Collection ID: LMC 2724
Printable View Printable View

Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Marks, Alfred H.
Abstract:
The Marks, Alfred H. mss., ca. 1966-1997, consists of the correspondence, manuscript drafts, typescripts, corrected proofs and other materials relating to translations from Japanese by Alfred H. Marks, 1920-2014.
Extent:
6 Boxes (6 standard)
Language:
Materials are in Japanese and English .
Preferred citation:

[Item], Marks, Alfred H. mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Background

Biographical / Historical:

Alfred H. Marks, 1920-2014, was a translator of Japanese literature. He was born on July 18, 1920 in Farmingdale, New York. During World War II he served in military intelligence in Japan, translating intercepted Japanese and Chinese transmissions and code books. As a result of his military service, Marks developed a passion for the Japanese language, culture, and people. After the war, he earned his master's and PhD from Syracuse University and went on to teach English at the Ohio State University and Ball State University. He then became a professor of English at the State University of New York at New Paltz, where he would teach for over twenty years. Marks specialized in early American literature, particularly the works of Walt Whitman and Nathaniel Hawthorne. He was also a translator of modern Japanese literature, including works by Yukio Mishima. In 1965, he was a visiting professor and Fulbright scholar in Kanazawa, Japan. He spent his later years studying the local history of New Paltz, New York and participating in various organizations, including the Haiku Society, Japan Society, and the New Paltz Lions Club. Marks died on December 23, 2014.

Scope and Content:

Marks, Alfred H. mss. consists of translation materials in English and Japanese from across Marks' career. Major projects represented include translation of Yasuhiko Murai's Another Iwo Jima as well as collaborations with Manny Goldberg, Edythe Polster, and David R. Weinberg. Works translated include literature from Yukio Mishima, Seishi Yamaguchi, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, Ransen Takabatake, and Ihira Saikaku. There are additional materials related to Haiku Society of America and Marks' career at State University New York (SUNY) New Paltz.

Acquisition information:
Gift: 2010, 2011
Arrangement:

Series - Haiku Society of America, State University New York (SUNY) New Paltz, Translations.

A previous in depth inventory of the collection was in box 5 when this writer surveyed the collection. All materials in the original acquisition were listed. Vertical file contained a letter from Marks detailing the additional 2011 acquisition. Original order was maintained as much as possible with minimal moving of materials, mainly due to overcrowding of boxes.

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], Marks, Alfred H. 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