Maxwell Perkins and Theodore Naidish Correspondence

Identity elements

Reference code

US TxAM-C C000367

Level of description

Collection

Title

Maxwell Perkins and Theodore Naidish Correspondence

Date(s)

  • 1942-1947 (Creation)

Extent

1 binder

Name of creator

(1884-1947)

Biographical history

Maxwell Perkins of Charles Scribner's Sons publishing House.

Name of creator

(1919-1980)

Biographical history

Naidish was the first husband of celebrated actress Carol Channing although they divorced in 1946. Naidish spent much of his years in and out of mental institutions diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic.

Content and structure elements

Scope and content

This collection consists of one binder containing correspondence between editor Maxwell Perkins of Charles Scribner's Sons publishing house, and author Theodore Naidish from 1942-1949. The binder also contains a full description of all the correspondence.

Naidish was under contract with Scribner's during the period in which these letters were written, and was by all accounts a brilliant but somewhat fragile and volatile writer. In 1944 Scribner's published his boxing novel, Watch Out for Willie Carter. The novelist's letters to Perkins are especially revealing, providing insight into Naidish's inner thoughts, and include a great deal of commentary on the progression of his various literary endeavors; he asks for money, discusses the specifics of drafts of his works on which the two men have been working together, and requests that Perkins become his executor.

42 of the items are in separate mylar sleeves, some items are typed and some are in cursive writing.

System of arrangement

This collection is arranged chronologically by date.

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Languages of the material

  • English

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Finding aids

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Archivist's note

Finding Aid Authors: Rebecca Hankins.

Archivist's note

© Copyright 2019 Cushing Library. All rights reserved.

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