Schwab (Richard N.) Papers, circa 1971

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Summary

Title:
Richard N. Schwab Papers
Dates:
circa 1971
Creators:
Schwab, Richard N.
Abstract:
Richard N. Schwab served as professor of history at the University of California, Davis. The collection contains material related to Schwab's work on Diderot's Encyclopedie.
Extent:
2 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Richard N. Schwab Papers, D-285, Archives and Special Collections, UC Davis Library, University of California, Davis.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains materials from circa 1971 related to Professor Schwab's work on Diderot's Encyclopedie.

Biographical / historical:

Richard Narum Schwab was born to Philip and Ruth Schwab on September 12, 1927 in Morrison, Minnesota, USA. He was brought up alongside his three siblings in Minnesota. He pursued his undergraduate education at the University of Minnesota, earning his bachelor's degree in 1949. Schwab continued his academic journey at Harvard University, where he completed his PhD in European history in 1954. After completing his doctorate, Schwab found himself at a crossroads due to his 1A draft status, stemming from the Korean War. This draft status posed a challenge in securing a job as potential employers were concerned about his possible draft into military service. As a result, he spent a year working at a Ford assembly plant. While working for Ford, Schwab secured an interview with the University of California, Davis. During the interview, his draft status was unintentionally overlooked, which may be why he received an offer of employment. Notably, he sought confirmation from the draft board, and they assured him that he would not be drafted, thus allowing him to take up the position. After moving to California, Richard met and eventually married Sonya M. Misch on June 10, 1959. Schwab's tenure at UC Davis encompassed several decades during which he made notable contributions to the field of history. His early scholarly work was focused on early modern literature and the18th-century Enlightenment, laying the groundwork for a distinguished academic career. As a professor of history at UC Davis, Schwab gained recognition for his scholarly achievements. Schwab was a prolific writer in his field, frequently publishing in esteemed academic journals and co-authoring various books. His academic endeavors extended to mentoring and advising students, offering valuable guidance to aspiring historians throughout his career. His time at UC Davis was marked by his dedication to historical research, scholarly writing, and his role as a mentor to students. His contributions to the history field, through his research and academic mentorship, established him as a prominent figure in the academic community. Schwab's notable achievements and prominent activities were marked by his scholarly contributions and innovative research methodologies. One of his most significant achievements was his work related to Diderot’s Encyclopédie, including his translation and introductions to d’Alembert’s Preliminary Discourse to the Encyclopedia of Diderot and his co-authorship of Inventory of Diderot's Encyclopédie. Moreover, Schwab's work in the application of Proton-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) analysis to rare books, including the analysis of Gutenberg's Bible, was groundbreaking. In addition to his work on the Gutenberg Bible, Schwab extended his research to other significant texts, including fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls. In 1982, Richard N. Schwab was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation for his work in the field of bibliography. Schwab remained at the University of California, Davis until his retirement.

Processing information:

The biography was written by Sacramento State Public History graduate student Beatrice Cook. This finding aid was updated by Michelle Trujillo in 2026.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by UC Davis, Special Collections staff.
Date Prepared:
July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

All applicable copyrights for the collection are protected under chapter 17 of the U.S. Copyright Code. Requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Regents of the University of California as the owner of the physical items. It is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Richard N. Schwab Papers, D-285, Archives and Special Collections, UC Davis Library, University of California, Davis.

Location of this collection:
University of California, Davis, Special Collections, UC Davis Library
100 NW Quad
Davis, CA 95616-5292, US
Contact:
(530) 752-1621
speccoll@ucdavis.edu
Website