Scope and Contents
The Writings of Holmer in Series I are divided into seven sub-sections: his writings as a student, material related to published and unpublished book-length works, forewords to books, chapters in books, published articles, sermons, and lectures, unpublished essays and lectures, and reviews written by Holmer. In each sub-section dated writings are arranged chronologically, followed by undated works that are arranged alphabetically by title. Holmer published more than 100 articles, many of which are represented here. While an effort has been made to associate unpublished typescript writings with later published versions, there are undoubtedly cases where an association has not been drawn.
The Notes by Holmer contained in Series II are arranged alphabetically by topic or folder title. Most of the notes are undated handwritten sheets, which were received in an unorganized state. Some of the folders of notes contained a range of seemingly unrelated pages, but these "miscellaneous" groupings have been retained intact. Some of the notes are from the era when Holmer was a student while others appear to be notes for lectures, on reading, or preparatory for future writings. Notes for course lectures are primarily in Series III, Course-related Material, but it is likely that some of the notes in Series II were also course-related.
The Course-related Materials in Series III are arranged alphabetically by topic or course title. As noted above, there is overlap between Series II and Series III as it was not always easy to tell whether notes related to courses, lectures, or writings.
Series IV, Correspondence, is arranged chronlogically, dating from 1954 to 1996, with correspondents noted. The correspondence is primarily with Holmer's colleagues, students, publishers, or related to requests for Holmer to speak in various venues.
Series V, Personal Items and Memorabilia, includes biographical information about Holmer, including items from his student days, documentation of speaking engagements and other events attended, articles and interviews, and an obituary.
Series VI, Collected Material, consists primarily of writings by others. Reviews of works by Holmer are not in this series, but rather have been filed in Series I with the relevant work by Holmer. The last several folders in the collection are a very eclectic mixture of materials, which have been retained in the order received; the range of Holmer's interests and his methods of gathering material are reflected in these files.
The Notes by Holmer contained in Series II are arranged alphabetically by topic or folder title. Most of the notes are undated handwritten sheets, which were received in an unorganized state. Some of the folders of notes contained a range of seemingly unrelated pages, but these "miscellaneous" groupings have been retained intact. Some of the notes are from the era when Holmer was a student while others appear to be notes for lectures, on reading, or preparatory for future writings. Notes for course lectures are primarily in Series III, Course-related Material, but it is likely that some of the notes in Series II were also course-related.
The Course-related Materials in Series III are arranged alphabetically by topic or course title. As noted above, there is overlap between Series II and Series III as it was not always easy to tell whether notes related to courses, lectures, or writings.
Series IV, Correspondence, is arranged chronlogically, dating from 1954 to 1996, with correspondents noted. The correspondence is primarily with Holmer's colleagues, students, publishers, or related to requests for Holmer to speak in various venues.
Series V, Personal Items and Memorabilia, includes biographical information about Holmer, including items from his student days, documentation of speaking engagements and other events attended, articles and interviews, and an obituary.
Series VI, Collected Material, consists primarily of writings by others. Reviews of works by Holmer are not in this series, but rather have been filed in Series I with the relevant work by Holmer. The last several folders in the collection are a very eclectic mixture of materials, which have been retained in the order received; the range of Holmer's interests and his methods of gathering material are reflected in these files.
Dates
- 1876 - 2004
Creator
Conditions Governing Access
The materials are open for research.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of the Holmer family.
Arrangement
- I. Writings
- II. Notes
- III. Course-related Material
- IV. Correspondence
- V. Personal Items and Memorabilia
- VI. Collected Material
Extent
16 Linear Feet (39 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Catalog Record
A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog
Persistent URL
Overview
Published and unpublished writings, notes, course-related material, and correspondence of Paul L. Holmer provide insight into his work and thought. Holmer (1916-2004) was Professor of Philosophical Theology at Yale from 1960 to 1987.
Biographical / Historical
- 1916 Nov 14
- Born in Minneapolis, MN, son of Paul E. and Elsie (Johnson) Holmer
- 1940
- B.A., University of Minnesota
- 1942
- M.A., University of Minnesota
- 1944
- Married Phyllis J. Schulberg --- children: Paul, Linnea, Jonathan
- 1944-1946
- Instructor of philosophy at Yale
- 1946
- Ph.D., Yale
- 1946
- Taught at Gustavus Adolphus College
- 1946-1960
- Professor of philosophy at University of Minnesota
- 1960-1987
- Noah Porter Professor of Philosophical Theology, Yale Divinity School
- 1964-1965
- Guggenheim Fellow
- 1987-2004
- Noah Porter Emeritus Professor
- 2004 Jun 29
- Died in St. Paul, MN
- Title
- Guide to the Paul L. Holmer Papers
- Author
- Compiled by Meredith Farmer and Martha Lund Smalley
- Date
- 2015
- Description rules
- Finding Aid Prepared According To Local Divinity Library Descriptive Practices
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Part of the Yale Divinity Library Repository