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David Madden Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0632

  • Staff Only

Collection contains manuscripts of plays and books written by David Madden, including play manuscripts, notes and rough drafts for several novels, early manuscripts, printer's copies, proofs, and other work related to Madden's publications.

Dates

  • circa 1960s-1970s

Conditions Governing Access

Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

Conditions Governing Use

The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

Extent

7 Linear Feet

Abstract

Collection contains manuscripts of plays and books written by David Madden, including play manuscripts, notes and rough drafts for several novels, early manuscripts, printer's copies, proofs, and other work related to Madden's publications.

Biographical/Historical Note

Jerry David Madden was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on July 25, 1933, to James and Emile Merritt Madden. After he graduated high school in 1951, Madden entered the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Before graduating, he left college for New York City and later joined the United States Merchant Marine. Upon leaving the Marine in 1953, he joined the army and was discharged in 1955. Madden then returned to the University of Tennessee and graduated with a BA in education in 1957. He later enrolled at San Francisco State University and earned an MA in creative writing in 1958. Shortly after graduation, Madden obtained a John Golden fellowship to attend the Yale Drama School, where he studied from 1959 to 1960. Madden’s first novel, The Beautiful Greed, was published in 1961 and based on his experience as a Merchant seaman.

Madden has written in several genres and his works include: Cassandra Singing, The Shadow Knows, and The New Orleans of Possibilities. Arguably his most well-known novel, The Suicide's Wife was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and made into a TV movie. In addition, Madden has published poems and short stories in Redbook, Playboy, and The Southern Review. His plays have won many state and national contests and several have been published. He also has an extensive collection of literary criticism, including Wright Morris: A Primer of the Novel and Harlequin’s Stick, Charlie's Cane. Madden has also written essays on several famous literary personalities – James Joyce, Flannery O'Connor, Emily Bronte, and Thomas Wolfe – and has edited several textbooks.

Although Madden has worked for a number of different institutions, he has spent the majority of his professional life at Louisiana State University (LSU). He began as the writer-in-residence in 1968, a position he held until 1992. He has also served LSU as the Director of the Creative Writing Program (1992-1994), Founding Director of the United States Civil War Center (1992-1999), and Donald and Velvia Crumbley Professor of Creative Writing (1999-).

Madden met his wife, Roberta Young Madden, while working for Iowa State Teacher's College's radio station. They were married in 1956, and have one son, Blake.

Arrangement

Collection consists of seven boxes in three series:

Missing Title

  1. Series I: Play Manuscripts
  2. Series II: Book Manuscripts
  3. Series III: Other

Acquisition Note

This collection was donated to Special Collections between 1962-1989 by David Madden.

Related Materials

Interested researchers may wish to consult:
MS.0276, David Madden Collection, 1961-1972
MS.0515, David Madden Papers, undated
MS.2637, David Madden Papers, 1968-2001
MS.2836, David Madden Papers, 2004-2005



Repository Details

Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480