John Tebbel Papers, 1936-1985

Summary

Creator:
Tebbel, John William, 1912-
Abstract:
Papers of the American author, journalist, and professor of journalism at New York University. Correspondence and typescript drafts, manuscripts, and galley proofs for his books; letters, many in connection with the research for his book on George H. Lorimer, from Carl W. Ackerman, Nelson Algren, Henry Steele Commager, Thomas B. Costain, Marshall Field, Herbert Hoover, Henry B. Hough, Harold L. Ickes, Alfred C. Kinsey, Alfred A. Knopf, John P. Marquand, Mary Margaret McBride, Mary Roberts Rinehart, Kenneth Roberts, Lawrence E. Spivak, and Wesley W. Stout.
Extent:
3.0 linear ft.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

John Tebbel Papers

Background

Scope and content:

The John Tebbel Papers consist of correspondence, manuscripts, and published material. A biographical press release is filed at the beginning of the collection.

Correspondence contains incoming and outgoing letters. Letters to and from others are filed at the end of the series.

Subject files consist of bills and statements, a calling card of Jospeh Pulitzer, a legal agreement, and research material for Tebbel's book, From Raqs to Riches.

Manuscripts includes books, a play, and several unidentified items.

Published material contains a 1954 New York University calendar, a newspaper, newspaper clippings about others, a pamphlet, and a poem.

Biographical / historical:

John Tebbel (1912-2004) was an American journalist, editor, educator and media historian. Among other achievements he is know for his A History of Book Publishing in the United States, a 20-year effort published in four volumes from 1972 to 1980.

Born in Boyne City,Michigan, on November 16, 1912, Tebbel graduated from Central Michigan College of Education in 1935 and began his career as a writer and newspaperman, serving as city editor for the Isabella County, Michigan, Times-News. He also worked on a master's degree at Columbia University, which he received in 1937. He wrote for Newsweek magazine and worked as a reporter for the Detroit Free Press. In 1939 he became a writer for the Providence Journal; in 1941 he became managing editor of the American Mercury. Two years later, he joined the Sunday staff of the New York Times, became an associate editor of the publishing firm E.P. Dutton & Co., and acted as an associate in journalism at Columbia. He served as chairman of the Journalism Department at New York University, and in 1958 was named the first director of their Graduate Institute of Book Publishing.

Tebbel was the author of numerous books, including "A History of Book Publishing in the United States," a biography of William Randolph Hearst, and two novels. He was also a regular contributor to the Saturday Review and other magazines.

Tebbel married the former Kathryn Carl with whom he had one daughter.

Arrangement:

Incoming correspondence is arranged alphabetically by author. Outgoing correspondence is arranged in chronological order. Subject files are arranged alphabetically by type. Manuscripts are arranged alphabetically by type and within that by title. Published material is arranged alphabetically by type.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The majority of our archival and manuscript collections are housed offsite and require advanced notice for retrieval. Researchers are encouraged to contact us in advance concerning the collection material they wish to access for their research.

Terms of access:

Written permission must be obtained from SCRC and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

John Tebbel Papers

Location of this collection:
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
Bird Library, Room 600
Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
315.443.2697
scrc@syr.edu