Fowles, John, 1926-2005. Papers, 1926-1992 (bulk 1953-1991). - View Resource (original) (raw)

Display Entry

Fowles, John, 1926-2005. Papers, 1926-1992 (bulk 1953-1991).

Title

Papers, 1926-1992 (bulk 1953-1991).

Abstract

The John Fowles Papers, ca. 1926-1992 (bulk 1953-1991), consist largely of manuscripts, galleys, and page proofs of his works (both published and unpublished), plus accompanying clippings, contracts, correspondence, and research materials. Playscript and screenplay adaptations of his works are also present, as are some cast lists, film schedules, and legal documents concerning film rights. There are also numerous articles, book reviews, dissertations and theses, and other works about Fowles and his work, which were sent to him by students, scholars, and others. The remainder of the collection includes a few personal papers and miscellaneous items, such as audio recordings, legal papers, nature observation journals, photographs, receipts, a royalty statement, and school reports. Manuscript materials are included for several of his major works: THE MAGUS, THE ARISTOS, THE FRENCH LIEUTENANT'S WOMAN, THE EBONY TOWER, DANIEL MARTIN, MANTISSA, and A MAGGOT. Additional manuscripts represent poems, plays, several translations from the French, various nonfiction works, contributions to books by others, and book reviews, as well as curatorial and local history writings. A number of unpublished essays, novels, plays, poems, short stories, and screenplays are also present in this collection, most notably the manuscript for Fowles's first novel, to have been titled "A Journey to Athens," or "An Island and Greece." Fowles's interest in and role as a translator of French literature, especially of French drama for performance by the National Theatre, is well represented in this collection by manuscripts and correspondence from Michael Bogdanov, John Russell Brown, Peter Gill, and Sir Peter Hall. Correspondence from photographer Fay Godwin concerns her work with Fowles on ISLANDS and LAND. Other correspondents include agents (Julian Bach, Anthony Sheil) and editors (Tom Maschler, Ray A. Roberts), as well as other literary agency and publishing company personnel, co-authors, solicitors of work, and others. Fowles's non-fiction writings address a number of topics, including American culture, antiquarianism, art, authors and books, conservation and ecology, criticism, England, French literature, local history, music, the natural world, philosophy, photography, sports, and writers and writing. Adaptations of THE COLLECTOR, DANIEL MARTIN, THE EBONY TOWER, and THE FRENCH LIEUTENANT'S WOMAN for stage, screen, and television by writers such as Harold Pinter, Dennis Potter, and David Rudkin are also present, as is correspondence from directors Karel Reisz, George Schaefer, and Fred Zinnemann. Correspondence and writings by others about Fowles and his works makes up another segment of this collection. Often Fowles responded to these students, scholars, and other writers, sometimes providing detailed commentary in his answers to questionnaires and correspondence. There are also numerous press clippings of reviews of Fowles's works. The personal papers provide documentation of Fowles's school days, his interest in observing birds and identifying plants, as well as the analysis of dreams. Legal papers concern a libel action involving THE COLLECTOR, and correspondence from fellow 1971 Booker Prize panelists Saul Bellow, Antonia Fraser, and Malcolm Muggeridge concerns the controversy in selecting the recipient of that award.

Extent

57 boxes, plus 7 galley files (ca. 26 linear feet)