Pat Frank Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS Group 307

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The collection consists entirely of the typescripts, galley proofs and jackets from six of Pat Frank's novels.

Dates

Creation: 1946-1958

Creator

Frank, Pat, 1907-1964. (Person)

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

Pat Frank was born in Chicago in 1907. Before he published his first novel Mr. Adam in 1946, Frank worked for many years as a newspaperman and researcher. His experiences with government and military bureaucracy and the threat of nuclear proliferation gave rise to many insights which came out in his fiction. After the success of Alas, Babylon in 1959, Frank concentrated on writing for magazines and journals, and advising various government bodies. In 1960 he served as a member of the Democratic National Committee. In 1961, the year in which he received an American Heritage Foundation Award, he was consultant to the National Aeronautics and Space Council. From 1963 through 1964 he worked as a consultant to the Department of Defense. He died of pancreatitis in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964.

Extent

1.2 Linear feet (2 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Pat Frank (pen name for Harry Hart Frank) was an American writer, journalist, and government consultant. Frank is best known for his 1959 novel Alas, Babylon, which chronicles life in a Central Florida town after a nuclear attack that destroys much of the state. The collection includes the typescript for Alas, Babylon, along with the typescripts, proofs and jackets for several of Frank's other works of fiction.