James White papers

Finding aid prepared by Melissa Huntington.

Special Collections & University Archives

The UCR Library

P.O. Box 5900

University of California

Riverside, California 92517-5900

Phone: 951-827-3233

Fax: 951-827-4673

Email: specialcollections@ucr.edu

URL: http://library.ucr.edu/libraries/special-collections-university-archives

Descriptive Summary

Title: James White papers

Date (inclusive): 1961-1992, undated

Date (bulk): 1965-1983

Collection Number: MS 208

Creator: White, James, 1928-1999

Extent: 4.58 linear feet (11 boxes)

Repository: Rivera Library. Special Collections Department.

Riverside, CA 92517-5900

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 Primarily includes manuscripts of White's published and unpublished works (many contain hand annotations).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.

Languages: The collection is in English.

Access

This collection is open for research.

Publication Rights

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.

Acquisition Information

Gift of James White, 1992.

Processing History

Processed by Melissa Huntington, 2010.

Biographical Note

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.

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.

Collection Scope and Contents

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.

Collection 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

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

Subjects

Science fiction

Science fiction -- Authorship

Genres and Forms of Materials

Galley proofs

Notes

Typescripts

Series 1. Published works 1961-1992, undated

Series Scope and Contents

This series is comprised of typescripts, galley proofs, and other material regarding the published works of James White. Includes material pertaining to the Sector General book series, compilations, novels, and short stories.

The item level descriptions were created, in part, by utilizing online resources to provide additional information on publications.

Series Arrangement

This series is arranged into four sub-series as follows:

Sub-Series 1.1. Book series, 1965-1983, undated
Sub-Series 1.2. Compilations, 1988, undated
Sub-Series 1.3. Novels, undated
Sub-Series 1.4. Short stories, 1961-1992, undated

Sub-Series 1.1. Book series 1965-1983, undated

Sub-Series Scope and Contents

This sub-series is comprised of typescripts and notes regarding the Sector General book series by James White.

Sub-Series Arrangement

This sub-series is arranged sequentially according to box and folder number.

Box 1, Folder 1

Typescript of Sector General; pages 1-273, small printed biography (page 275), and publishers mockup of biographical information (hand annotated) undated

Box 2, Folder 3

Notes for Sector General, referred to here as "SGB" (hand annotated) undated

Box 2, Folder 4

Notes for Genocidal Healer (hand annotated) undated

Box 2, Folder 4

Typescript of The Genocidal Healer; approximately 85,000 words, pages out of sequence (hand annotated) undated

Box 4, Folder 1

Typescript of Field Hospital; approximately 55,250 words undated

Box 4, Folder 2

Typescript of Star Healer; formerly known as Diagnostician , approximately 75,500 words undated

Box 4, Folder 3

Notes for Star Healer (handwritten) undated

Box 4, Folder 3

Typescript of Star Healer; first draft, approximately 80,620 words (hand annotated) 1982-1983

Box 5, Folder 3

Typescript of Ambulance Ship; approximately 75,000 words, contained in printer's wrapper (hand annotated) undated

Box 6, Folder 5

Typescript of Sector General; includes table of contents and story list (hand annotated) undated

Box 8, Folder 1

Typescript of Sector General; approximately 17,000 words, 69 pages (hand annotated) undated

Box 9, Folder 1

Typescript of O'Mara's Orphan (aka "Medic" as it appears on cover page); approximately 14,000 words, pages 1-57 (hand annotated) undated

Box 9, Folder 2

Typescript of Outpatient; approximately 18,000 words, pages 1-73 undated

Box 9, Folder 3

Typescript of Visitor at Large; approximately 16,000 words, pages 165 undated

Box 9, Folder 5

Typescript of Trouble with Emily; approximately 12,000 words, pages 1-49 undated

Box 9, Folder 15

Typescript of Resident Physician; approximately 10,500 words, pages 1-43 undated

Box 9, Folder 19

Typescript of Invader; with revised pages (hand annotated) 1965

Box 10, Folder 1

Typescript of Blood Brother; pages 1-65 (hand annotated) undated

Box 11, Folder 5

Typescript of Final Diagnosis; approximately 92,000 words, 367 pages (hand annotated) undated

Sub-Series 1.2. Compilations 1988, undated

Sub-Series Scope and Contents

This sub-series is comprised of typescripts, galley proofs, and other material regarding compilations of the literary works of James White. Includes material pertaining to the following compilations: Deadly Litter, The Aliens Among Us, Monsters and Medics, Federation World, and The White Papers.

