John Donovan Papers
Scope and Contents
The John Donovan papers contain typescript, publisher's marketing catalogs, and additional material related to six young adult novels written by Donovan.
Dates
- 1959 - 1976
Creator
- Donovan, John, 1929-1992 (Person)
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 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 Bookin 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 Reviewvol. 3; Contemporary Literary Criticismvol. 35
Extent
.4 Cubic Feet (1 hollinger box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The collection contains drafts and related material for six novels for young people written by John Donovan.
Arrangement
Collection guide arranged alphabetically by title.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection is a gift from John Donovan and his estate, received in 1992.
- Authors, American -- 20th century Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Children's literature, American Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Death -- Juvenile fiction Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Families -- Juvenile fiction Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Friendship -- Juvenile fiction Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Grief -- Juvenile fiction Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Homosexuality -- Juvenile fiction Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Laboratory animals -- Juvenile fiction Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Manuscripts for publication Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- Mental illness -- Juvenile fiction Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Orphans -- Juvenile fiction Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Rabbits -- Juvenile fiction Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Wolves -- Juvenile fiction Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Young adult fiction, American Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Title
- John Donovan Papers, 1959-1976
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Jim Eyer
- Date
- 2003
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
Collecting Area Details
Contact The Children's Literature Research Collections Collecting Area
