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Ralph Bates Papers

 Collection
Call Number: GEN MSS 1013

Scope and Contents

The Papers contain correspondence with literary colleagues and family, most 1960s-1990s; drafts and reviews of novels and short stories, 1960s-2000; writings of others about Bates, most 1980s-1990s; audiocassettes of lectures by Bates about literature, 1960s-1970s, and interviews with him about his life and writings, 1980s; personal papers, including biographical information and legal documents, 1930s-1970s; a few photographs and documents concerning his International Brigade service during the Spanish Civil War; and materials relating to Jonathan Bates's imprisonment in Syria, 1972-1974, including correspondence with American and Syrian officials, legal documents, notes, and clippings.

Dates

  • 1930-2002
  • Majority of material found within 1960 - 1995

Creator

Language of Materials

Chiefly in English, with some materials in Arabic.

Conditions Governing Access

The materials are open for research.

Boxes 13-14 (audiocassettes): Use of originals is restricted. Reference copies may be requested. Consult Access Services for further information.

Conditions Governing Use

The Ralph Bates Papers is the physical property of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. For further information, consult the appropriate curator.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased from William Reese Co. on the George Henry Nettleton Fund, 2003.

Arrangement

Organized into five series: I. Correspondence, 1960s-1990s. II. Writings, 1964-2000. III. Writings of Others, 1943-1996. IV. Personal Papers, 1930-2002. V. Papers Relating to Jonathan Bates's Imprisonment in Syria, 1972-1974.

Extent

5.64 Linear Feet (14 boxes)

Catalog Record

A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog

Persistent URL

https://hdl.handle.net/10079/fa/beinecke.batesr

Abstract

The Papers contain correspondence with literary colleagues and family, most 1960s-1990s; drafts and reviews of novels and short stories, 1960s-2000; writings of others about Bates, most 1980s-1990s; audiocassettes of lectures by Bates about literature, 1960s-1970s, and interviews with him about his life and writings, 1980s; personal papers, including biographical information and legal documents, 1930s-1970s; a few photographs and documents concerning his International Brigade service during the Spanish Civil War; and materials relating to Jonathan Bates's imprisonment in Syria, 1972-1974, including correspondence with American and Syrian officials, legal documents, notes, and clippings.

Ralph Bates (1899-2000)

English author; wrote novels about Spain; served with Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War; professor of creative writing and English literature at New York University, 1947-1966; later lived in Naxos, Greece. Bates was married to Eve Salzman; their son Jonathan Bates was imprisoned in Syria on charges of espionage, 1972-1974.

Processing Information

Former call number: Uncat Mss 431. In 2013, the collection received a baseline level of processing, including rehousing and minimal organization. Most folder titles were based on information provided by the vendor, while some were assigned by Library staff. Folder titles were not verified against contents.

Title
Guide to the Ralph Bates Papers
Status
Under Revision
Author
by Karen Spicher
Date
2013 December
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Part of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library Repository

Contact:
P. O. Box 208330
New Haven CT 06520-8330 US
(203) 432-2977

Location

121 Wall Street
New Haven, CT 06511

Opening Hours

Access Information

The Beinecke Library is open to all Yale University students and faculty, and visiting researchers whose work requires use of its special collections. You will need to bring appropriate photo ID the first time you register. Beinecke is a non-circulating, closed stack library. Paging is done by library staff during business hours. You can request collection material online at least two business days in advance of your visit, using the request links in Archives at Yale. For more information, please see Planning Your Research Visit and consult the Reading Room Policies prior to visiting the library.