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James White papers
MS 208
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Title: James White papers
Date (inclusive): 1961-1992, undated
Date (bulk): 1965-1983
Collection Number: MS 208
Creator:
White, James, 1928-1999
Extent:
4.58 linear feet
(11 boxes)
Repository:
Rivera Library. Special Collections Department.
Riverside, CA 92517-5900
Abstract: This collection is comprised of typescripts, galley proofs, notes, and other material by James White, an Irish author of science
fiction novels, novellas, and short stories. Primarily includes manuscripts of White's published and unpublished works (many
contain hand annotations). Within this collection is material pertaining to the
Sector General book series that White was best known for including
Hospital Station,
Major Operation, and
Ambulance Ship. Typescripts of White's popular short story compilations including
Federation World,
Deadly Litter, and
The Aliens Among Us are also included.
Languages: The collection is in English.
This collection is open for research.
Copyright has not been assigned to the University of California, Riverside Libraries, Special Collections & University Archives.
Distribution or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission
of the copyright owners. To the extent other restrictions apply, permission for distribution or reproduction from the applicable
rights holder is also required. Responsibility for obtaining permissions, and for any use rests exclusively with the user.
[identification of item], [date if possible]. James White papers (MS 208). Special Collections & University Archives, University
of California, Riverside.
Gift of James White, 1992.
Processed by Melissa Huntington, 2010.
Irish Science Fiction writer James White was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on April 7, 1928 and died of a stroke in August
23, 1999. White spent much of his early life in Canada and lived with foster parents throughout his adolescence. He wanted
to be a pilot but was diagnosed with diabetes which ultimately severely affected his eyesight. In 1955, White married Margaret
"Peggy" Sarah Martin and the couple had three children; Patricia, Martin and Peter. White worked most of his life for aerospace
builders Short Brothers Ltd., as his writing, even though published, was never fully sufficient to support his family.
James White wanted to be a doctor but due to finances could never obtain the education. That fascination never abated as he
took classes in first aid and home nursing, and developed what would be an inspiration and prominent theme throughout his
writing. His interest in medicine was the major thread that connected the work he is most known for, the
Sector General book series that featured the stories and characters, both human and alien, of a hospital in deep space.
Sector General was first published in 1957 as a novelette before expanding into the long running series of books. White considered himself
a pacifist and veered away from the doomsday themes that permeated popular Science Fiction of the time. White, however, did
incorporate Irish history and locations into his stories as found in his first novel,
The Secret Visitors .In addition to the
Sector General book series, White was also a prolific short story writer creating multiple story compilations including
Federation World and
Deadly Litter.
White was inspired by Science Fiction writers, Robert A. Heinlein and E. E. "Doc" Smith, and along with his friend Walter
A. Willis, produced the science fiction fanzines
Slant (1948-1953) and
Hyphen (1952-1965). White and Willis were both nominated in 2004 for the retrospective Hugo Award for Best Fan Writer of 1953. Towards
the end of his career, White was also a council member of the British Science Fiction Association along with fellow author
Anne McCaffrey.
| 1928 | James White was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on April 7th. |
| 1955 | Married Margaret "Peggy" Sarah Martin. |
| 1957 | Published his first novel The Secret Visitors. |
| 1957 | Sector General was first published as a novelette. |
| 1999 | James White died on August 23rd. |
| 2004 | Co-nominated (with Walter A. Willis) for the retrospective Hugo Award for Best Fan Writer of 1953. |
This collection is comprised of typescripts, galley proofs, notes, and other material by James White, an Irish author of science
fiction novels, novellas, and short stories. Primarily includes manuscripts of White's published and unpublished works (many
contain hand annotations). Within this collection is material pertaining to the
Sector General book series that White was best known for including
Hospital Station,
Major Operation, and
Ambulance Ship. Typescripts of White's popular short story compilations including
Federation World,
Deadly Litter, and
The Aliens Among Us are also included.
This collection is arranged into two series as follows:
- Series 1. Published works, 1965-1992, undated
- Series 2. Unpublished works and other material, 1989, undated
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the
library's online public access catalog.
Science fiction
Science fiction -- Authorship
Galley proofs
Notes
Typescripts