Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Johnson, Donald B. (Donald Barton), 1933-
- Abstract:
- The Donald Barton Johnson papers are comprised of the research, correspondence, and works of literary criticism (especially related to Sasha Sokolov and Vladimir Nabokov) compiled by Professor Emeritus Donald Barton Johnson throughout his career as professor of Russian and Slavic Studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Materials include correspondence, notes, sketches, drawings, magazine article layouts, biographical materials, early manuscripts, and dissertations in both Russian and English.
- Extent:
- 16 linear feet (16 cartons, 1 shoe box, 6 audiocassettes)
- Language:
- Multiple languages and The collection is in English and Russian.
- Preferred citation:
-
[Identification of Item], Donald Barton Johnson papers, UArch FacP 60. Department of Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The Donald Barton Johnson papers are comprised of the research, correspondence, and works of literary criticism (especially related to Sasha Sokolkov and Vladimir Nabokov) compiled by Professor Emeritus Donald Barton Johnson throughout his career as professor of Russian and Slavic Studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Materials include correspondence, notes, sketches, drawings, magazine articles, newspaper clippings, biographical materials, early manuscripts, press junkets, note cards, literary criticisms, and dissertations in both Russian and English.
The bulk of these papers range in date from the early 1970s through the 1990s and into the first decade of the 21st century. Materials include correspondence with Vera Nabokov, wife of Vladimir Nabokov. In addition to Johnson's own papers on Nabokov are the works of other scholars--who would often contact him for revisions and editorial notes on their own research. This collection houses a wealth of materials and primary sources for those wishing to further their research on Nabokov studies.
Rivaling the materials amassed by Johnson on Vladimir Nabokov are the papers, research, and correspondence with 20th century Russian novelist Sasha Sokolov, an important figure in Russian literature. Considered to be experimental and groundbreaking, Sokolov became recognized in the mid 1970s for his first novel, A School for Fools. The papers include letters, notes, early manuscripts of Sokolov's works, biographical documents, audio interviews and recorded lectures, dissertations, and clippings pertaining to Sokolov.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Donald Barton Johnson, Professor Emeritus in Russian and Slavic Studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara became renowned throughout academia for his seminal research on Russian authors Vladimir Nabokov and Sasha Sokolov. In his studies he was known to continually find new interpretations and welcome the insights of others linking this specific literary community on a global level. Author of several books and numerous articles on the lives and creative works of these figures, Johnson was a leader in the field of Nabokov studies, serving twice as the president of the International Vladimir Nabokov Society. He was also the creator of NABOKOV-L, an electronic Nabokov discussion forum based out of UCSB which he launched in 1993, the same year he founded the annual print journal Nabokov Studies. In addition to his Nabokov studies, Johnson was influential in his research on Sokolov, and compiled many biographical materials and conducted interviews with the author.
- Acquisition information:
- Gift of Donald Barton Johnson, 2016.
- Arrangement:
-
The collections consists of two series. Series 1. Subject files, and Series 2. Audio files. Both series have been arranged alphabetically by original file or audio title.
- Physical location:
- A portion of the collection is located at the Southern Regional Library Facility (SRLF).
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The collection is open for research. A portion of the collection is stored offsite. Advance notice is required for retrieval.
- Terms of access:
-
Copyright has not been assigned to the Department of Special Research Collections, UCSB. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Research Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Department of Special Research Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained.
- Preferred citation:
-
[Identification of Item], Donald Barton Johnson papers, UArch FacP 60. Department of Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.
- Location of this collection:
-
UC Santa Barbara LibrarySanta Barbara, CA 93106-9010, US
- Contact:
- (805) 893-3062