James T. Farrell Collection

The prolific and once popular writer James T. Farrell (1904-1979) is perhaps best known for his Studs Lonigan trilogy. Collections in the Kislak Center include Farrell's substantial surviving papers; a near-comprehensive group of his publications, including translations; and material about and from him in other collections.

Grayscale photo of James T. Farrell in a suit with a gloomy expression.

The James T. Farrell papers include over 800 linear feet of correspondence, diaries, publications, manuscripts, and memorabilia covering many themes including literature, the arts, academia, politics, social organizations, and professional baseball . A preliminary outline for the complete collection has been provided in the finding aid linked below. Processing of the materials is ongoing, and this finding aid will be updated as series become available. The current available portion of the collection includes 125 linear feet of correspondence.

Related manuscript collections

Publications by James T. Farrell

Published work by Farrell in the Kislak Center holdings includes over 150 items that span his literary career. Also part of the collection are a substantial number of translations, some recently published, that testify to European interest in his work. Many of these works were donated by Farrell himself.

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Portrait of Theodore Dreiser, 1900.

American Studies, History, and Literature: Modern Period

Beginning in 1945 with the acquisition of the Theodore Dreiser Papers, the Penn Libraries has maintained collecting strengths in modern American manuscripts. Recent acquisitions including the Gotham Book Mart Collection, have added depth and breadth. This page provides an overview of major collections of interest to students and scholars in American studies.

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