Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Trillin, Calvin
- Abstract:
- Trillin, Calvin mss., 1970-2022, consists of correspondences, writings, newspapers and audio visual materials of Calvin Trillin (b. 1935), a journalist, humorist and food writer.
- Extent:
- 1 Box
- Language:
- English .
- Preferred citation:
[Item], Trillin, Calvin mss. , Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
Background
- Biographical / Historical:
Calvin Trillin (b. 1935) native of Kansas City, Missouri, is an American journalist, essayist, humorist, poet, and novelist whose work has spanned more than six decades. A longtime contributor to The New Yorker and The Nation, Trillin has built a wide-ranging career that blends cultural commentary, political satire, and storytelling rooted in everyday life. He is the author of more than thirty books, ranging from reportage and memoir to humor and fiction. His acclaimed food writing—including American Fried: Adventures of a Happy Eater (1974), Alice, Let's Eat (1978), and Third Helpings (1983)—established him as a pioneering voice in culinary literature. In 2006 he wrote About Alice,a touching tribute to his late wife Alice Stewart.
A Yale alumnus, Trillin has received numerous honors for his contributions to journalism and literature, including awards from the Thurber Prize for American Humor (2012) and was an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters (2008).
- Scope and Content:
Writings contain a bibliographical guide to Trillin's publications over the years, poems, and an article. Correspondences primarily include letters and emails exchanged between Trillin and his first cousin Keith Cushman who is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of English at UNC Greensboro. Commencement includes invitation letters, official prompt book for the commencement ceremony at UNC (1998), transcript nominating Trillin for the Honorary degree, etc. Alice Trillin encompasses works on Calvin Trillin's late wife Alice as well as writings by her. Newspapers include reviews written by Trillin, ads, promotions and magazines signed by him. Photographs include personal portraits and family photos and pictures from social events. Audio-visual includes CDs and audiocassettes of works like Messages from My Father, Piece by Piece read by the author and a VHS of Sleepless in Seattle. Miscellaneous contains playbooks, newspaper clippings and some memorabilia.
- Acquisition information:
- Gift?: year unknown
- Processing information:
Processed by Sweta Dutta. Completed in 2025.
- Arrangement:
The collection is organized into the following series: I: Correspondences, II.Alice Trillin , III. Writings, IV. Commencement, V. Newspapers, VI. Photographs, VII. Miscellaneous, VIII. Audio-visual.
- Physical location:
- ALF (Auxiliary Library Facility)
Indexed Terms
- Subjects:
- Authors, American
- Names:
- Trillin, Calvin
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], Trillin, Calvin 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@iu.edu