Finding-Aid for the James Lane Allen Letter (VMF003)

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Table of Contents

Descriptive Summary

Biographical Note

Scope and Contents Note

Restrictions

Administrative Information

Collection Outline

ALS, 3 p

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Biographical Note

James Lane Allen was born on a farm near Lexington, Kentucky on December 21, 1849. As a young boy, he lived the life of the Southern ante-bellum gentry, but by the time he was a teenager, the Civil War and Reconstruction had ushered in a new era for both himself and his family.

In 1894 his novel, A Kentucky Cardinal, was released, making him a commercial as well as a critical success. It was followed by the even more successful novel, The Choir Invisible, in 1897. The Reign of Law (1900) also was successful, but because it was one of the first American novels to deal opening with religious doubt and Darwinism, it angered many churchmen and alienated Allen from some of his readership. The Mettle of the Pasture (1903) was his last commercial success. In February 1925, James Lane Allen died. He was brought to Lexington, Kentucky, to be buried.

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Scope and Contents Note

The autograph letter signed is from Allen to a Mr. McGee, in which Allen discusses an editorial which dealt with one of his stories.

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Restrictions

Access Restrictions

Open.

Use Restrictions

Users of the collections must read and abide by the Rules for the use of manuscript collection materials.

Users of the collections who wish to use items from this collection, in whole or in part, in any form of publication (as defined in the form) must sign and submit to the Washington University Department of Special Collections a hard copy of the Notification of intent publish manuscript collection materials form.

All publication restricted to those who have permission of the copyright holder.

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Administrative Information

Source

Originally laid in The Sword of Youth, New York: Century Co., 1915. PS1034 S8.

Processed by Washington University Department Special Collections Staff

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