A. B. Guthrie, Jr. papers

Abstract

The A. B. Guthrie, Jr. papers (dated 1891-1985, undated; 7.23 cubic feet; 7 boxes) primarily comprise manuscripts, copies, personal correspondence, and edits of works written by the novelist Alfred Bertram Guthrie, Jr.

Descriptive Summary

Title
A. B. Guthrie, Jr. papers
Date
1891-1985, undated (inclusive)
Extent
7.23 Cubic Feet
Subjects
Authors.
Authors, American -- 20th century.
Authors, American -- Kentucky.
Detective and mystery stories.
Manuscripts.
Novelists.
Proofs (Printing)
Western films
Western stories
West (U.S.)--Juvenile fiction
West (U.S.)--Fiction
Kentucky Authors Collection
Arrangement
Collection is arranged by subject.
Finding Aid Author
Logan McGuire
Preferred Citation
86m1: [identification of item], A. B. Guthrie, Jr. papers, 1891-1985, undated, University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center.
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
Alfred Bertram Gurthrie (1901-1991) was born in Bedford, Indiana in the year 1901 to Alfred B. and June Thomas Guthrie. The Guthrie family moved shortly after Alfred Jr.'s birth to their more permanent home in Choteau, Montana, where Guthrie began his education. In 1919 he was accepted at the University of Washington and later transferred to the University of Montana, where he would go on to graduate with honors in 1923. Following his graduation, Gurthrie worked a number of odd jobs before settling down in a career with theLexington Leader newspaper, where he remained for the next 21 years as a reporter, editor, and editorial writer. From 1947-1952 Guthrie worked as a creative writing professor at the University of Kentucky. In 1947 he published his novel The Big Sky, and in 1949 a continuation of the story was published in The Way West. This second novel would go on to win a Pulitzer Prize for fiction. By the time of his death in 1991, Guthrie had written a total of: six novels, one book of essays, one children's book, one book of poems, and five mystery novels.
A.B. Guthrie, Jr. The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning. (2020, June 4). Retrieved January 19, 2022, from https://carnegiecenterlex.org/kentucky-writers-hall-of-fame/kentucky-writers-hall-of-fame-inductees-2017/ab-guthrie-jr/
Severo, Richard. "A.B. Guthrie Jr. is Dead at 90; Won Pulitzer for 'the Way West': [Obituary (Obit)][2]." New York Times, Late Edition (East Coast) ed., Apr 27 1991, ProQuest. Web. 19 Jan. 2022.
Scope and Content
The A. B. Guthrie, Jr. papers (dated 1891-1985, undated; 7.23 cubic feet; 7 boxes) primarily comprise manuscripts, copies, personal correspondence, and edits of works written by the novelist Alfred Bertram Guthrie, Jr. The collection includes original manuscripts, galley proofs, and revised copies of his work.

Restrictions on Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Use Restrictions
The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.

Contents of the Collection

Arfive (1971), 1970, undated

Scope and Contents

The Arfive (1971) series, 1970, undated, the draft manuscript and revisions of the book, a part of A.B. Guthrie's epic of the west book series. The plot revolves around the relationship of new high school principal and a rancher set in a small Montana town. The book was first published in January 1, 1971 by Houghton Mifflin.

Arfive, author's galley proof with connections, 1970

  • Box 1, folder 1
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Arfive, author's original transcript, typed revisions on duplicate, chapters 1-10, undated

  • Box 1, folder 2
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Arfive, author's original transcript, chapters 11-23, undated

  • Box 1, folder 3
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Arfive, author's original transcript, chapters 24-29, undated

  • Box 1, folder 4
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Arfive, complete manuscript, printers copy, chapters 1-11, undated

  • Box 1, folder 5
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Arfive, complete manuscript, printers copy, chapters 12-20, undated

  • Box 1, folder 6
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Arfive, complete manuscript, printers copy, chapters 21-29, undated

  • Box 1, folder 7
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Arfive, complete revised copy, chapters 1-7, undated

  • Box 1, folder 8
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Arfive, complete revised copy, chapters 8-16, undated

  • Box 1, folder 9
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Arfive, complete revised copy, chapters 17-29, undated

  • Box 1, folder 10
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Arfive, complete revised duplicate, chapters 1-6, undated

  • Box 1, folder 11
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Arfive, complete revised duplicate, chapters 7-14, undated

  • Box 1, folder 12
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Arfive, complete revised duplicate, chapters 15-29, missing chapter 16, undated

  • Box 1, folder 13
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Arfive, galley proof, "The Steadfast Butte", undated

  • Box 1, folder 14
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Arfive, galley proof, unmarked, undated

  • Box 1, folder 15
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Arfive, suggested cover paintings (2), book jacket proofs, undated

  • Box 1, folder 16
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Bent's Fort (unpublished screenplay), 1958-1960, undated

Scope and Contents

The Bent's Fort (unpublished screenplay) series, 1958-1960, undated, includes the script for A.B. Guthrie's adaptation of Bent's Fork by David Lavender. It is a historical account of the Arkansas River, Colorado nineteenth century private fort. Guthrie wrote the script while working in Hollywood in the 1950's. The script never entered into production.

