Truman Capote papers


Descriptive Summary
Title: Truman Capote papers
Creator: Capote, Truman, 1924-1984
Inclusive Dates: 1931-1976
Language(s): English
Extent: 0.5 Linear Feet 1 box
Collection Number: ms1612
Repository: Hargrett Library

Collection Description

Historical Note

Truman Capote (1924-1984) was an American author.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of papers of Truman Capote from 1931-1976. Papers include correspondence, two corrected typescripts, and a partially filled scrapbook containing clippings about Capote. Correspondence discusses Capote's writings, publication details, and possible changes or deletions in Capote's works.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Truman Capote papers, ms 1612, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Finding Aid Publication

Finding aid prepared on: 2019.

Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

Authors, American.

Correspondence.

Publishers and publishing -- United States.

Series Descriptions and Folder Listing


Correspondence, 1940-1961, undated


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1	1	From Margaret Hauser of Scholastic magazine to Capote discussing a piece he submitted to the magazine, 1940 September 17
1	2	From "C. McHugh," Franklin School, to "Trunan" Capote noting the hour for an ancient history examination, 1943 January 15
1	3	From Capote to "Bill and Rosie", 1956 October 4
			"Enclosed is a brochure concerning a very beautiful play ['Light a Penny Candle' by Jack Dunphy]. I am helping the producers raise the backing because of my great admiration for it. I don't know if you ever invest in plays--but this one is extremely worthwhile and I wish you would: anything from $500 on. No use asking for the script because it is being revised . . . ." The brochure is present along with a carbon copy of the letter the Targs sent declining Capote's offer.

1	4	From Capote to "Mr. Hill," written from Hotel Meltemi, Paros, Greece (photocopy), undated
			The letter reads in part: "Very pleased you like Breakfast at Tiffany's. I want you to restore the several deletions that occur in the Bazaar's MSS. (which must be the one you have). Their fiction editor, Alice Morris, will know what I mean, and I'm sure she will be very cooperative. Also, I hope you will not use that coarse paper that Esquire sometimes does; of course I don't see how you can, since you are going to illustrate with David Attie's photographs. I'm very happy that you are using his pictures, as I think they are excellent. Of course, I will want to see proofs. . . ."

1	5	From Capote to "Mr. Hill," written from Villa Meltemi, Paros, Greece, 1958 July 22
			The letter, in partial reading, states: "When in New York I talked to you (or someone at Esquire) about the possibility of buying 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' I said I would not be interested if you did not use Attie's photographs. The cable sent me in Athens specifically stated that Attie's pictures would be used. Now, today, I learn that this promise is not being kept. . . ." Also discusses deletions in the manuscript.

1	6	From Capote to "Rust," written from Palamos, Costabrava, Spain, 1961 July 4
			Capote writes of nicotine poisoning, his travel plans, and remarks, "Months ago, I wrote a card asking you to send me 2 tearsheet copies of my story 'Among the Paths to Eden.' But, if sent, they never arrived."

1	7	From Capote to Louis Untermeyer written from Palamos, Costabrava, Spain (photocopy), 1961 October 3
			Capote notes he is hard at work on a book and thanks Untermeyer for writing him. Original postcard tipped into Capote's Other Voice, Other Rooms, Hargrett Rare Bk PS3505.A59 O7 1948.

1	8	From Capote to Rust Hills of Esquire magazine from Verbier, Switzerland, 1961 November 27
			Capote writes in part, "Thanks for the note. But you stop looking in 'The New Yorker'--it will be another year before I've finished (after all, its 120,000 words long) . . . ."

1	9	From Capote to Bill Reed (photocopy), undated
			Telegram and envelope on travel plans. Originals laid into Capote's Other Voices, Other Rooms, Hargrett Rare Bk PS3505.A59 O7 1948, c. 2

1	10	From Capote to Roslyn Targ, undated
			He thanks the Targs for their hospitality.

Typescripts

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folder

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Mojave , undated

41 page typescript with handwritten corrections. Inscribed on the page 41: "Pour le Monsieur Lish avec Love, Truman." The text differs in many places from the printed version, a photocopy of which accompanies.

Kate McCloud , undated, 1976

36 page typescript with handwritten corrections and a note from Capote: "For Gordon Lish, with the hope that he will approve of this effort--Affectionately, Truman." Also includes a published version appearing in Esquire, December 1976.

Scrapbook