John Dos Passos collection

Collection

Identifier: MS-0780

Staff Only

This small collection contains photographs, a calling card, and letters relating to American novelist John Dos Passos (1896-1970). Included in the collection is a letter from Dos Passos to Spanish academic José Robles regarding Robles' translation of Dos Passos' novel Manhattan Transfer into Spanish. The papers range from approximately 1899 to 1922.

Dates

approximately 1899-1922

Creator

Dos Passos, John, 1896-1970 (Person)

Language of Materials

This collection contains text in both Spanish and English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is located at the George Peabody Library and may require scheduling a special appointment to access it. Contact Special Collections for more information.

Collection is open for use.

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright.

Extent

.167 Cubic Feet (1 legal size folder)

Additional Description

Biographical / Historical

John Dos Passos (1896-1970) was an American novelist and artist active in the first half of the twentieth century. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and he went on to Harvard College, graduating in 1916. He was well-traveled, visiting Europe and the Middle East, where he learned about literature, art, and architecture. He is best known for his U.S.A. trilogy, which consists of the novels The 42nd Parallel (1930), >1919 (1932), and The Big Money (1936). In 1998, the Modern Library ranked the U.S.A. trilogy 23rd on its list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century.

Content Description

This collection contains manuscript materials relating to American novelist John Dos Passos. Contents include two black and white portrait photographs, Dos Passos' calling card, and a letter from Dos Passos to José Robles Pazos. The date range is approximately 1899-1922.

Other Finding Aids

MS.0710: Johns Dos Passos library card application

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased from Ian Brabner Rare Americana in February 2017 with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Related Materials

The items in this collection were originally purchased as one accession with materials created or owned by both John Dos Passos and José Robles Pazos, Spanish academic and left-wing activist. The original dealer description for the whole acquisition has been placed in the collection. For the José Robles manuscript materials, see MS.0781.