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James Dickey Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-MS-ms035

The James Dickey Papers include a correspondence file, spanning 1954 to 1970, consisting of nearly 1000 letters from literary figures, publishers, editors, and friends. Letters from literary notables are often accompanied by their poetry manuscripts. The bulk of the collection consists of Dickey's own manuscript drafts of poems, essays, reviews, translations and addresses. Proof of Dickey's meticulous craftmanship is found in his heavily revised poetry manuscripts, many of which have undergone such pronounced change that the initial worksheet is unrecognizable from the final version. The Dickey Papers also include editorial matter toward all of his books of poetry prior to 1970, as well as a collection of informal monologue published that same year as Self-Interviews.

Dates

  • Creation: 1954-1996

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Open

Conditions Governing Use

Users of the collection must read and agree to abide by the rules and procedures set forth in the Materials Use Policies.

Providing access to materials does not constitute permission to publish or otherwise authorize use. All publication not covered by fair use or other exceptions is restricted to those who have permission of the copyright holder, which may or may not be Washington University. If you wish to publish or license Special Collections materials, please contact Special Collections to inquire about copyright status at (314) 935-5495 or spec@wumail.wustl.edu. (Publish means quotation in whole or in part in seminar or term papers, theses or dissertations, journal articles, monographs, books, digital forms, photographs, images, dramatic presentations, transcriptions, or any other form prepared for a limited or general public.)

Extent

13.00 boxes

Biographical Information

James Dickey was an American author and poet whose work brought him international recognition as well as innumerable awards. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Dickey's urban Southern roots are clearly evident throughout his poetry. Dickey began his college education at Clemson University, but left at the outbreak of World War II to enlist in the United States Army Air Force. His experiences as a fighter pilot provided him with subject matter for some of his best known poems. Dickey subsequently completed both Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Vanderbilt University where among his teachers was the critic Monroe K. Spears who was influential in directing Dickey's interest toward poetry.

James Dickey began writing poetry in 1947, but turned to writing full-time only in 1960 when his first book, Into the Stone and Other Poems, was published. Prior to this, Dickey had worked as a college instructor and as a highly successful advertising executive. In 1966, Dickey was awarded the National Book Award for his second poetry collection, Buckdancer's Choice. He received international acclaim for his 1970 novel and 1972 screenplay, Deliverance. He is the author of more than 17 books of poems and 12 books of prose.

Method of Acquisition

Accession number 885, purchase from James Dickey, 1967

Accession number 979, gift of David Smith, 1968

Accession number 1082, purchase from James Dickey, 1969

Accession number 1251, purchase from James Dickey, 1971

Accession number 22975, gift of John Gallogly

Accession number MS-2024-004. Purchase from Peter Grogan, September 6, 2023.

Creator

Title
James Dickey Papers
Description rules
dacs
Language of description
eng

Revision Statements

  • 2021 April 15: Resource record updated in ArchiveSpace by Sarah Schnuriger.

Collecting Area Details

Part of the Manuscripts Collecting Area

Contact:
Joel Minor
Olin Library, 1 Brookings Drive
MSC 1061-141-B
St. Louis MO 63130 US
(314) 935-5495