Description
This collection comprises book manuscripts, articles, seminars, lectures, correspondence and other writings documenting the
professional life of literary theorist Murray Krieger. The bulk and strength of the collection consists of drafts of Krieger's
numerous publications (particularly thirteen monographs), student papers written for Allen Tate, and his correspondence with
noted scholars, ranging from New Critics such as John Crowe Ransom to a veritable "who's who" of literary theory and criticism
during the latter half of the 20th century. Correspondents include authors such as Vance Bourjaily, playwrights such as Barry
Stavis, and debates with James T. Farrell. In addition to his writings and literary correspondence, items such as audio recordings,
administrative files, financial records, and other materials provide documentation of Krieger's professional and university-related
activities, including his founding of the School of Criticism and Theory at the University of California, Irvine (1975) and
of the UC Humanities Research Institute (1987), also based at UCI.
Background
Murray Krieger was born in Newark, New Jersey on November 23, 1923 and died in Laguna Beach, California on August 5, 2000.
His older brother was Leonard Krieger, who became one of the leading intellectual historians in the United States. Krieger
attended local high schools, and his undergraduate work at Rutgers University was interrupted by service in the armed forces
in World War II, including a stint in India.
Extent
48.85 Linear Feet
(87 document boxes, 4 records cartons, 1 half document box, 9 oversize folders, 17 audiocassettes, and 1 VHS tape) and 21.5
unprocessed linear feet
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the University of California. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and
their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.
Availability
Collection is open for research. Access to files containing information on University of California personnel matters is restricted
for 50 years from the latest date of the materials in those files. Access to student record material is restricted for 75
years from the latest date of the materials in those files. Restrictions are noted at the file level.