Collection Guide
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Inventory of the Thornton N. Wilder Papers
Collection 040
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Table of contents
Title: Thornton N. Wilder papers,
Date (inclusive): 1959-1973
Collection number: Collection 040
Creator:
Wilder, Thornton, 1897-1975
Extent:
1 archival document box
.2 linear feet
Repository:
Loyola Marymount University. William H.Hannon Library. Department of Archives and Special Collections.
Los Angeles, California 90045-2659
Abstract: The papers consist of correspondence (letters and postcards) from Thornton Wilder to his friend, Everett W. Gibbs.
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.
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
Collection is open to research under the terms of use of the Department of Archives and Special Collections, Loyola Marymount
University.
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.
Thornton N. Wilder papers, Collection 040, Department of Archives and Special Collections, William H. Hannon Library, Loyola
Marymount University.
Donation of Everett W. Gibbs (Loyola University, Class of 1950), 1992.
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
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.
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).
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.
Wilder, Thornton, 1897-1975--Correspondence
Gibbs, Everett W.--Correspondence
Authors, American--20th Century