Title: Donald Emerson Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1962-1981

Creator:

• Emerson, Donald, 1913-1998

Call Number: UWM Manuscript Collection 164

Quantity: 1.6 cubic ft. (4 boxes)
Repository:

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives Department

Archival Location:

UW-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives / Milwaukee Area Research Ctr. (Map)

Abstract:

The collection consists of manuscript copies of four novels written by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee faculty member Donald Emerson from 1962 to 1981. Each work is represented by multiple drafts, as well as research notes documenting Emerson's creative process.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-mil-uwmmss0164

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Donald Emerson was born in Toronto on September 17, 1913 and moved to Milwaukee in his teenage years. After earning his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he joined the U.S. Army during World War II. He received a bronze star for his service in Army intelligence in France and Germany. Upon returning to the United States, Emerson received his master's degree in English at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1946 and then his doctorate in philosophy in 1950. He taught at the Milwaukee State Teachers College after graduating, and attained the rank of professor in 1960. He served as chair of the English Department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 1976 to 1979. Emerson co-founded the Council for Wisconsin Writers in 1965 and served as the group's first president.

Emerson published Span Across the River in 1967, followed by Court Decision in 1968. Both teen novels received local awards. Emerson also published many short stories in magazines such as Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine and Manhunt. He published Closeout, an adult mystery novel, in 1980 under the pseudonym Donald Conger. Emerson also wrote articles on authors such as Henry James and Iris Murdoch for scholarly journals. Set in Milwaukee, one of Emerson's final writing projects, Fire Fight, remains unpublished.

Citation Guide for Primary Sources

• UW-Milwaukee Dept. of English and Comparative Literature Records. UWM Archival Collection 40.

• UW-Milwaukee Dept. of English Records. UWM Archival Collection 127.

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law.

Use Restrictions

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).

Acquisition Information

John Emerson donated this collection in October 1999 (accession 1999-023).

Processing Information

Ryan Claringbole processed the collection at the Archives in September 2006.

	Closeout
Box   1 Folder   1	Draft 1, Chapters 1-5, undated
Box   1 Folder   2-4	Draft 2, Chapters 1-46, undated
Box   1 Folder   5-6	Draft 3, Chapters 1-46, undated
Box   1 Folder   7-9	Notes on Writing Process, 1966-1975
Box   1 Folder   10	Promotional Paperback Jacket, undated
	Court Decision
Box   2 Folder   1-2	Draft 1, Chapters 1-16, 1965
Box   2 Folder   3-4	Draft 2, Chapters 1-16, undated
Box   2 Folder   5-6	Notes on Writing Process, 1965
	Fire Fight
Box   2 Folder   7	Draft 1, Chapters 1-8, 1979-1981
Box   3 Folder   1-4	Draft 1, Chapters 9-36, 1979-1981
Box   3 Folder   5	Draft 2, Chapters 1-7, undated
Box   4 Folder   1-3	Draft 2, Chapters 8-26, undated
	Span Across the River
Box   4 Folder   4-5	Draft 1, Chapters 1-16, undated
Box   4 Folder   6-7	Draft 2, Chapters 1-16, 1966
Box   4 Folder   8	Notes on Writing Process, 1962-1964, undated