Collection ID: LMC 1471
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Collection context

Summary

Abstract:
The Harwell mss., 1943-1948, consists of letters from various writers, journalists, and artists to astrologer Pierce Harwell, 1916-1985.
Extent:
1 Box (1 standard)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Item], Harwell mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Background

Biographical / Historical:

Pierce Harwell, 1916-1985, was born on 1 March 1916 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended San Diego State College in 1933 but left college early to pursue astrology. In the 1940s, he developed a reputation in Los Angeles for his astrological skills. Writer Anaïs Nin, 1903-1977, introduced Harwell to fellow writer Henry Miller, 1891-1980, who in turn introduced him to other friends for the purpose of doing their astrological charts. Harwell died on 26 December 1985 in San Bernardino, California.

Scope and Content:

The Harwell mss., 1943-1948, consists of letters from various writers, journalists, and artists to astrologer Pierce Harwell, 1916-1985. The letters present in this collection include astrological questions, descriptions of dreams, birth dates of friends for the creation of astrological charts, and topics of a personal or social nature. By far the largest of the correspondence files is that of Henry Miller, including the one letter that dates from 1948 and that is not to Harwell but to Lafayette Young. Also present in the Henry Miller file is a copy of his "Open Letter to All and Sundry," which he sent to friends and associates in March 1943, explaining his art and love of painting, offering his watercolors for sale, and asking for support in the way of painting supplies and old clothing; as well as a 10-page carbon copy of "Excerpt from chapter on prison - 'The Soul of Anaesthesia.'"

Correspondents in the collection are: James Cooney, Savington Crampton, Bravig Imbs, Henry Miller, Melpomene Niarchos, Dudley Nichols, Anaïs Nin, Eduardo Sanchez. The final letter, dated September 12, 1943, is from an unknown correspondent but is type-signed "Dee."

Acquisition information:
Purchase: 1999
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged alphabetically by correspondent.

Physical location:
Lilly - Stacks

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

This collection is open for research.

Many collections are housed offsite; retrieval requires advance notice. Please make an appointment a minimum of one week in advance of your visit.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Photography and digitization may be restricted for some collections. Copyright restrictions may apply. Before publishing, researchers are responsible for securing permission from all applicable rights holders, then filling out the Permission to Publish form.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[Item], Harwell mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
1200 East Seventh Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-5500, USA
CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
CONTACT:
(812) 855-2452
liblilly@indiana.edu