Bent's Fort, author's manuscript, character sketches, fragments of storyline, undated

  • Box 7, folder 1
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Bent's Fort, correspondence, first draft, storyline, 1960

  • Box 7, folder 2
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Bent's Fort, Guthrie's notes on Bent's Fort screenplay, 1960

  • Box 7, folder 3
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Bent's Fort, storyline, 1958

  • Box 7, folder 4
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The Big It and Other Stories (1960), undated

Scope and Contents

The Big It and Other Stories (1960) series, undated, includes the manuscript and galley proofs of A.B. Guthrie's first collection of short stories about life on the frontier. It was first published in 1960 by Hought Mifflin.

The Big It, galley proof with marks, undated

  • Box 1, folder 17
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The Big It, galley proof, unmarked, undated

  • Box 1, folder 18
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The Big It, introduction, three versions, undated

  • Box 1, folder 19
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The Big It, original manuscript with editing marks, undated

  • Box 1, folder 20
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The Big Sky (1947), 1891-1952, undated

Scope and Contents

The Big Sky (1947) series, 1891-1952, undated, includes the book's manuscript and printing proofs, as well as, Guthrie's research, correspondence, and collection of the book's reviews. The Big Sky is Guthrie's first major novel, published in 1947 by William Sloane Associates. The story follows a young man's life as a "Mountain Man" in Kentucky, Missouri, and along the Missouri River, beginning in the 1830's.

The Big Sky, 1st carbon, chapters 27-33, undated

  • Box 2, folder 1
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The Big Sky, 2nd carbon, chapters 27-33, undated

  • Box 2, folder 2
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The Big Sky, correspondence, news, reviews, book jacket, undated

  • Box 2, folder 3
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The Big Sky, galley proof, unmarked, undated

  • Box 2, folder 4
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The Big Sky, manuscript, chapters 1-12, undated

  • Box 2, folder 5
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The Big Sky, manuscript, chapters 13-24, undated

  • Box 2, folder 6
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The Big Sky, manuscript, chapters 25-35, undated

  • Box 2, folder 7
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The Big Sky, manuscript, chapters 36-48, undated

  • Box 2, folder 8
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The Big Sky, manuscript and plot summary, parts 2-5, undated

  • Box 2, folder 9
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The Big Sky, manuscript, printer's copy, chapters 1-14, undated

  • Box 2, folder 10
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The Big Sky, manuscript, printer's copy, chapters 15-24, undated

  • Box 2, folder 11
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The Big Sky, manuscript, printer's copy, chapters 25-36, undated

  • Box 2, folder 12
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The Big Sky, manuscript, printer's copy, chapters 37-48, undated

  • Box 2, folder 13
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The Big Sky, manuscript with proposed final chapter, undated

  • Box 2, folder 14
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The Big Sky, manuscript with revisions, chapters 20-28, 32-33, undated

  • Box 2, folder 15
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The Big Sky, manuscript with revisions, chapters 9-19, undated

  • Box 2, folder 16
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The Big Sky, research, correspondence, photographs, and primary documentation, 1891-1952, undated

  • Box 2, folder 17
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The Big Sky, retyped manuscript, chapters 27-31, undated

  • Box 2, folder 18
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The Big Sky, retyped manuscript, chapters 29, 32, 34, 39, 42, undated

  • Box 2, folder 19
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The Big Sky, scrapbook of reviews, 1947-48

  • Box 2, folder 20
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The Blue Hen's Chick (1965), 1965

Scope and Contents

The Blue Hen's Chick (1965) sesries, 1965, contains the publisher's manuscript for A.B. Guthrie's autobiography. Guthrie's memoir recounts his youth growing up in Montana during the early twentieth century and his career as a writer. The autobiography was first published in 1965 by McGraw-Hill.

The Blue Hen's Chick, publisher's manuscript, pages 1-98, 1965

  • Box 3, folder 1
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The Blue Hen's Chick, publisher's manuscript, pages 99-222, 1965

  • Box 3, folder 2
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The Blue Hen's Chick, publisher's manuscript, pages 223-321, 1965

  • Box 3, folder 3
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Fair Land, Fair Land (1982), undated

Scope and Contents

The Fair Land, Fair Land (1982), undated, series the book's manuscripts, proof, and revisions. Fair Land, Fair Land released in 1982 by Houghton Mifflin Company, was the last published book in Guthrie's six book series known as the "epic of the west" novels by Guthrie. It follows the character, Dick Summers, as he return travels the Oregon Trail during the mid 1800's.

