Ruth Nanda Anshen papers, 1938-1986

Creator:

Anshen, Ruth Nanda, Columbia University. Press, Harcourt, Brace & World, Harper & Brothers, Harper & Row, Publishers, Pocket Books, and World Publishing Company

Extent:

16.8 linear feet (40 document boxes)

Language:

English .

Scope and content:

Correspondence with many well known authors and scientists, correspondence with publishers, contracts, and other materials dealing with the many series of books which she has organized. Dr Anshen has edited over one hundred works in fields ranging from physics and biology to philosophy, education, psychology, and esthetics. Her series - WORLD PERSPECTIVES (Harper), RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES (Harper), CREDO PERSPECTIVES (Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster), THE SCIENCE OF CULTURE SERIES (Harcourt, Brace), PERSPECTIVES IN HUMANISM (World Pub. Co.), and THE TREE OF LIFE SERIES - have been concerned with new trends in scientific thought and the mutual intelligibility of the various arts and sciences. A new series, CONVERGENCE (Columbia University Press), was started in 1981 dealing with ideas that changed, or that are changing the world. Books from the various series are also included. There is also personal material of Dr Anshen and her family.

Biographical / historical:

Ruth Nanda Anshen (1900-2003) was a philosopher, author, and editor.

In 1958, she established the Anshen-Columbia University Seminars on the Nature of Man, which attracted prominent scientists, theologians, writers, artists, world leaders and philosophers.

Dr. Anshen edited over one hundred works in fields ranging from physics and biology to philosophy, education, psychology, and esthetics, and wrote many books herself, including The Anatomy of Evil, Biography of An Idea,Morals Equals Manners and The Mystery of Consciousness: A Prescription for Human Survival. Her series -Convergence (Columbia University Press), World Perspectives (Harper), Religious Perspectives (Harper), Credo Perspectives (Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster), The Science of Cultures (Harcourt, Brace), Perspectives in Humanism (World Pub. Co.), and The Tree of Life - were concerned with new trends in scientific thought and the mutual intelligibility of the various arts and sciences.

Acquisition information:: Source of acquisition--Anshen, Ruth Nanda. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--07/12/90. Accession number--M-90-07-12.
Custodial history:: Gift of Ruth Nanda Anshen, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1986& 1987.
Processing information:: Processed HR 07/12/90.
Arrangement:: Selected materials cataloged; remainder arranged. This collection is divided into three series.
Accruals:: Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.
Rules or conventions:: Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Alternative form available:: Benedetto Croce letters are on: microfilm.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The following boxes are located off-site: Boxes 6-40. You will need to request this material from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library 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); Ruth Nanda Anshen papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:: Rare Book & Manuscript Library

RBML Home Page
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
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

Collection