James Purdy Papers
James Purdy Papers: An Inventory of His Papers at the Harry Ransom Center Descriptive Summary Creator: Purdy, James, 1914-2009 Title: James Purdy Papers Dates: 1953-1984 Extent: 89 document boxes, 2 oversize boxes (osb) (40.71 linear feet), 6 oversize folders (osf), 8 galley files (gf) Abstract: The papers of American writer James Purdy include drafts, correspondence, publishing material, and press material relating to his novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and essays. Also included are Purdy’s drawings, works by other authors, and theater programs and other printed material. Call Number: Manuscript Collection MS-3353 Language: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish Access: Open for research Administrative Information Acquisition: Purchases (R2669, R3858, R4187, R4498, R7949, R8141, R8178, R7949, R8575, R8575A, R12006) and gifts (G814, G953, G1055, G1069, G1259, G1573, G1835, G1925), 1965-1990 Processed by: Katherine Mosley and Bob Taylor, 2015 Repository: The University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center Purdy, James, 1914-2009 Manuscript Collection MS-3353 Biographical Sketch James Otis Purdy was born in Hicksville, Ohio, on 17 July 1914 as the second of three sons of William Purdy and his wife, Vera Cowhick Otis. The family moved to Findlay, Ohio before 1920 and within the next several years James’ parents divorced. Vera Purdy and her sons continued to live in Findlay, where she operated their large residence as a boarding house. Purdy graduated from high school in the early 1930s, and afterwards attended Bowling Green State College, graduating in 1935 with a BA degree and a teaching certificate in French. After moving to Chicago to further his education he met the painter Gertrude Abercrombie and before long became a member of the group of creative people associated with her.
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