoming and outgoing letters are arranged separately. Incoming letters are filed alphabetically; letters from unidentified correspondents are filed at the end of this sequence. Outgoing letters are filed chronologically by year; undated letters are filed at the end of this sequence.



Box 1 General correspondence, 1932-1986

Among the correspondents are Algernon Black, Arthur Hyman, Elizabeth Janeway, Elaine Pagels, Paul Pfeutze and Herbert Schneider.


Subseries II.2: Correspondence with Publishers, 1946-1986

Series consists of letters to Blau from book and periodical publishers as well as royalty statements from Prentice-Hall, Inc. relating toMen and Movements in American Philosophy. Also included are reader's reports of various authors' works submitted by Blau at the request of publishers, and a number of book contracts between Blau and various publishers.

The letters cover the years 1946-1986. Many of them are invitations to submit journal articles and book reviews or reminders from editors that publishing deadlines are near. The royalty statements were issued at six-month periods and cover the years 1952-1972. The reader's reports cover the years 1980-1981.

Letters are arranged chronologically; royalty statements, contracts, and reader's reports are filed separately and arranged chronologically.



Box 2 Correspondence with publishers, 1946-1986


Subseries II.3: Permissions to Print, 1951, 1962-1963

Series consists of letters from Blau and Salo Baron requesting permission to quote from manuscript materials inMen and Movements in American PhilosphyandJews of the United States: A Documentary Historyas well as letters from institutions and individuals in response to these requests.

Most of the letters are perfunctory; however some document the difficulties Blau and Baron encountered in obtaining permission to quote from personal papers inJews of the United States.

Letters for the two books are filed separately. Within this arrangement, request and permission letters are kept together and filed alphabetically under the name of the individual or institution granting permission.


Box 2 Permissions to print, 1951, 1962-1963