Overview of the John P. C. Matthews papers

Finding aid prepared by Hoover Institution Library and Archives Staff

Hoover Institution Library and Archives

434 Galvez Mall

Stanford University

Stanford, CA 94305-6003

hoover-library-archives@stanford.edu

URL: http://www.hoover.org/library-and-archives

Title: John P. C. Matthews papers

Date (inclusive): 1953-2009

Collection Number: 2015C40

Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives

Language of Material: English

Physical Description: 49 manuscript boxes (19.6 Linear Feet)

Abstract: Writings, correspondence, notes, memoranda, radio scripts, and printed matter relating to Radio Free Europe broadcasting to Eastern Europe, conditions in Eastern Europe and especially in Hungary, and the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Includes research materials used for the books by John P. C. Matthews, Tinderbox: East-Central Europe in the Spring, Summer, and Early Fall of 1956 (Tucson, 2003) and Explosion: The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 (New York, 2007).

Creator: Matthews, John P. C.

Physical Location: Hoover Institution Library & Archives

Access

Boxes 6, 8-13, 18 and 24 may not be used without permission of the Archivist. The remainder of the collection is open for rresearch; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.

Use

For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Acquisition Information

Materials were acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 2015.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], John P. C. Matthews papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Biographical Note

An American journalist and author, Matthews was born in Princeton, New Jersey and joined Radio Free Europe in August 1951 as a writer and editor, serving through 1959. He eventually became heavily involved with RFE's leaflet and book campaigns, in particular during the Hungarian revolution in 1956. The papers, totaling 14 boxes, consist of correspondence, writing, and other materials relating to his time with RFE.

Scope and Content of Collection

Writings, correspondence, notes, memoranda, radio scripts, and printed matter relating to Radio Free Europe broadcasting to Eastern Europe, conditions in Eastern Europe and especially in Hungary, and the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Includes research materials used for the books by John P. C. Matthews, Tinderbox: East-Central Europe in the Spring, Summer, and Early Fall of 1956 (Tucson, 2003) and Explosion: The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 (New York, 2007).

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Hungary -- History -- Revolution, 1956

Radio broadcasting -- Europe, Eastern

Europe, Eastern -- Politics and government -- 1945-1989

Radio Free Europe