Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- O'Shea, June
- Abstract:
- This collection is comprised of correspondence, galley proofs, manuscripts, press clippings, and other material pertaining to the works of English literary figure Colin Wilson between the years 1965-1998. Includes correspondence between Colin Wilson and June O'Shea, galley proofs and manuscripts of Wilson's works in the science fiction genre, manuscripts and other material regarding Israeli paranormalist Uri Geller, press clippings of book reviews by Wilson, and manuscripts of interviews with Wilson.
- Extent:
- 0.83 linear feet (2 boxes)
- Language:
- The collection is in English .
- Preferred citation:
-
[identification of item], [date if possible]. Colin Wilson papers (MS 190). Special Collections & University Archives, University of California, Riverside.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
This collection is comprised of correspondence, galley proofs, manuscripts, press clippings, and other material pertaining to the works of English literary figure Colin Wilson between the years 1965-1998. Includes correspondence between Colin Wilson and June O'Shea, galley proofs and manuscripts of Wilson's works in the science fiction genre, manuscripts and other material regarding Israeli paranormalist Uri Geller, press clippings of book reviews by Wilson, and manuscripts of interviews with Wilson.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Colin Wilson is a British novelist and writer of science fiction, true crime, and literary criticism. Wilson was born in Leicester, England on June 26, 1931 to Arthur and Anetta Wilson. His mother's love for books served as an early influence on Wilson and a science fiction magazine given to him at a young age by his grandfather sparked his interest in the genre for which he would publish multiple novels.
At the age of sixteen Wilson quit school and began work at various jobs including a coffee house in Paris where he began writing what would become his first published book, The Outsider. In 1956 The Outsider was published and met with high critical acclaim which instantly catapulted him to literary stardom. He quickly became associated with the "Angry Young Men," a British literary group, because of his depiction of social alienation in The Outsider. While Wilson's first literary effort was critically acclaimed, praise eventually turned sour as Wilson's next efforts were met with negative reviews. In 1960-1961, the critics turned back in favor of Wilson with the publication of Ritual in the Dark and Adrift in Soho.
Colin Wilson has gone on to become a prolific novelist in both fiction (science fiction) and non-fiction (true crime). He is also an accomplished essayist that has contributed to numerous literary journals. In 2004, Wilson's autobiography titled Dreaming to Some Purpose was published and typical to Wilson's career was received with a range of praise and negativity from critics.
Chronology Date Event 1931 Born in Leicester, England on June 26th.1951 Married Dorothy Betty Troop and the couple had one son.1956 The Outsider is published and met with high critical acclaim.1960 Ritual in the Dark was published.1961 Married Pamela "Joy" Stewart after his divorce from Dorothy and the couple went on to have two children.1961 Adrift in Soho was published.1962-2003 The breadth of Wilson's literary work was published in this time frame.2004 Published autobiography Dreaming to Some Purpose. - Acquisition information:
- Provenance unknown.
- Processing information:
-
Processed by Melissa Huntington, 2010.
- Arrangement:
-
This collection is arranged into four series as follows:
- Series 1. Correspondence, 1966-1981, undated.
- Series 2. Galley proofs, 1967-1975, undated.
- Series 3. Manuscripts, 1965-1978, undated
- Series 4. Notes, press clippings, and other material, 1973-1998, undated.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is open for research.
- Terms of access:
-
Copyright has not been assigned to the University of California, Riverside Libraries, Special Collections & University Archives. Distribution or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. To the extent other restrictions apply, permission for distribution or reproduction from the applicable rights holder is also required. Responsibility for obtaining permissions, and for any use rests exclusively with the user.
- Preferred citation:
-
[identification of item], [date if possible]. Colin Wilson papers (MS 190). Special Collections & University Archives, University of California, Riverside.
- Location of this collection:
-
University of California, Riverside - Special Collections and University ArchivesP.O. Box 5900Riverside, CA 92517-5900, US
- Contact:
- (951) 827-3233