Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Wright, Barbara, 1915-2009
- Abstract:
- The Wright B. mss., ca. 1930-2009, consists of the papers of translator Barbara Wright relating to her English translations of French authors.
- Extent:
- 7000 items(ca.)
- Language:
- Materials are in English and French
- Preferred citation:
[Item], Wright, B. mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
Background
- Biographical / Historical:
Barbara Wright (1915-2009) is considered one of the premier English translators of modern French literature. An Englishwoman, born in 1915, Wright studied music in Paris in the years before World War II. She began her career as an art and literary critic before devoting her time to translation. She specialized in "poetic prose" and drama, especially French surrealist and existential writing, but she translated works in several genres including women's literature, historical fiction, and fantasy. In 1986 she was made an officer in l'Ordre des Artes et des Lettres in l'Academie Française.
- Scope and Content:
The Wright B. mss., ca. 1930-2009, consists of the papers of translator Barbara Wright relating to her English translations of French authors. The papers include correspondence with individuals and organizations, notebooks with notes for Wright's translations, drafts of translations, scripts of radio programs Wright translated, reviews of works Wright translated, calendar books, writings by Wright, programs, travel journals, and clippings.
- Acquisition information:
- Acquired; 2003-2005, 2009
- Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into the following series: I. Personal; II. Writings, excluding translations; III. Individuals: correspondence and translations; IV. Organizations and publications; V. Radio: scripts and correspondence; VI. Miscellaneous notebooks; VII. Conferences and events; VIII. Collège de 'Pataphysique; IX. Clippings by subject; X. Photographs; XI. Honors and certificates; XII. Miscellaneous
Indexed Terms
- Subjects:
- Translators --20th century.
French literature --20th century --Translations.
Surrealism --France.
Existentialism --France.
Translations --20th century.
Literature--translating - Names:
- New Directions Publishing
Wright, Barbara, 1915-2009
Albert-Birot, Pierre
Calder, John, 1927-
Fitzgerald, Russell
Genet, Jean, 1910-1986
Hamburger, Jean
Ionesco, Eugène
Pinget, Robert
Queneau, Raymond, 1903-1976
Sarraute, Nathalie
Themerson, Stefan
Tournier, Michel
Calder & Boyars
Doubleday and Company, inc.
Faber and Faber
John Calder (Firm)
Red Dust (Firm)
Access
- RESTRICTIONS:
-
This collection is open for research.
- TERMS OF ACCESS:
-
Prior arrangements are not necessary before coming to the Library; however, patrons from out of town are encouraged to communicate with the Library in advance of their visits to ascertain availability of materials.
Photocopying permitted only with the permission of the Curator of Manuscripts, Lilly Library
- PREFERRED CITATION:
-
[Item], Wright, B. mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
- CAMPUS:
- Indiana University Bloomington
- LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
-
1200 East Seventh StreetBloomington, Indiana 47405-5500, USA
- CAMPUS:
- Indiana University Bloomington
- CONTACT:
-
(812) 855-2452liblilly@indiana.edu