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Norse (Harold) Papers
BANC MSS 2010/172
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Description
The Harold Norse papers, [1921]-2009; undated [bulk 1960s-2006] consist of correspondence, writings, professional papers,
legal papers, personal papers and artworks that chart Norse's literary trajectory from his time in college to his death.
Background
Harold Norse (his surname a clever rearrangement of birth name Rosen) was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1916, the illegitimate son
of Fanny Albaum, an unwed Lithuanian Jewish immigrant. In 1934 he began attending Brooklyn College. Norse edited the campus
literary magazine Brooklyn College Observer and received his B.A there in 1938. That same year, Norse met Chester Kallman.
The following year, they were to both meet W.H. Auden at a reading event featuring Auden and Christopher Isherwood. Auden
and Kallman quickly became lovers (eventually lifelong companions) and Norse, for a brief time, Auden's secretary. It was
to be the beginning of Norse's uncanny ability of meeting and befriending literary and artistic greats.
Extent
50 linear feet
(38 cartons, 4 boxes, 5 oversize boxes, 1 volume and 5 oversize folders)
Restrictions
Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction
of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions,
privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond
that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be
commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
For additional information about the University of California, Berkeley Library's permissions policy please see: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/about/permissions-policies
Availability
Collection is open for research, with the following exceptions: Box 1 sealed until January 2049. Portfolio 1 restricted [curatorial
approval required].