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Frank Daniel Papers
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: Frank Daniel Papers | |
| Creator: Purdy, James | |
| Inclusive Dates: circa 1928-1979 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 2.1 Linear Feet (4 document boxes, 2 half boxes, 1 oversize folder A) | |
| Collection Number: ms835 | |
| Repository: Hargrett Library | |
| Abstract: Correspondence including letters from Georgia and Southern writers and internationally known celebrities; clippings, notes, writings by Daniel and others, printed material, photos, and other miscellaneous papers; and celebrity photos, including many which are autographed; together with correspondence (ca. 100 items, 1963-1977) from James Purdy to Daniel, draft of Purdy's novel, House of the Solitary Maggot (1974), and other material by and about Purdy. Other correspondents include James B. Cabell, Erskine Caldwell, Isa Glenn, Caroline Miller, Marion Montgomery, Susan Myrick, Frances Newman, Flannery O'Connor, Julia Peterkin, Jeannette Rankin, Celestine Sibley, Virgil Thomson, and Friedelind Wagner. | |
Collection Description
Historical Sketch
Frank Daniel was born William Frank Daniel in Thomaston, Georgia on September 7, 1900. He served briefly in the Navy during World War I and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1922. In November of 1922, he began a job with the Atlanta Journal, but shortly took leave to travel. He returned to the Journal in January of 1925 where he worked for the next forty years in such capacities as reporter, opera critic, book editor, theater critic, and editorial page columnist. During this time Frank Daniel became associated with a number of Georgia and Southern writers as well as internationally famous theater, film, and music celebrities.
Daniel retired from the Journal in October of 1965 and in June of 1966 joined the Georgia Department of Archives and History where he edited the papers of former Georgia governors. He retired from there in 1979. Frank Daniel died in Atlanta, Georgia on September 2, 1981 at the age of 80.
Scope and Content
This collection reflects Frank Daniel's relationships with many Georgia and Southern writers as well as internationally famous theater, film, and music celebrities as a result of his 40 year career as a journalist and critic with the Atlanta Journal. Letters, pictures, and other items from many of these people are contained in this small but important collection consisting of six Hollinger boxes as well as several oversize items. The Frank Daniel Papers should prove to be a valuable source for research into American literary and artistic life in the twentieth century.
Boxes 1 and 2 contain primarily correspondence (arranged alphabetically by last name of correspondent) dating from about 1928 to 1979 and include letters from such writers as James B. Cabell, Erskine Caldwell, Isa Glenn, Marion Montgomery, Susan Myrick, Frances Newman (corr. to), Flannery O'Connor, Julia Peterkin, Jeanette Rankin, Caroline Miller Ray (the first Georgian to win the Pulitzer Prize for her novel, Lamb In His Bosom, 1932), and Celestine Sibley. Other correspondents include the music critic and composer, Virgil Thomson, and Friedelind Wagner (grand-daughter of Richard Wagner). There are also autographs of Don Marquis, Maurice Chevalier, and the conductor, Andre Kostelanetz. Box 3 consists of various miscellaneous items including clippings, notes, printed material, personal photographs, and few writings by Frank Daniel and others. Box 4 is comprised of fcelebrity photographs, many of which are autographed and include such stars as Tallulah Bankhead, Ethel Barrymore, Gary Cooper, Clint Eastwood, Gloria Swanson, and Mae West. There are photographs of several musical personalities as well, including Ernó Dohnányi, Walter Gieseking, Jascha Heifetz, Fritz Kreisler, Lily Pons, and Virgil Thomson. Box 5 contains around 100 letters from the American writer, James Purdy to Daniel dating from 1963 through 1977 and written when Purdy was living in New York City. They are important, as they give a fascinating insight into his writing as well as reveal the trials and tribulations of a writer who refused to adapt to the current literary establishment. Box 6 includes a xerox draft of Purdy's novel, The House of the Solitary Maggot, as well as some other miscellaneous material by and about Purdy.
Organization and Arrangement
Arranged into 4 series and 2 subseries: Series 1. Correspondence, Series 2. Clippings, writings, and other materials, Series 3. Celebrity photographs, and Series 4. James Purdy materials (includes Subseries 4.1 Correspondence and Subseries 4.2 Writings by and about Purdy).
Administrative Information
Restrictions on Access
Access partially restricted.
Ownership and Custodial History
Gift of Mr. Daniel, 1973-1984.
Preferred Citation
Frank Daniel papers, ms835, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.
Finding Aid Publication
Finding aid prepared on: 2010 April 15.
General Notes
In part, photocopy of typewritten draft of House of the Solitary Maggot by James Purdy.
House of the solitary maggot.