This collection is located on-site.
Burns' American Diary, an Englishman's view of American society, is the fruit of his Laura Spellman Rockefeller fellowship, 1926-1928. Very descriptive of his tour of U.S. and Canada (Quebec, Vancouver), numerous illustrations and clippings are laid in. In addition to his economic and social concerns, of particular interest are the architecture of major cities, their theatrical life, their politics; his visits to certain universities (Harvard, University of Chicago, Stanford), and his long visit to Washington with other Rockefeller fellows and their ongoing meetings and discussions with members of the Federal Board of Trade and professors from all over at what was to become the Brookings Institute. Competition in business was his major interest; it is discussed in the Diary, and his 1936 book, The Decline of Competition, is said to be a major influence in undergraduate teaching in the U.S. Included in the Collection is a cassette of his memorial service at Columbia, 24 April 1981.
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This collection is located on-site.
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.
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Arthur Robert Burns American Diary; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.
accn number: Source of acquisition--Dept. of Economics. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--4/15/1987.
Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Arthur Robert Burns (1895-1981), born in London; BSc, PhD, London School of Economics; in the British Army 1914-1917. Lecturer, The University of London, 1922-1926. Came to U.S. in 1928. Professor Economics, Columbia, 1928-1962. Economist on War Production Board and Foreign Economic Administration 1941-1945.
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