Edward Elmer "Doc" Smith Letters, Notes, and Ephemera

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: MG 503

Staff Only

Content Description

Correspondence to or from E. E. "Doc" Smith and his family, publishers, or other authors. Also includes photos and educational materials for Smith. The materials of this collection were provided by Betsy Spiegel via her nephew Courtney Fugate. A noteworthy piece includes a synopsis of Skylark of Space with a 20+ page manuscript of drawings and notes. Other items of interest include letters to and from authors Jack Williamson and Abraham Grace Merritt.

Dates

Creation: 1904-1983

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical / Historical

E. E. (Edward Elmer) "Doc" Smith (1890-1965) was an American science-fiction author who is credited with creating the Skylark series (1928–65) and the Lensmen series. He graduated in 1914 from the University of Idaho with two degrees in chemical engineering and in 1918 completed his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a focus in food engineering from George Washington University. During his educaiton he began writing his first science fiction work, Skylark of Space his neighbour, Lee Hawkins Garby. Though completed in 1919, his work wasn't published until 1928. Some of his most famous works include The Skylark of Space, and the Lensmen series, and they were published in the periodicals Amazing Stories" and Astounding Stories. He was one of the first science fiction writers to write about interstellar travel. He became the inspiration for those in the science fiction community.

Extent

3 linear feet (Oversized diplomas and one legal-sized document box.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The materials in this collection include letters to and from E. E. "Doc" Smith from family members, publishers, and other authors. Additionally, there are photographs and educational materials including diplomas awarded to Smith.

Materials Specific Details

1. Simon and Schuster - Goodman 14 typed letters/copies 2. family letters - 35+ TLS/ALS mainly to his daughter Mr. Albert Trestrail, several with additions by his wife and others. 3. Synopsis of Skylark of Space, with a fabulous 20+/- page manuscript of drawings and notes 4. miscellaneous photos and documents 5. group to Olive Robb -- re Amazing Stories - replies/carbons of Smith side of correspondence 6. Jack Williamson -- group of 8 letters/replies, re Dragon Island and Grey Lensman 7. A. Merritt [Abraham Grace Merritt] - 4 letters/replies Skylark / Ship of Istar