Ruth R. Troeller diaries and papers, 1929-2018

Collection context

Summary

Creators:
Troeller, Ruth R. and Troeller, Ruth R.
Abstract:
The collection contains the diaries from philosopher and economist Ruth R. Troeller dating from the late 1930s until 2017; professional papers from Troeller's academic career in philosophy and international development; and audio recordings of her lectures.
Extent:
20 Linear Feet [42 boxes]
Language:
Materials in the collection are in German, French, Spanish, and English.
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], Ruth R. Troeller diaries and papers (M1673). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains the personal diaries and professional papers of Ruth R. Troeller. The diaries span from Troeller's involvement with resistance groups during World War II, to her studies with philosopher Karl Jaspers in the 1950s, through her academic career in Latin America during the 1970s, and well into her retirement. The professional papers include journal articles on international development and economies by Troeller; various documents from projects on Venezuela, energy use, and economics; and teaching materials from her teaching through the Troeller Institute for Global Studies (TIGS) and the United States International University (USIU). The collection also contains some biographical material, correspondence, and audio recordings.

Biographical / historical:

Ruth Reta Troeller (nee Kahn) was born in 1928 in Bierstadt, Luxembourg. After fleeing to Portugal during the Nazi occupation, she returned to central Europe to study philosophy with Karl Jaspers in Switzerland during the 1950s. She also studied philosophy and international economics at the University of London. In addition to an academic career teaching at the University of Surrey in England and Carleton University in Canada, she served as a consultant to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and founded the Troeller Institute for Global Studies. Much of her later academic and professional work was based in Mexico and Latin America. Troeller was married to filmmaker and journalist Gordian Troeller, with whom she had two children. Through her studies and activities in post-war Europe, she had connections with philosophers and intellectuals including AndrΓ© Malraux, Jean-Paul Sartre, Karl Jaspers, Martin Heidegger, Karl Popper, Gabriel Marcel, and Suzanne Chantal.

Acquisition information:
This collection was given by Ruth R. Troeller to Stanford University, Special Collections in April 2009. Additional material was received in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2017.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in six series:

  • I. Diaries and Appointment Books
  • II. Writing
  • III. Professional Projects
  • IV. Academia
  • V. Personal Papers
  • VI. Audio Material

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. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. Audiovisual materials are not available in original format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.

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], Ruth R. Troeller diaries and papers (M1673). 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