Leonard Daniel (Dan) Wickenden (AC 1935) Papers
Scope and Contents
The Wickenden Papers span the years 1921-1989, with the bulk falling between the 1950s and the 1970s. They primarily document Wickenden's literary and professional career. Materials include typed original manuscripts, galley proofs, correspondence to and from Dan Wickenden, literary reviews, printed materials, theatrical photographs, a small number of personal items, and a scrapbook containing newsclippings and reviews. The collection includes very little personal or family-related materials.
Most of the correspondence in the collection documents Wickenden's professional assessment of literary works and publishing recommendations while at Harcourt Brace & World. His astute assessments of the literary manuscripts are diplomatic but honest comments to the authors themselves. These papers are a valuable resource for the study of American literary history from the mid-1950s through the 1970s.
Dates
- 1921-1989
- Majority of material found within 1953-1979
Creator
Conditions Governing Access
In general, there is no restriction on access to the Leonard Daniel Wickenden Papers for research use. Photocopied correspondence from Harcourt Brace & World contained in the Papers may not be duplicated without permission of the publisher.
Conditions Governing Use
Requests for permission to publish material from the Papers should be directed to Archives and Special Collections. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Biographical / Historical
Leonard Daniel Wickenden (1913-1989), known as Dan, was born in Tyrone, Pennsylvania on March 24, 1913 and graduated from Amherst College in 1935. His first novel, The Running of the Deer, was published in 1937 followed by six others; among them was The Wayfarers, a Literary Guild selection for 1945. He published his last novel, The Amazing Vacation, in 1956.
In 1953, Wickenden joined Harcourt Brace & World (later Harcourt Brace Jovanovich) as associate editor. He eventually became senior editor of Harcourt's trade publications, working with notable authors such as Eudora Welty, James Gould Cozzens, and Wendell Berry. He retired in 1978 but continued to accept freelance consulting and editorial work until 1980. During this time, until 1981, he also taught writing for Fairfield University's evening education program. He died at his home in Weston, Connecticut on October 27, 1989.
Extent
6 Linear feet (5 archives boxes, 3 records storage boxes, 1 flat box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The Wickenden Papers span the years 1921-1989, with the bulk falling between the 1950s and the 1970s. Materials include typed original manuscripts, galley proofs, correspondence to and from Dan Wickenden, literary reviews, printed materials, theatrical photographs, a small number of personal items, and a scrapbook containing newsclippings and reviews. They primarily document Wickenden's literary and professional career.
Arrangement
This collection is organized into seven series:
- Series 1: Correspondence, 1947-1985
- Series 2: Original Manuscripts and Galley Proofs, 1937-1957
- Series 3: Critical Reviews of Wickenden's Published Work, 1935-1956
- Series 4: Literary Reviews By Wickenden of Others' Works, 1953-1984
- Series 5: Short Published Works, 1934-1953
- Series 6: Personal Materials, 1927-1990
- Series 7: Scrapbook
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The Papers were given to Amherst College by Wickenden's widow, Hermione H. Wickenden, in 1993, 1994, and 1995.
Processing Information
- Processed:
- 1993-1994, 1995-1997
- By:
- Janet T. Poirrier, Archives Assistant
- Finding Aid:
- 1997 October, 1998 April
- Listed by:
- Janet T. Poirrier, Archives Associate
- Edited by:
- Daria D'Arienzo, Archivist of the College
- Amherst College -- Alumni and alumnae Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Berry, Wendell, 1934-
- Carpenter, Don
- Deck, John N.
- Fairfield University -- Faculty
- Harcourt Brace Jovanovich
- Harcourt, Brace & World
- McIntosh, John
- Publishers and publishing -- United States -- History Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Vidal, Gore, 1925-2012
- Welty, Eudora, 1909-2001
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Janet T. Poirrier, Daria D'Arienzo
- Date
- 2003
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Sponsor
- Encoding funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Repository Details
Part of the Amherst College Archives and Special Collections Repository
Amherst College Archives & Special Collections
Robert Frost Library
61 Quadrangle Drive
Amherst MA 01002-5000
(413) 542-2299
archives@amherst.edu