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Benjamin Fondane papers

 Collection
Call Number: GEN MSS 750
Scope and Contents

The papers document the life and writing of poet and philosopher Benjamin Fondane. Writings include holograph manuscripts of approximately 650 poems, 55 works of prose and 9 playscripts. Prose writings consist chiefly of holograph drafts of short untitled essays or notes (some fragmentary) on topics related to poetry and philosophy. Also included is a holograph draft of Fondane's first book Tagaduinta lui Petru (1918). Poems consist of holograph drafts of original poems and translations, some titled, others untitled. While most of the writings are undated, they appear to date from before 1923, the year Fondane emigrated to France. Correspondence (incoming and outgoing) is with Fondane's sisters Lina and Rodica Wechsler, other family members, and the journal Hatikvah. Other papers include a catalog of the avant garde theater group Insula, which Fondane co-founded. Material is chiefly in Romanian; some correspondence is in French.

Language of Materials

In Romanian and French.

Conditions Governing Access

The materials are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Benjamin Fondane 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 Ubu Gallery on the Edwin J. Beinecke Book Fund, 2002.

Arrangement

Organized into two series: I. Writings, 1912-1923. II. Correspondence and Other Papers, 1912-1943.

Associated Materials

Printed material received with the collection (Poezii, Bucureşti 1978, and issues of the journal Hatikvah) was removed for separate cataloging and can be accessed by searching the library's online catalog.

Dates
1912-1943
Extent
1.67 Linear Feet (5 boxes)
Related Names
Fondane, Benjamin, 1898-1944
Language of Materials
Romanian; Moldavian; Moldovan
Language of Materials
Romanian; Moldavian; Moldovan
Script
Latin
Language of Materials
French
Script
Latin