Descriptive Summary
Barrett, Neal.
Neal Barrett, Jr., Papers
1941-(1992) ongoing, (Bulk 1973-1992)
Materials are written in
English.
Collection 004
1.25 linear feet, 3 boxes
Southwestern Writers Collection,
Special Collections, Alkek Library, Texas State University-San Marcos
Neal Barrett, Jr. is a fourth generation Texan born in San Antonio in 1929. A prolific writer of science fiction, Barrett has also written westerns, boys' adventure stories and historical novels. The Papers include research notes, manuscript drafts, correspondence with editors, articles, photographs, reviews, interviews and personal effects chronicling Barrett's writing career.
Biographical Note
Neal Barrett, Jr. is a fourth generation Texan born in San Antonio in 1929. He was raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and acquired a degree from the University of Oklahoma's Professional Writers' School. Barrett began as a corporate writer in public relations but turned freelance when his works began to sell. A prolific writer of science fiction, Barrett has also written westerns, boys' adventure stories and historical novels. His short stories have appeared in major magazines such as
Omni, Galaxy and Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine.
Barrett has also written under other names including: Victor Appleton, Chad Calhoun, Clay Dawson, Franklin W. Dixon, Rebecca Drury, Wesley Ellis, and J.D. Hardin.
Scope and Content Note
The Neal Barrett, Jr. Papers span 1941 to 1992, the bulk of the material dating from 1973 to 1992. It is divided into two series: I. Works and II. Biography/Criticism. The first series contains research notes, manuscript drafts, correspondence with editors, and articles. The second series contains photographs, reviews, interviews and personal effects chronicling Barrett's writing career. The material is arranged in chronological order.
Series I: Works, 1941-1992 This series contains manuscripts, research notes, correspondence with editors, magazines, reviews, and drawings. Some examples of the material that can be found here are: correspondence between the editor of Omni magazine and the author resulting in changes in the short story, "Diner"; research notes on the Big Thicket (used as a setting in two of Barrett's westerns, Snaketown and Lone Star and the Texas Gambler); and the different stages in the development of the comic book from the script, through the layout and rough drawings to the final product.
Series II: Biography and Criticism, 1970-1991 This series includes book reviews, magazine and newspaper articles, fliers, photographs, and realia chronicling Barrett's life as a writer.
Access Restrictions
Open for research.
Acquisition Information
Donated by Neal Barrett, Jr., 1992 [Accession # 1992-047].
Processing Information
Gwynedd Cannan, December 1992; updated December 1996. [Inventory revised, 2004]
Index Terms
Barrett, Neal
American literature--Texas--20th century--Sources.
Authors, American--Texas--Sources.
Authors, American--20th century--Sources.
Texas--In literature.
Clippings.
Photograhs.
Interviews.
Note to ResearchersContact the SWWC for information about additional materials from this writer that have not yet been fully processed.
Detailed Description of the Collection
The inventory for this collection is currently unavailable. Please contact the
Southwestern Writers Collection,
Special Collections, Alkek Library, Texas State University-San Marcos
for more information regarding this collection.