David Alexander papers

Abstract

The David Alexander papers (dated circa 1955-1966; 0.68 cubic feet; 2 boxes) comprise final drafts of Alexander's works, including novels, short stories and non-fiction.

Descriptive Summary

Title
David Alexander papers
Date
circa 1955-1966
Extent
0.68 Cubic feet
Subjects
Detective and mystery stories.
Horse racing.
Kentucky--Fiction.
Short stories, American.
Arrangement
Collection is arranged chronologically.
Finding Aid Author
Finding aid prepared by Amanda M. Reeve
Preferred Citation
56M309: [Identification of item], David Alexander papers, circa 1955-1966, University of Kentucky Special Collections.
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
Author and journalist, David Alexander (1907-1973) was born in Shelbyville, Kentucky, but grew up in Louisville. He attended the University of Kentucky (1926-1928) and Columbia University (1928-1929). He worked at the Louisville Courier-Journalas an office worker and at the Lexington Herald as a writer. After attending Columbia, Alexander worked as the managing editor of The New York Morning Telegraph until 1940 when he returned to Lexington, Kentucky. He wrote for The Bloodhorse and Thoroughbred Record. In 1945, he worked as the "turf editor" for the New York Herald Tribune. After graduating from the New York Institute of Criminology in 1950, he wrote murder mysteries, publishing fifteen novels, numerous short stories, and a book about Thoroughbred horse racing.
Scope and Content
The David Alexander papers (dated circa 1955-1966; 0.68 cubic feet; 2 boxes) comprise final drafts of Alexander's works, including novels, short stories and non-fiction. The papers include: Die Little Goose, The Murder is Whistler's Brother,and Shoot a Sitting Duck, all novels in the "Bart Hardin Murder Mystery Series"; two short stories entitled "Uncle Tom and The Man who went to Taltavul's"; and a non-fiction work entitled "A Sound of Horses-The World of Racing from Eclipse to Kelso."

Restrictions on Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Use Restrictions
Property rights reside with the University of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky holds the copyright for materials created in the course of business by University of Kentucky employees. Copyright for all other materials has not been assigned to the University of Kentucky. For information about permission to reproduce or publish, please contact Special Collections.

Contents of the Collection

Die, Little Goose, circa 1955

  • Box 1, Folder 1
Scope and Contents note

Contains 204 pages.

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Shoot a Sitting Duck, circa 1955

  • Box 1, Folder 2
Scope and Contents note

Contains 211 manuscript pages. This book was published by Random House in November 1955.

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The Man Who Went to Taltavul's, circa 1955

  • Box 1, Folder 3
Scope and Contents note

This short story contains 18 pages with 2 pages of notes to the editor. It won 2nd prize in the 1955 Elley Queen Mystery Story Contest.

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The Murder of Whistler's Brother, circa 1956

  • Box 1, Folder 4-5
Scope and Contents note

Contains 194 manuscript pages. The book was published by Random House in October 1956. Signed by the author.

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A Sound of Horses, circa 1966

  • Box 1, Folder 6-7
  • Box 2, Folder 1-2
Scope and Contents note

Contains 399 manuscript pages with an additional 50 pages of acknowledgements and an index. Printed in 1966.

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Uncle Tom, undated

  • Box 2, Folder 3
Scope and Contents note

Contains 20 pages of manuscript pages. Note attached to the manuscript states: We have the printed version of this in the James T. Farrell papers. The story was published in MANHUNT.

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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.

Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.