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Louis Slobodkin Papers

 Collection
Identifier: CLRC-101

Scope and Contents

The collection contains production material for various titles illustrated by Slobodkin, as well as some miscellaneous material and artwork. The collection includes typescripts and galley proofs, notes, correspondence, illustrations done in a variety of media, some with separations, sketches and studies. The miscellaneous artwork includes sketchbooks and studies, and a black and white self-portrait.

Dates

  • Creation: 1918-2000s

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Open for use in the Elmer L. Andersen Library reading room.

Conditions Governing Use

This collection may be 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. Researchers may quote from the collection under the fair use provision of the copyright law.

Biographical / Historical

Louis Slobodkin was born February 19, 1903, in Albany, New York. He attended the Beaux Arts Institute for Design in New York City from 1918-1922, and in 1927 married Florence Gersh, who would be his collaborator on several children's books. Early in his career Slobodkin worked as a sculptor and designer, and in 1943 illustrated James Thurber's Many Moons, which received the 1944 Caldecott Medal. Throughout his career, Slobodkin illustrated both his and other author's works. He is well-known for his illustrations of Eleanor Estes' Moffat books. During the 1940s-1970s he wrote a number of books for young children, including a Read About series. He also wrote and illustrated a number of science fiction stories for older readers, including his Space Ship series. Louis Slobodkin died May 8, 1975, in Florida.

Biographical Sources:

"Louis Slobodkin (1903-1975)." Something About the Author. Vols. 1 and 26. Detroit, MI: Gale, 1971 and 1982.

Extent

15 Cubic Feet (16 boxes (7 record cartons and 9 flat boxes))

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Louis Slobodkin's papers focus on his work as an author and illustrator of children's books. The collection contains production material for various titles published between 1943-1972, as well as some miscellaneous material and artwork.

Arrangement

Collection guide arranged alphabetically by publication title.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Part of this collection was originally given to Dr. Irvin Kerlan, who in turn donated his collection to the University of Minnesota. Additional material was given by Louis and Florence Slobodkin, as well as their family and heirs (Lawrence Slobodkin, Tamara Slobodkin, David Slobodkin, and Nathan Freeman).

Related Materials

See the Florence Slobodkind Papers for additional material related to Louis, including personal papers and correspondence he wrote to Florence.

Related Names

Source

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Louis Slobodkin Papers, 1918-2000s
Status
Completed
Author
Jim Eyer; Updated by Ruth Paloma
Date
2005
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • July 2017: Reprocessed by Carter Lynn Thurmond
  • February 2023: Description updated by Caitlin Marineau.

Collecting Area Details

Collecting Area Details

Contact The Children's Literature Research Collections Collecting Area

https://www.lib.umn.edu/collections/special/kerlan
Contact:
Suite 113, Elmer L. Andersen Library


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