Edgar Hirshberg Collection on John D. MacDonald

Collection

Identifier: MSS 0673

Scope and Content

The collection was created by Dr. Edgar Hirshberg, a professor of English at the University of South Florida and includes personal papers and business records related to his role as editor of the JDM Bibliophile, a publication about John D. MacDonald (JDM) and his literary works. MacDonald (1916-1986) was an American writer, best known for his Travis McGee series.

“Series 1: Biography” includes notes, drafts, and manuscripts of Hirshberg’s biographical and scholarly novel about JDM titled “John D. MacDonald.” “Series 2: JDM Bibliophile” pertains to the JDM Bibliophile, a fan publication; it contains correspondence, drafts, flyers, and ephemera. “Series 3: JDM Conference” contains brochures, programs, notes, and manuscripts for seven biannual JDM conferences. The bulk of the collection spans 1962 to 1999.

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found within 1963 - 1999

Creator

Hirshberg, Edgar W. (Person)

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

Dr. Edgar Hirshberg was born on August 21, 1915 in Detroit, Michigan. He received his Bachelor of Arts at Harvard University in 1938 and joined the Army, where he served as a translator for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in Europe. He remained in England to earn a Master of Arts at Cambridge University. Shortly after his return to the United States, he met his wife Ann, whom he married in 1947. He received his PhD at Yale University in 1951. He taught at Indiana, North Carolina State, Ohio, East Carolina universities, and worked at the University of South Florida from 1960 until his retirement in 1990. He died on June 29th, 2002 at 86 years old.

Extent

3.15 Linear Feet (3 Boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Dr. Hirshberg was a professor of English at the University of South Florida. He began editing and contributing to the JDM Bibliophile, a fan publication of John D. MacDonald’s literary works in 1966. The collection includes biographical notes about JDM, drafts and correspondence relating to his work on the JDM Bibliophile, and extensive documentation of the JDM conference. The collection spans 1953 to 1999.