This collection contains the papers of Wallace Stevens (1879-1955), one of the foremost American poets of the first half of the 20th century. The collection is comprised primarily of letters written to Stevens, his carbon copy replies, and autograph manuscripts and poems. The crux of the collection is the correspondence between Stevens and his family, scholars, poets, editors, business associates, and friends, and much of it deals with Stevens' poetry. Also included is an extensive collection of genealogical material, in the form of letters, documents, typescripts, and photographs.

Wallace Stevens (1879-1955) was one of the foremost American poets of the first half of the 20th century. Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Stevens retained an interest during his lifetime in his native Berks County, Pennsylvania. His wife, Elsie Viola (Moll) Stevens, came from Reading, and both Stevens and his wife devoted considerable time and energy tracing their family ancestries (primarily in the 1940s).

approximately 6,815 items in 86 boxes, 6 loose volumes, 2 oversize folders, and 1 rolled item

The Huntington Library holds the literary rights for materials acquired in the original 1974 purchase from Holly Stevens. Stevens retained the literary rights for items acquired by the Library later in 1975 consisting of WAS 2325, WAS 2326, WAS 2329, WAS 2330, WAS 3850-3859, WAS 3861-3865, WAS 3868-3870, WAS 3872, WAS 3874, WAS 3876-3878, WAS 3880, WAS 3882-3889, WAS 3891-3896, WAS 3898-3902, WAS 3904-3913, WAS 3915-3944, and WAS 3963. Upon the death of Holly Stevens, the rights passed to her son, Peter Hanchak. Please contact the Huntington’s Curator of Literary Manuscripts with any questions.

The collection is open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, please visit the Huntington's website: www.huntington.org.