Sub-Series Arrangement

This sub-series is arranged sequentially according to box and folder number.

Box 2, Folder 1

Typescript of "The Answer"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World, first draft, pages 1-56 (hand annotated) undated

Box 2, Folder 1

Typescript of "The Answer"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World, pages 351-360 (hand annotated) undated

Box 2, Folder 2

Typescript of "The Answer"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World, approximately 58 pages, 600 words (hand annotated) undated

Box 5, Folder 1

Galley proof of "The Scourge"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World, printed on newsprint, includes illustration (hand annotated) undated

Box 5, Folder 2

Typescript of "The Scourge"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World, approximately 20,000 words (hand annotated) undated

Box 5, Folder 4

Typescript of "Federation World"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World, approximately 8,500 words, 28 pages undated

Box 5, Folder 5

Progress sheet, story notes, cover page, and synopsis for "Federation World"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World (hand annotated) undated

Box 5, Folder 5

Typescript of "Federation World" with requested revisions and linking material; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World, approximately 5,000 additional words (hand annotated) undated

Box 5, Folder 5

Typescript of "Federation World"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World (hand annotated) undated

Box 5, Folder 6

Galley proof of "Federation World"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World, printed on newsprint (hand annotated) undated

Box 5, Folder 7

Galley proof of "Federation World"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World, publishers due date on cover page (photocopy) undated

Box 5, Folder 8

Progress sheet (double sided) for "The Answer"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World undated

Box 6, Folder 1

Typescript of "Something of Value"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World, approximately 6,000 words, publishers mailing envelope included (hand annotated) undated

Box 6, Folder 2

Typescript of "Something of Value"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World, and story notes (hand annotated) undated

Box 6, Folder 4

Typescript of "The Scourge"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World, approximately 20,000 words (hand annotated) undated

Box 6, Folder 4

Typescript of "The Scourge"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World, approximately 28,500 words (hand annotated) undated

Box 6, Folder 4

Envelope for 'The Scourge"; story contained in compilation entitled Federation World (hand annotated) 1988

Box 7, Folder 1

Typescript of "Sanctuary"; story contained in compilation entitled The White Papers, progress sheet, approximately 12,000 words, possible first draft, pages 1-47 (hand annotated) undated

Box 7, Folder 1

Typescript of "Sanctuary"; story contained in compilation entitled The White Papers, possible second draft, pages 1-104 (hand annotated) undated

Box 7, Folder 1

Story notes for "Sanctuary"; story contained in compilation entitled The White Papers; includes original envelope (hand annotated) undated

Box 7, Folder 2

Typescript of "Sanctuary"; story contained in compilation entitled The White Papers, approximately 12,000 words, pages 1-47 (hand annotated) undated

Box 8, Folder 3

Typescript of "The Scavengers"; story contained in compilation entitled The Aliens Among Us, approximately 9,500 words, 39 pages undated

Box 8, Folder 7

Typescript of "Curtain Call"; story contained in compilation entitled Futures Past, approximately 4,000 words, pages 1-18 undated

Box 8, Folder 10

Typescript of "The Conspirators"; story contained in compilation entitled The Aliens Among Us, approximately 11,000 words, pages 1-50 undated

Box 8, Folder 11

Typescript of "Outrider"; story contained in compilation entitled Futures Past, approximately 11,500 words, pages 1-52 undated

Box 8, Folder 12

Typescript of "Boarding Party"; story contained in compilation entitled Futures Past, approximately 10,500 words, pages 1-47 undated

Box 8, Folder 13

Typescript of "Question of Cruelty"; story contained in compilation entitled Futures Past, approximately 5,250 words, pages 1-24 undated

Box 8, Folder 14

Typescript of "Red Alert"; story contained in compilation entitled The Aliens Among Us, approximately 12,000 words, pages 1-57 (hand annotated) undated

Box 8, Folder 17

Typescript of "Patrol"; story contained in compilation entitled Futures Past, approximately 10,000 words, pages 1-41 undated

Box 8, Folder 18

Typescript of "The Lights Outside the Window"; story contained in compilation entitled Deadly Litter, approximately 11,500 words, pages 1-47 undated

Box 8, Folder 19

Typescript of "Tableau"; story contained in compilation entitled The Aliens Among Us, approximately 10,000 words, pages 1-41 undated

