Robert Littell papers , 1901-1963

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Littell, Robert, 1896-1963
Title
Robert Littell papers
Dates
1901-1963 (inclusive)
Quantity
6.5 linear feet, (7 containers)  :  4 record storage boxes, 1 manuscript box, 2 oversize flat boxes
Collection Number
Ax 400
Summary
Robert Littell (1896-1963) was a writer, editor and drama critic for major US magazines and newspapers. The collection contains correspondence, manuscripts, articles, books, and scrapbooks.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Additional Reference Guides

Paper finding aid with additional information is available in Special Collections & University Archives.

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for production of this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Robert Littell (1896-1963) was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and educated at Harvard University. From 1922 to 1927 he was associate editor of the New Republic, and from 1927 to 1931 he worked as a drama critic for New York newspapers. From 1942 to 1961 he was associate, then senior editor of Reader's Digest.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection contains correspondence, manuscripts, articles, books, and scrapbooks.

Correspondence is organized by subject and includes personal family letters from Robert Littell to his father, Philip Littell, and other family members (1909-1961), written from Harvard, with the Ambulance Corps, with the American Shipping Mission, with the American Commission to Negotiate Peace, with the American Relief Administration, with the Interchurch World Movement investigation of the steel strike in Pittsburgh, as associate editor of New Republic, and as associate and senior editor of Reader's Digest in Europe.

Also alvailable are letters of Anita Blaine Littell (Robert's wife) written from Europe to the Damrosch and Littell families (1949-1963), letters from Philip Littell to Robert and Anita Littell (1936-1940), letters from Mrs. Philip Littell (1933-1949), and letters to Robert Littell concerning the death of his father (1943).

Manuscripts are organized by title of work and may include outlines, drafts, editor and publisher correspondence, research, notes, revisions, and corrections.

The collection also contains books and other publications.

The scrapbooks contain manuscripts, correspondence, and published pieces of Littell's work.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Authors, American--20th century
  • Editors--United States
  • Editors--United States--Correspondence
  • Journalism--United States--History--20th century
  • Theater critics--United States
  • Theater--New York (State)--New York--History--20th century

Personal Names

  • Littell, Robert, 1896-1963

Family Names

  • Little family

Form or Genre Terms

  • Correspondence
  • Manuscripts for publication
  • Scrapbooks