Hanser (Richard) papers, 1937-1981

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Summary

Title:
Richard Hanser papers
Dates:
1937-1981
Creators:
Hanser, Richard
Abstract:
Television scripts, other writings, correspondence, notes, printed matter and other research materials relating to a wide variety of episodes in American and world history, including the 1923 putsch by Adolf Hitler, anti-Nazi resistance by students at the Universität München during World War II, and the role of humor in politics.
Extent:
38 manuscript boxes, 4 card file boxes (17.5 Linear Feet)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Richard Hanser papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Background

Scope and content:

The Richard Hanser papers include biographical material, and research, production, and publicity material for the NBC television series Victory at Sea, Project XX, and Wisdom.

Documentation of the Project XX program is complete and includes scripts and drafts, correspondence, press releases, reviews, and other production information for 24 episodes. Victory at Sea is represented by narrations for all 26 episodes, a script for a motion picture version of the series (United Arts, 1954), and material pertaining to a book by Hanser and producer Henry J. Salomon, Jr. Also included are notes, scripts, and promotional material pertaining to five programs of the Wisdom series.

In addition to these major works, the collection contains a wide variety of notes from various research projects conducted by Hanser, ranging from Hitler and his colleagues to alcoholism in Russia during the 1970s. These research materials are comprised of Hanser's handwritten notes, newspaper clippings, photocopies, and other manuscripts.

Biographical / historical:

Richard Hanser (1909-1981) was an award-winning historical novelist and writer of television documentary series. A native of Buffalo, New York, Hanser was a descendant of three generations of clergymen. He prepared for the Protestant ministry at Concordia Lutheran Collegiate Institute in Bronxville, New York, before turning to journalism.

Hanser worked for The Buffalo Times, The Cleveland Press, and subsequently served as editor for Fawcett Publications. During the war, he served in the Office of War Information and created broadcasts for the office's psychological warfare department. Hanser joined the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) after World War II and co-wrote Victory at Sea, a naval history of the war, with television producer Henry Salomon.

The program, which was accompanied by the music of Richard Rodgers, won the George Foster Peabody Award and many other honors. Hanser also was the chief writer for NBC's Project XX series. His scripts included "Meet Mr. Lincoln," which won the Robert E. Sherwood Award; "Life in the Thirties"; "He is Risen"; and "Mark Twain's America," which won the Writers Guild of America Award.

Hanser's most noteworthy books include A Noble Treason: The Revolt of the Munich Students Against Hitler and Putsch: How Hitler Made Revolution.

Acquisition information:
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library Archives in 1986.
Physical location:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Josh Giglio and Jack Shumway
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2024-10-30 15:03:14.162278

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research; 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.

Terms of access:

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

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Richard Hanser papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Location of this collection:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives, Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003, US
Contact:
(650) 723-3563
hooverarchives@stanford.edu
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