University of Texas at Austin

Kathleen Winsor:

A Preliminary Inventory of Her Papers at the Harry Ransom Center

Creator: Winsor, Kathleen, 1919-
Title: Kathleen Winsor Papers
Dates: 1940-1949
Extent: 23 boxes (10.3 linear feet)
Abstract: Winsor's papers consist of research materials and typescript drafts and galleys for her controversial novel Forever Amber and other works.
Call Number: Manuscript Collection MS-04558
Language: English.
Access Open for research


Administrative Information


Acquisition Gift no. 10277
Processed by Liz Murray, 1995
Repository:

Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas at Austin

Scope and Contents


This collection contains typescript drafts and galleys of American novelist Kathleen Winsor's best-known book, Forever Amber. Scandalous for its time and banned in Boston because of its sexual content, this historical novel was nonetheless popularly received in 1944 and enjoyed numerous subsequent printings. Miss Winsor prepared six drafts of Forever Amber over a period of five years, all the while maintaining detailed accounts of the time spent in research and writing. Five complete versions of the six drafts are present, but only a few pages of the 6th draft are available in this collection. A large quantity of Forever Amber research material exists in the form of holograph notebooks, maps, bibliographies, and binders containing detailed notes gleaned from her reading in the area of Restoration England.
Corrected typescripts of two later novels, Star Money and The Lovers, are also included along with two short, chapter-length works "Farewell the Vows" and "Which of Us Do You Pity?" In addition, Miss Winsor's academic work is represented in class papers from Roosevelt High School and University of California course notes.
The collection is arranged with Winsor's works presented first, followed by research materials for Forever Amber. Her typescript drafts, written on a poor quality paper, have suffered the effects of time and handling. While they are still quite usable, care should be taken when examining these papers.

Kathleen Winsor Papers--Folder List