Robert E. Conot papers, 1950s-1990s

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Summary

Abstract:
Manuscripts, correspondence, and research files from the career of author and journalist Robert E. Conot, spanning the latter half of the twentieth century. Topics covered in Conot's writing include the Watts Riots, the history of Detroit, Thomas A. Edison, and the Nuremberg Trials.
Extent:
87 Linear Feet 182 boxes [167 manuscript boxes, 1 carton, 11 flat boxes, 1 card box, 2 map folders], 2 floppy disk(s) (5.25 inch), and .001 gigabyte(s)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], Robert E. Conot papers (M2047). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection covers the professional writing career of Robert E. Conot, spanning from the 1950s through the 1990s. The majority of the collection covers Conot's two novels, four non-fiction works, and his research on riots for the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders during the late 1960s. Topics covered in Conot's books include the Watts Riots, the history of Detroit, Thomas A. Edison, and the Nuremberg Trials. The series on Conot's published works are generally made up of manuscript drafts and research files. For each book, there are multiple versions of the manuscript at different stages of the writing and editing process. Conot's research files include photocopies of primary resources, notes from interviews, annotated texts, newspaper clippings, and Conot's own notes on topics. In addition to his published works, the collection also includes a number of Conot's unpublished short stories, screen plays, and preliminary research for books that never materialized–including material on electrical engineer William J. Hammer.

Biographical / historical:

Robert Conot (1929-2011) was an American journalist, historian, and writer. He was born Robert Ernst Spielmann in Vienna, Austria, to Isidore Spielmann and Ottilie Reiniger. At age nine, he was evacuated to England as part of the Kindertransport evacuation of Jewish children. His father died in Theresienstadt concentration camp and his mother died in Auschwitz. After two years in England, he was sent to live with his mother's cousin in New Orleans, Louisiana. Conot graduated from Stanford University with a degree in journalism in 1952 and began working at a San Gabriel Valley newspaper and Billboard magazine. During the late 1950s, he changed his last name to "Conot" to address concerns about anti-Semitism.

After the 1967 publication of Rivers of Blood, Years of Darkness, an account of the Watts riots based on interviews with eyewitnesses and in-depth research on Los Angeles in the years leading up to the riots, Conot was appointed to President Lyndon B. Johnson's National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders. As part of the Commission, Conot contributed to the historical section of the final report and researched unrest related to race in various cities across the United States. His work on the Commission led him to Detroit, Michigan, which became the topic for his next book, titled American Odyssey (1974). His time in Detroit resulted in an interest in Thomas Alva Edison, who had spent his formative years in the city and surrounding area. Conot was the first researcher granted access to Edison's archives and published A Streak of Luck in 1979. Conot then embarked on a project to write an account of the Nuremberg Trials. His account, Justice at Nuremberg, was published in 1983. After many years contributing to the Los Angeles Times, Conot joined the Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service as an editor in 1989. He remained there until his retirement in 2009.

Acquisition information:
This collection was given by Eric and Gigi Conot to Stanford University, Special Collections in December 2014.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in 12 series:

  • I. Ministers of Vengeance novel
  • II. Rivers of Blood, Years of Darkness book
  • III. National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders research
  • IV. The Nuremberg Gift novel
  • V. American Odyssey book
  • VI. A Streak of Luck book
  • VII. William J. Hammer research
  • VIII. Justice at Nuremberg book
  • IX. Journalism
  • X. Other Writing
  • XI. Biographical Material
  • XII. Assorted Audiovisual and Born-Digital Media

Physical location:
Special Collections and University Archives materials are stored offsite and must be paged 36 hours in advance.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for research. Digital files are closed until processed. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. Audiovisual and born-digial materials are not available in original format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy. Box 77 is restricted until 2044.

Terms of access:

While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], Robert E. Conot papers (M2047). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Location of this collection:
Department of Special Collections, Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-6004, US
Contact:
(650) 725-1022
specialcollections@stanford.edu
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