Boston College
John J. Burns Library
Archives and Manuscripts
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-552-4861
Fax: 617-552-2465
www.bc.edu/burns
Descriptive Summary
| Creator: | Beckett, Samuel, 1906- |
|---|---|
| Title: | Calvin Israel-Samuel Beckett Collection, 1929-1989 (bulk 1960-1980) |
| Call Number: | MS91-1 and MS91-5 |
| Extent: | 2 linear ft. (5 boxes) |
| Abstract: | Collection of papers relating to Samuel Beckett including manuscripts, publications, theatre programs, and audio-visual materials. |
Administrative Information
Restrictions on access
Portions of the Calvin Israel-Samuel Beckett collection may be restricted. Please see the library staff for more information.
Source
Purchase, 1991.
Citation
[after identification of item(s)], Calvin Israel-Samuel Beckett collection, Archives and Manuscripts, John J. Burns Library, Boston College
Collection Description
Biographical Note
Samuel Beckett was born in Dublin, Ireland on April 13, 1906. He studied modern languages at Trinity College in Dublin and graduated in 1927. Beckett taught English at the École Normale Superieure in Paris for two years before returning to Trinity College to teach French in 1930. He left Trinity College after one year to travel through Europe. Beckett settled in Paris, France in 1937.
During World War II, Beckett joined an underground resistance group. He was forced to flee from Paris to unoccupied France in 1942 because of the threat of arrest by the German Gestapo. In unoccupied France, Beckett supported himself as an agricultural laborer until the end of the war.
Beckett returned to Paris in 1945 and began writing in earnest. He produced a number of stories, including Molloy(1951), Malone Meurt (1951; Malone Dies), and L'Innommable (1953; The Unamable). Beckett also wrote plays during this period, including Eleutheria and Waiting for Godot.
Waiting for Godot was written in 1948, published in French in 1952, and in English in 1953. The play brought Beckett international fame. In succeeding years he avoided the limelight and dedicated his life to his work. Beckett was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969. Beckett died in Paris on December 22, 1989.
Sources: The Encyclopaedia Britannica and Encyclopedia Americana.
Scope and Content Note
The Calvin Israel-Samuel Beckett collection was formed from two accessions, MS91-1 and MS91-5. It consists of two linear feet (five boxes) and covers the work of Samuel Beckett. The materials span the years 1929 to 1981. Comprised primarily of Beckett manuscripts, including originals, holographs, and xerox copies. Also includes theater programs and announcements, printed works of Beckett, and reviews and criticism. In addition, there are audio cassettes of Beckett plays, photographs, and some material relating to Beckett plays and festivals. The bulk of the materials is in "Manuscripts" and "Publications." Oversized materials are contained in boxes four and five.Arrangement Note
Organized into five series: (1) Manuscripts, (2) Publications, (3) Theatre programs, (4) Audio-visual, and (5) Ephemera.
Selected Search Terms
Personal Names
Beckett, Samuel, 1906- --Criticism and interpretation.
Beckett, Samuel, 1906- --Dramatic works.
Beckett, Samuel, 1906- --Manuscripts.
Israel, Calvin, collector.
Topical Terms
Authors, Irish--20th century--Manuscripts.
Dramatists, Irish--20th century--Manuscripts.
Theater of the absurd--History--Sources.
Uniform Titles
Beckett Circle.