Box 8, Folder 20

Typescript of ">False Alarm"; story contained in compilation entitled Futures Past, approximately 8,000 words, 33 pages undated

Box 8, Folder 21

Typescript of "To Kill or Cure", formerly known as "Wreck"; story contained in compilation entitled The Aliens Among Us, approximately 11,000 words, pages 1-45 (hand annotated) undated

Box 9, Folder 4

Typescript of "The Ideal Captain"; story contained in compilation entitled Deadly Litter, approximately 18,000 words, pages 1-76 (hand annotated) undated

Box 9, Folder 6

Typescript of "Occupation: Warrior"; story contained in compilation entitled The Aliens Among Us, revision pages (hand annotated) undated

Box 9, Folder 7

Typescript of "Dogfight"; story contained in compilation entitled Monsters and Medics, approximately 9,500 words, pages 1-39 undated

Box 9, Folder 9

Typescript of "Grapeliner"; story contained in compilation entitled Deadly Litter, approximately 15,000 words, pages1-61 undated

Box 9, Folder 10

Typescript of "Deadly Litter"; story contained in compilation entitled Deadly Litter, approximately 17,250 words, pages 1-70 (hand annotated) undated

Box 9, Folder 11

Typescript of "The Apprentice"; story contained in compilation entitled Monsters and Medics, approximately 14,250 words, pages 1-59 undated

Box 9, Folder 12

Typescript of "Countercharm"; story contained in compilation entitled The Aliens Among Us, approximately 7,500 words, pages 1-31 undated

Box 9, Folder 13

Typescript of "In Loving Memory"; story contained in compilation entitled Monsters and Medics, approximately 5,500 words, pages 1-14 (hand annotated) undated

Box 9, Folder 14

Typescript of "Christmas Treason"; story contained in compilation entitled The White Papers, approximately 9,000 words, pages 1-37 undated

Box 9, Folder 17

Typescript of "Fast Trip"; story contained in compilation entitled Futures Past, approximately 16,500 words, pages 1-70 (hand annotations) undated

Box 9, Folder 20

Typescript of "Assisted Passage"; story contained in compilation entitled Futures Past, approximately 8,000 words, pages 1-34 undated

Box 10, Folder 3

Typescript of "Spacebird"; story contained in compilation entitled Futures Past, 9,500 words, pages 1-39 undated

Box 10, Folder 4

Typescript of "Commuter"; story contained in compilation entitled The White Papers, approximately 7,250 words, pages 1-30 undated

Box 11, Folder 1

Typescript of "Reality in Science Fiction"; story contained in compilation entitled Monsters and Medics, approximately 3,000 words, pages 1-12 undated

Box 11, Folder 2

Typescript of "Nuisance Value"; story contained in compilation entitled Monsters and Medics, approximately 8,000 words, pages 1-37 undated

Box 11, Folder 4

Typescript of "Answer Came There None"; story contained in compilation entitled Monsters and Medics, approximately 7,500 words, pages 1-32 undated

Sub-Series 1.3. Novels undated

Sub-Series Scope and Contents

This sub-series is comprised of typescripts and other material regarding the novels of James White that are not part of the Sector General book series. Includes novels on medical themes ( Second Ending and Dark Inferno), human survival ( The Watch Below), prisoner-of-war camps ( Open Prison), and exploration ( The Dream Millennium).

Sub-Series Arrangement

This sub-series is arranged sequentially according to box and folder number.

Box 1, Folder 5

Story outline for Dark Inferno; pages 1-10 with writer's hand drawn illustrations undated

Box 1, Folder 5

Story notes for Dark Inferno (hand annotated) undated

Box 1, Folder 6

Typescript of page insert for chapter one of Dark Inferno undated

Box 1, Folder 6

Typescript of Dark Inferno; approximately 65,200 words undated

Box 1, Folder 7

Typescript of Dark Inferno; first draft, approximately 70,440 words (hand annotated) undated

Box 3, Folder 1

Typescript of The Silent Stars Go By; first attempt, 202 pages, formerly known as The Flight of the Aisling Gheal (hand annotated) undated

Box 3, Folder 3

Typescript of The Silent Stars Go By; first draft (Part A), pages 1-410 (hand annotated) undated

Box 3, Folder 4

Typescript of The Silent Stars Go By; first draft (Part B), pages 411-811(hand annotated) undated

Box 7, Folder 5

Typescript of The Dream Millennium; approximately 79,000 words, 325 pages undated

