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Wickenden Papers, 1921-1989 (Bulk: 1953-1979)
5 archives boxes, 3 records storage boxes, 1 flat box (c. 6 linear ft.)

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.

Terms of Access and Use:

Restrictions on 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.

Restrictions on use:

Requests for permission to publish material from the Papers should be directed to the Archivist of the College. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.

Amherst College Archives and Special Collections

Biographical Note

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.

Scope and Contents of the Collection

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.


Information on Use
Terms of Access and Use
Restrictions on 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.

Restrictions on use:

Requests for permission to publish material from the Papers should be directed to the Archivist of the College. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.

Preferred Citation

Please use the following format when citing materials from this collection:

[Identification of item], in Leonard Daniel Wickenden (AC 1935) Papers [Box #, folder #], Amherst College Archives and Special Collections, Amherst College Library

History of the Collection

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


Additional Information
Contact Information
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Robert Frost Library
PO Box 5000
Amherst, MA 01002-5000

Phone: (413) 542-2299
Fax: (413) 542-2692

Email Reference Form: http://www.amherst.edu/library/archives/askus
URL: http://www.amherst.edu/library/archives

Language
English.