Wilder (Thornton N.) Papers, 1959-1973

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Summary

Title:
Thornton N. Wilder papers,
Dates:
1959-1973
Creators:
Wilder, Thornton, 1897-1975
Abstract:
The papers consist of correspondence (letters and postcards) from Thornton Wilder to his friend, Everett W. Gibbs.
Extent:
1 archival document box .2 linear feet
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English
Preferred citation:

Thornton N. Wilder papers, Collection 040, Department of Archives and Special Collections, William H. Hannon Library, Loyola Marymount University.

Background

Scope and content:

The papers consist of correspondence from Thornton Wilder to his friend, Everett W. Gibbs (Loyola University, class of 1950). The letters and postcards of the collection, thirty-nine items in all, contain friendly criticism of Gibbs' writing, advice on his writing career, reflections on literature and the art of writing, and general news on various subjects. All of the correspondence is incoming from Wilder to Gibbs, except for the items in folder 4, a letter of recommendation for Gibbs from the director of Fullerton Junior College, and in folder 11, a change of address postcard from Isabel Wilder to Gibbs.

Biographical / historical:

Thornton Wilder (1897-1975) was a noted American playwright and novelist. His plays include Our Town (1938), The Skin of Our Teeth (1942), and The Matchmaker (1954)--later adapted to film as "Hello, Dolly!". His novels include The Cabala (1926), The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1927), The Ides of March (1948), The Eighth Day (1967), and others. In his work, Wilder sought out universal values regardless of the place or time of the setting. As a playwright he was very innovative, discarding props and scenery and making his characters address the audience directly.

Acquisition information:
Donation of Everett W. Gibbs (Loyola University, Class of 1950), 1992.
Arrangement:

The thirty-nine items of correspondence in this collection are arranged chronologically, from the oldest piece of correspondence (October 15, 1953) to the most recent (September 24, 1973).

Physical location:
Collection stored offsite. Research use requires both an advance notice of intent to use the collection and an appointment. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Department of Archives and Special Collection, William H. Hannon Library, Loyola Marymount University: 310-338-2780, 310-338-5357.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Authors, American--20th Century

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Processed by Errol Stevens.
Date Prepared:
© 2004
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid created by Clay Stalls. Date of source: 2001.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open to research under the terms of use of the Department of Archives and Special Collections, Loyola Marymount University.

Terms of access:

Materials in the Department of Archives and Special Collections may be subject to copyright. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, Loyola Marymount University does not claim ownership of the copyright of any materials in its collections. The user or publisher must secure permission to publish from the copyright owner. Loyola Marymount University does not assume any responsibility for infringement of copyright or of publication rights held by the original author or artists or his/her heirs, assigns, or executors.

Preferred citation:

Thornton N. Wilder papers, Collection 040, Department of Archives and Special Collections, William H. Hannon Library, Loyola Marymount University.

Location of this collection:
1 LMU Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90045-2659, US
Contact:
(310) 338-5710
Special.Collections@lmu.edu
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