Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- White, James, 1928-1999
- 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 Primarily includes manuscripts of White's published and unpublished works (many contain hand annotations).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.
- Extent:
- 4.58 linear feet (11 boxes)
- Language:
- The collection is in English .
- Preferred citation:
-
[identification of item], [date if possible]. James White papers (MS 208). Special Collections & University Archives, University of California, Riverside.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
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 Primarily includes manuscripts of White's published and unpublished works (many contain hand annotations).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.
- Biographical / historical:
-
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.
Date Event 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. - Acquisition information:
- Gift of James White, 1992.
- Processing information:
-
Processed by Melissa Huntington, 2010.
- Arrangement:
-
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
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is open for research.
- Terms of access:
-
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.
- Preferred citation:
-
[identification of item], [date if possible]. James White papers (MS 208). Special Collections & University Archives, University of California, Riverside.
- Location of this collection:
-
University of California, Riverside - Special Collections and University ArchivesP.O. Box 5900Riverside, CA 92517-5900, US
- Contact:
- (951) 827-3233