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John T. Flynn papers

 Collection
Identifier: Coll 116

Scope and Contents note

The John T. Flynn Papers include 44 book manuscripts for 22 titles, of which 18 are by Flynn, one by congressman Martin Dies (though this is said to have been ghost-written by Flynn), and one by Herbert Hoover. There are about 800 manuscripts of periodical articles, including Mr. Flynn's column for the New Republic, and his syndicated articles for the Newspaper Enterprise Association. Scripts of his broadcasts, and manuscripts of his speeches and non-series radio addresses are included.

The correspondence of about 7, 200 letters, both with organizations and individuals, reflects Flynn's special interests. There are substantial letter files for the American Writer's Association, Committee for Constitutional Government, Merwin K. Hart, Herbert Hoover, Lewis Mumford, Gerald P. Nye, Burton K. Wheeler, Homer Bone, George W. Robnett, and Robert E. Wood, among others. The file concerning the New York chapter of the America First Committee also includes important correspondence.

Dates

  • Creation: 1928-1960

Creator

Conditions Governing Access note

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Conditions Governing Use note

Property rights reside with Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries. Copyright resides with the creators of the documents or their heirs. All requests for permission to publish collection materials must be submitted to Special Collections and University Archives. The reader must also obtain permission of the copyright holder.

Biographical/Historical note

John Thomas Flynn, born on October 25, 1882, was a newspaperman, essayist, radio commentator, biographer, and authors of books on current affairs. For ten years he was a columnist for the New Republic, and for six years an associate editor of Collier's. Magazines ranging from Harper's to National Review featured his articles , and he was a frequent contributor to Reader's Digest, either as author or editor. Through his radio broadcasts, particularly the series "Behind the Headlines," he reached a large national audience. His early books were on economic subjects; later his books were critical commentaries on national and international trends, the best-known being Country Squire in the White House and The Road Ahead. From 1940, he was one of the most literate and influential spokesmen among those who saw current events as evidence of a socialistic or communistic conspiracy in politics, religion, economics, and communication. He died on April 13, 1964.

Extent

48 linear feet (32 containers)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

John T. Flynn (October 25, 1882-April 13, 1964) was an American journalist and political writer. The collection contains correspondence, literary manuscripts, scripts of radio broadcasts and other addresses, and reference files that reflect Flynn's career as a writer and his interests in business, economics, politics.

Arrangement note

Collection is organized into the following series:

Series: Manuscripts of books by John T. Flynn

Series: Manuscripts of books by others

Series: Manuscripts of periodical and syndicated articles

Series: Scripts of radio broadcasts, and manuscripts of addresses

Series: Correspondence received and sent

Series: America First Committee files

Series: Reference and source file

Series: Personal miscellany

Other Finding Aids

See the Collective Name Index to the Research Collection of Conservative and Libertarian Studies for a cross-referenced index to names of correspondents in this collection, if any, and 37 related University of Oregon collections, including dates of correspondence. See index instructions on use.

Processing Information note

Collection processed by Martin Schmitt, April 1966.

This finding aid may be updated periodically to account for new acquisitions to the collection and/or revisions in arrangement and description.

Title
Guide to the John T. Flynn Papers
Status
Complete Description
Author
Finding aid prepared by Martin Schmitt
Date
©2006
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Repository Details

Part of the University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives Repository

Contact:
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR 97403-1299 USA