Box 7, Folder 6

Typescript of The Dream Millennium; first draft, approximately 86,780 words, 350 pages (hand annotated) undated

Box 7, Folder 6

Story notes for The Dream Millennium (hand annotated) undated

Box 10, Folder 5

Typescript of All Judgment Fled; approximately 64,500 words, pages 1-214 (hand annotated) undated

Box 10, Folder 6

Synopsis of All Judgment Fled; Part 1, pages 1-13 undated

Box 10, Folder 7

Typescript of Tomorrow Is Too Far; approximately 65,000 words, pages 1-273 (hand annotated) undated

Box 10, Folder 8

Typescript of Open Prison; Part 1-3, approximately 58,000 words (hand annotated) undated

Box 10, Folder 9

Typescript of The Watch Below; approximately 65,500 words, pages 1-277 undated

Sub-Series 1.4. Short stories 1961-1992, undated

Sub-Series Scope and Contents

This sub-series is comprised of typescripts and other material regarding the short stories of James White that are not included as part of compilations. Includes stories pertaining to Ireland's history ("Crossfire"), medical themes ("The High Road"), and man vs. machine ("Type 'Genie' and Run").

Sub-Series Arrangement

This sub-series is arranged sequentially according to box and folder number.

Box 1, Folder 3

Short story "Second Ending" (Part 1) from Fantastic Stories of Imagination; original envelope included (volume 10, number 6) 1961

Box 1, Folder 3

Short story "Second Ending" (Part 2) from Fantastic Stories of Imagination; original envelope included (volume 10, number 7) 1961

Box 7, Folder 3

Typescript of "Type 'Genie' and Run"; approximately 5,000 words, 21 pages (hand annotated) undated

Box 7, Folder 3

Notes for "Type 'Genie' and Run" (hand annotated) undated

Box 8, Folder 2

Typescript of "Crossfire"; approximately 8,000 words, 33 pages undated

Box 8, Folder 4

Typescript of "Starvation Orbit"; approximately 11,500 words, 48 pages (hand annotated) undated

Box 8, Folder 5

Typescript of "Suicide Mission"; approximately 10,500 words, 44 pages undated

Box 8, Folder 6

Typescript of "Dark Talisman"; approximately 6,500 words, pages 1-29 undated

Box 8, Folder 8

Typescript of "Pushover Planet"; approximately 9,250 words, pages 1-39 (hand annotated) undated

Box 8, Folder 9

Typescript of "The Star Walk"; approximately 18,500 words, pages 1-81 undated

Box 8, Folder 16

Typescript of "Tourist Planet", a revision and rewrite of "Ace"; approximately 50,750 words undated

Box 9, Folder 8

Typescript of "The High Road"; approximately 12,500 words, pages 1-51 undated

Series 2. Unpublished works and other material 1989, undated

Series Scope and Contents

This series is comprised of typescripts and other material regarding the unpublished works of James White. Includes a treatment for a radio adaptation of Hospital Station and the novella entitled "The Silence" as well as correspondence to White.

Series Arrangement

This series is arranged sequentially according to box and folder number.

Box 1, Folder 2

Typescript of "The Silence" novella; approximately 20,000 words (hand annotated) undated

Box 1, Folder 4

Biography for "Galaxy of Stars"; pages 1-3 undated

Box 2, Folder 5

Typescript of "Sector General Under Narco-Synthesis"; approximately 750 words undated

Box 3, Folder 2

Correspondence to James White and his wife (from Bob and Sadie), Christmas letter with mailing envelope 1989

Box 6, Folder 3

Typescript of "Process of Elimination" (hand annotated) undated

Box 6, Folder 3

Typescript of revisions for "Process of Elimination" (hand annotated) undated

Box 7, Folder 4

Typescript of "Dynasty of One"; approximately 2,550 words, pages 1-12 undated

Box 8, Folder 15

Typescript of "Tourist Class"; Chapter 8, pages 74-235 (hand annotated) undated

Box 8, Folder 22

Typescript of "The Interpreters"; approximately 4,000 words, pages 1-14, mailing envelope included (hand annotated) undated

Box 9, Folder 18

Editorial entitled "The Oppressed Minority"; unknown magazine, approximately 2,000 words, pages 1-8 undated

Box 10, Folder 2

Treatment for a radio adaptation of Hospital Station; pages 1-15 undated

Box 11, Folder 3

Typescript of "Dress Formal"; approximately 9,750 words, pages 1-41 undated