Josephine Johnson Papers (MSS062), 1929-1999 | MSS Manuscripts

The Josephine Johnson Papers are a rich group of materials. They contain numerous letters, principally from the 1930's, between Johnson and other literary figures. The balance of the Josephine Johnson Papers consists of manuscripts toward poems, articles, and novels as well as journals and papers from her years at Washington University. Of particular interest are the autograph notes and drafts and typescript drafts of her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Now in November.

Accrual I: Series 1, correspondence 1929-1989, bulking 1932-1935, includes letters from principal editors Ellery Sedgwick, Clifton Fadiman, Quincy Howe and Maria Lieper, discussing Now in November, Dark traveler, Sorcerer's son and short stories. Other correspondents include agents Maxim Lieber and Helen Strauss, and Bernard DeVoto, Louis Untermeyer, Tennessee Williams, Stringfellow Barr, Granville Hicks, Mark DeWitt, Theodore Morrison, Alexander Laing, Jack Conroy, Malcolm Cowley, Edward Weeks, Vance Bourjaily, readers of Miss Johnson's novels and colleagues in social reform activity. Series 2, single title poems, short stories and articles, titled and untitled pieces.  Series 3, material toward books, including typescripts, manuscripts, business material and/or miscellany relating to Now in November, Winter Orchard, Jordanstown, Paulina Pot, Wildwood, Dark Traveler, The Sorcerer's Son and Other Stories, Inland Island, Invaded City [unpublished novel] sections of one other untitled, unfinished novel and business papers relating to short stories. Series 4, manuscripts or editorial matter on work by Vera Britten, Malcolm Cowley, and Bernard DeVoto. Series 5, personal journals and papers produced at Washington University, clippings and sketches

Accrual II: Consists of correspondence, manuscript, and clippings concerning Johnson.