Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Esther Brann papers , 1924-1960
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Brann, Esther
- Title
- Esther Brann papers
- Dates
- 1924-1960 (inclusive)19241960
- Quantity
- 18.75 linear feet, (20 containers ) : 9 manuscript boxes, 1 half manuscript box, and 10 flat boxes
- Collection Number
- Ax 432
- Summary
- Esther Brann (1899-1998) was an author and illustrator of books for children. The collection includes eight manuscripts, two published works, and a series of correspondence relating to Brann's interest in subjects such as her own child and young relatives, and her family's dog.
- 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
-
See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.
- Languages
- English
- Sponsor
- Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Historical NoteReturn to Top
Esther Brann was born in New York City on July 21, 1899. She was educated at the Art Students' League, Cooper Union, the National Academy of Design, and the Fontainebleau School of Fine Arts in France. After completing her studies she returned to New York, and, experiencing difficulty in finding work as an illustrator, she decided to write and illustrate her own books.
Her first book was Nanette of the Wooden Shoes, published by Macmillan in 1922. This work was followed by A Quebec Sketchbook (1926), Lupe Goes to School (1930), Nicolina (1931), Yann and His Island (1932), Bobbie and Donnie Were Twins (1933), based on her twin nephews who actually were called Bobbie and Donnie; Around the World With Esther Brann (1935), Another New Year With Bobbie and Donnie (1936), Patrick Was His Name (1938), concerning her family's dog; Patrick Goes A-Hunting (1940), Five Puppies for Sale (1948); and Book for Baby, inspired by her son.
She also illustrated Edna Albert's Little Pilgrim to Penn's Woods and The Shawl with the Yellow Bells, as well as Mary Jane Carr's Children of the Covered Wagon.
Brann married Dr. Richard Schorr, with whom she had a son, Alan Richard. Richard Schorr enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and served for three years as Commander and Lieutenant Commander. He was stationed in Guam for thirteen months, and afterwards posted to Pensacola, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; Yonkers, New York; and Hayward, Camp Parks, and Long Beach, California. Brann and their son traveled with him, finally settling in Los Angeles, California.
Brann was named one of ten national award winners for her children's books. As well as writing and illustrating, she enjoyed sculpting and jewelry making.
Esther Brann Schorr died on January 3, 1998 in Ventura, California.
Sources:
Ward, Martha E. and Dorothy A. Marquardt. Authors of Books for Young People (Metuchen, N.J: Scarecrow Press) 1971
The H.W. Wilson Company, Junior Book of Authors, 2nd ed.; Junior Authors Electronic (1951), updated 1999.)
Ventura County Star. January 9, 1998.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The Esther Brann Papers include eight book manuscripts of various versions, some with galley proofs, illustrations, or miscellaneous fragments: Another New Year With Bobbie and Donnie, Five Puppies for Sale, Nanette Goes for the Bread, Nannette of the Wooden Shoes, Nicolina, Patrick Goes A-Hunting, A Quebec Sketchbook, and Yann and His Island. Two published works include Nicolina and Patrick Was His Name.
The correspondence includes seventy-three letters, of which the bulk (forty-one) concerns the Macmillan Company from 1927-1960.
The papers also include a variety of miscellaneous illustrations in various medias (pencil, charcoal, ink, paint) of landscapes, buildings, people and figures, as well as the design of Photo Dolls. Some of Esther's personal documents included are her marriage certificate, obituary, royalty receipts, etc.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
| Description |
|---|
| Guide to the Esther Brann Papers |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Children's literature, American--Authorship
- Publishers and publishing--Correspondence
- Women authors, American--20th century
- Women illustrators--United States
Personal Names
- Brann, Esther
Form or Genre Terms
- Book illustrations
- Correspondence
- Manuscripts for publication
Finding aid prepared by processing staff, Erin Wolfe and Sam Bouchat
2006; 2014
