CLRC-21 John Donovan Papers Jim Eyer University of Minnesota Libraries 11/4/03

University of Minnesota Libraries Minneapolis, MN 55455

EAD 2002 Validated Finding Aid generated with the aid of a custom FileMaker Pro database developed by the staff of the Children's Literature Research Collections, University of Minnesota Libraries. Many thanks to all the staff and volunteers. 11/4/03 Description is in English Summary Information University of Minnesota Libraries Children's Literature Research Collections [clrc] Donovan, John John Donovan Papers 1959-1976 CLRC-21 Donovan's papers trace the genesis, process, and revision of six of his works for children and young adults. The collection includes typescripts, notes, correspondence, reviews, research materials, and both Harper and Morrow Junior Books catalogs. 5 folders See Detailed Descriptions for Each Title Item for Box Locations English Important Information for Users of the Collections Access and Use:

Collection is open for researchers with no restrictions. Registration with the collection is required.

This collection is protected by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code). It is the user's responsibility to verify copyright ownership and to obtain all necessary permissions prior to the reproduction, publication, or other use of any portion of these materials.

Processing Information

This collection was processed with financial assistance from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Biographical Sketch

John Donovan was born in Lynn, Massachusetts in 1928, and died in New York City on April 29, 1992. He was educated at William and Mary College, and received a law degree from the U. of Virginia. He began writing children's books in the 1960s, publishing his first book, The Little Orange Book in 1961. He shifted his attention to the young adult market in the late 1960s, becoming noted for his honest, compassionate and realistic portrayals of contemporary young adult concerns. Donovan was often controversial in his choice of subject matter, particularly in his depictions of homosexuality, alcoholism, teenage sexuality, death, and animal's rights. His books have received both criticism as being depressing, and praise for his emphasis on the lack of meaningful communication in modern life, and the crucial importance of friendship in developing character and beliefs. From 1967-1992 Donovan served as President of the Children's Book Council in New York, and in this position expressed concern about the future of children's and young adult literature at a time when profits were becoming paramount.

Biographical Sources: Something About the Author, vol. 29, 72; Children's Literature Review vol. 3; Contemporary Literary Criticism vol. 35

Scope and Content

Collection contains material for 6 titles published between 1961-76. It includes typescripts, notes, research materials, correspondence, reviews, and six book catalogs from Mr. Donovan's publishers.

Indexing Terms

The collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the University of Minnesota Libraries. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Donovan, John Accession Information:

The collection is a gift from John Donovan and his estate, received in 1992.

Gift of: Donovan, John

Arrangement

Family,

Good Old James,

I'll Get There, It Better be Worth the Trip,

Little Orange Book, The,

Remove Protective Coating a Little at a Time,

Wild in the World,

Collection Contents Family MF1809 folder 1 1 Harper Junior Books catalog 12 p. MF1809 folder 1 notes 1 p. MF1809 folder 1 research materials 2 p. MF1809 folders 2-4 Typescript, corrected 132 p. Good Old James MF1809 folder 1 1 Harper Junior Books catalog 10 p. MF1809 folder 1 Typescript, corrected 6 p. I'll Get There, It Better be Worth the Trip MF1809 folder 1 1 Harper Junior Books catalog 18 p. MF1809 folders 2-5 Typescript, corrected 206 p. Little Orange Book, The MF1809 folder 1 1 Morrow Junior Books catalog 38 p. MF1809 folder 1 correspondence 2 p. MF1809 folder 1 Typescript 4 p. Remove Protective Coating a LITTLE at a Time MF1809 folder 1 1 Harper Junior Books catalog 14 p. MF1809 folders 2-3 Typescript, corrected 85 p. Wild in the World MF1809 folder 1 1 Harper Junior Books catalog 18 p. MF1809 folder 1 reviews 1 p. MF1809 folder 2 notes 1 p. MF1809 folders 2-3 Typescript, corrected 97 p.