Collection Scope and Content Note

Scope and Contents Note

William Jay Smith's Papers make up one of the largest groups in the Modern Literary Manuscript Collection; they are also one of the most varied, and help demonstrate Smith's versatility. His extensive file of incoming correspondence includes hundreds of letters from literary figures dating back to the 1940's, including a substantial group of letters from Russian, Hungarian, and other Eastern European authors. Numerous letters from publishers, editors, scholars, and friends are also present in the collection. Smith's papers include manuscripts and editorial matter towards all of his published work, as well as a large collection of manuscripts by other authors. Finally, the Smith Papers include a large assortment of miscellaneous material relating to specific writing projects, academic work, literary awards panels, Smith's travel, family and other personal papers, all of which help document in detail the career of this American literary figure.