Barry Ulanov papers, 1932-2003, 1932-2003, bulk 1940-1993, 1940-1993

Collection context

Creator:
Ulanov, Barry
Abstract:
This collection contains the papers of Barry Ulanov, a jazz critic and professor of English at Barnard College. The bulk of the papers relates to Ulanov's Barnard years (1950-2000). Most of the material consists of book manuscripts, research files, course materials, and correspondence.
Extent:
18.5 linear feet (14 record cartons 1 document box 1 flat box)
Language:
English , Latin , Dutch; Flemish , Russian , French , German .
Scope and content:

The collection contains professional and research files, manuscripts, and documents of Barry Ulanov. Subject files include mostly pamphlets, flyers, clippings and copies of newspapers and journals relating to Ulanov's research interests, both for specific book projects as well as more generally. Contained, too, are extensive materials related to Ulanov's Barnard courses, such as syllabi, reading lists, correspondence, and relevant course readings. These subject files are comprised of both those files created by Ulanov, and those created during processing. The papers also include many of Ulanov's original manuscripts and translations, particularly his works on history of religion and Jungian psychology, as well as manuscripts sent to him by colleagues and associates, such as Lionel Trilling. Also included within the collection is Ulanov's correspondence, primarily relating to his speaking and lecturing as part of his professorship at Barnard College. There is also a large amount of correspondence which reflects his extensive work for the Catholic Church, as both a lecturer for Church organizations and as president of the Catholic Renaissance Society.

Biographical / historical:

Barry Ulanov (1918-2000) was a jazz critic, professor of English at Barnard College, and prolific writer. He wrote, edited, or translated nearly fifty books and over a thousand articles on a wide range of subjects. His interests included music, modern art, psychology, history, religion, and literature.

Ulanov was born in Manhattan on April 10, 1918 and attended Columbia University, where he took advantage of his proximity to Harlem to immerse himself in jazz music and culture. After receiving his BA in 1939, Ulanov worked as a jazz writer and edited the journal Metronome from 1943 to 1955. He shifted the focus of the journal to cover more jazz and be-bop music, particularly black musicians who had previously received little notice in the journal. From 1955 to 1958 he wrote for Down Beat and published several biographies of jazz musicians in the 1940s and 1950s.

In 1939, Ulanov married Joan Bel Geddes, who had been a student at Barnard during his years at Columbia. This marriage lasted 29 years and produced three children: Anne, Nicholas, and Katherine. In 1968, Ulanov married Ann Belford, with whom he later had a son, Alexander. Ann Belford Ulanov taught at Union Theological Seminary as Professor of Psychiatry and Religion.

Ulanov's interest in the connection between modern art and contemporary American culture led him to pursue a Ph.D. in English Literature at Columbia University, which he completed in 1955. In the meantime, he also became involved in architectural projects in Denver, Colorado and Long Island. He taught English Literature at Princeton University from 1951 to 1953, and then, from 1953 to 1988, at Barnard College. He was an adjunct professor of Religion at Columbia University and, after retiring from Barnard, he taught at Union Theological Seminary in the Department of Psychiatry and Religion. Ulanov lectured worldwide on a range of topics.

Ulanov converted to Catholicism in 1951 and became involved with the Catholic Renaissance Society. He was an active member of the Vatican II Council, where he advocated for the use of vernacular in the mass and amplified music in church. Ulanov lectured at a number of Catholic colleges and spoke at the International Eucharistic Congress with Pope John XXIII in Bombay in 1964. He wrote and edited numerous books and articles on religion and culture.

In his last twenty years, Ulanov wrote extensively on religion and psychology, publishing over ten books with his second wife, Ann Belford Ulanov. Until his death, they co-edited the Journal of Religion and Health. Ulanov died on April 30, 2000, at the age of 82.

Access and use

Restrictions:

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.

Files containing student grades are restricted.

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); Barry Ulanov papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
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