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
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.
- Audiocassettes -- United States -- 20th Century
- Audiovisual materials -- United States -- 20th Century
- Authors -- England -- 20th Century
- Authors, English -- 20th Century -- Archives
- Bates, Jonathan, 1942-
- Bates, Ralph, 1899-2000
- Behrend, Hanna, 1933-
- Hart-Davis, Rupert, 1907-1999
- Klaus, H. Gustav, 1944-
- Photographs -- 20th Century
- Prisoners -- Syria
- Ross, Alan, 1922-2001
- Salzman, Eve
- Spain -- History -- Civil War, 1936-1939
- Spain -- History -- Civil War, 1936-1939 -- Literature and the war
- Spain -- History -- Civil War, 1936-1939 -- Participation, British
- Spain -- History -- Civil War, 1936-1939 -- Personal narratives, British
- Syria -- Foreign relations -- United States
- United States -- Foreign relations -- Syria
- West, Rebecca, 1892-1983
- 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
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.