This collection comprises book manuscripts, articles, seminars, lectures, correspondence and other writings documenting the professional life of literary theorist Murray Krieger. The bulk and strength of the collection consists of drafts of Krieger's numerous publications (particularly thirteen monographs), student papers written for Allen Tate, and his correspondence with noted scholars, ranging from New Critics such as John Crowe Ransom to a veritable "who's who" of literary theory and criticism during the latter half of the 20th century. Correspondents include authors such as Vance Bourjaily, playwrights such as Barry Stavis, and debates with James T. Farrell. In addition to his writings and literary correspondence, items such as audio recordings, administrative files, financial records, and other materials provide documentation of Krieger's professional and university-related activities, including his founding of the School of Criticism and Theory at the University of California, Irvine (1975) and of the UC Humanities Research Institute (1987), also based at UCI.

Murray Krieger was born in Newark, New Jersey on November 23, 1923 and died in Laguna Beach, California on August 5, 2000. His older brother was Leonard Krieger, who became one of the leading intellectual historians in the United States. Krieger attended local high schools, and his undergraduate work at Rutgers University was interrupted by service in the armed forces in World War II, including a stint in India.

48.85 Linear Feet (87 document boxes, 4 records cartons, 1 half document box, 9 oversize folders, 17 audiocassettes, and 1 VHS tape) and 21.5 unprocessed linear feet

Property rights reside with the University of California. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

Collection is open for research. Access to files containing information on University of California personnel matters is restricted for 50 years from the latest date of the materials in those files. Access to student record material is restricted for 75 years from the latest date of the materials in those files. Restrictions are noted at the file level.