Fair Land, Fair Land, manuscript, chapters 1-9, undated

  • Box 3, folder 4
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Fair Land, Fair Land, manuscript, chapters 10-18, undated

  • Box 3, folder 5
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Fair Land, Fair Land, manuscript, chapters 19-27, undated

  • Box 3, folder 6
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Fair Land, Fair Land, manuscript, chapters 28-36, undated

  • Box 3, folder 7
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Fair Land, Fair Land, master galley proof, marked, undated

  • Box 3, folder 8
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Fair Land, Fair Land, publisher's manuscript, chapters 1-10, undated

  • Box 3, folder 9
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Fair Land, Fair Land, publisher's manuscript, chapters 11-20, undated

  • Box 3, folder 10
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Fair Land, Fair Land, publisher's manuscript, chapters 21-28, undated

  • Box 3, folder 11
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Fair Land, Fair Land, publisher's manuscript, chapters 29-39, undated

  • Box 3, folder 12
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Fair Land, Fair Land, revisions, undated

  • Box 3, folder 13
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The Genuine Article (1977), undated

Scope and Contents

The Genuine Article (1977) series, undated, contains the book's manuscripts, proofs, and revisions. The story is a double murder mystery, set in Montana, features Sheriff Chick Charleston as he solves the crime.The Genuine Article was first published in 1977 by Houghton Mifflin.

The Genuine Article, manuscript, chapters 1-11, chapter 5 missing 1st page, undated

  • Box 3, folder 14
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The Genuine Article, manuscript, chapters 12-20, undated

  • Box 3, folder 15
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The Genuine Article, manuscript, revisions, undated

  • Box 3, folder 16
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The Genuine Article, master proofs, marked, undated

  • Box 3, folder 17
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The Genuine Article, page proofs, undated

  • Box 3, folder 18
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The Genuine Article, page proofs, undated

  • Box 3, folder 19
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The Genuine Article, publisher's manuscript, chapters 1-10, undated

  • Box 3, folder 20
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The Genuine Article, publisher's manuscript, chapters 11-20, undated

  • Box 3, folder 21
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The Last Valley (1975), undated

Scope and Contents

The Last Valley (1975), undated, comprise the novel's manuscripts, proofs, and revisions. The Last Valley is the final book of the "epic of the west" series that began with The Big Sky. It is the final book because time period ranges between early 1900 thru the post WWII years, but it was the fifth of six books published. It focuses on the societal and landscape changes in Montana in the western United States during the the beginning of the twentieth century.

The Last Valley, manuscript, chapters 1-10, undated

  • Box 3, folder 22
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The Last Valley, manuscript, chapters 11-20, undated

  • Box 3, folder 23
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The Last Valley, manuscript, chapters 21-29, undated

  • Box 4, folder 1
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The Last Valley, manuscript, chapters 30-35, undated

  • Box 4, folder 2
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The Last Valley, manuscript, revisions, undated

  • Box 4, folder 3
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The Last Valley, manuscript, revisions, undated

  • Box 4, folder 4
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The Last Valley, page proofs, undated

  • Box 4, folder 5
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The Last Valley, publisher's manuscript, chapters 1-9, undated

  • Box 4, folder 6
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The Last Valley, publisher's manuscript, chapters 10-16, undated

  • Box 4, folder 7
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The Last Valley, publisher's manuscript, chapters 17-25, undated

  • Box 4, folder 8
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The Last Valley, publisher's manuscript, chapters 26-37, undated

  • Box 4, folder 9
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Murders at Moon Dance (1943), undated

Scope and Contents

The Murders at Moon Dance (1943) series contains the manuscripts and jacket cover for the novel published by It is the first cross between a traditional Western and a murder mystery published written by A.B. Guthrie and published by E.P. Dutton, New York.

Murders at Moon Dance, book jackets (2), undated

  • Box 4, folder 10
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Murders at Moon Dance, manuscript carbon, chapters 1-13, undated

  • Box 4, folder 11
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Murders at Moon Dance, manuscript carbon, chapters 14-26, undated

  • Box 4, folder 12
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Murders at Moon Dance, printer's copy, chapters 1-13, undated

  • Box 4, folder 13
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Murders at Moon Dance, printer's copy, chapters 14-26, undated

  • Box 4, folder 14
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No Second Wind (1980), undated

Scope and Contents

The No Second Wind (1980) series contains the manuscripts and proofs of the book by A.B. Guthrie, Jr. It is the third western mystery novel by Guthrie to feature Sheriff Chick Charleston. It was published by Houghton Mifflin in 1980.

No Second Wind, early version, missing page 225, undated

  • Box 4, folder 15
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No Second Wind, master galley proofs, marked, undated

  • Box 4, folder 16
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No Second Wind, original manuscript, chapters 1-8, undated

  • Box 4, folder 17
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No Second Wind, original manuscript, chapters 9-14, undated

  • Box 4, folder 18
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No Second Wind, original manuscript, chapters 15-22, undated

  • Box 4, folder 19
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No Second Wind, original manuscript, revisions, undated

  • Box 4, folder 20
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No Second Wind, publisher's copy, chapters 1-8, undated

  • Box 4, folder 21
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No Second Wind, publisher's copy, chapters 9-15, undated

  • Box 4, folder 22
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No Second Wind, publisher's copy, chapters 16-23, undated

  • Box 4, folder 23
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Once Upon a Pond (1973), undated

Scope and Contents

The Once Upon a Pond (1973) series contains the manuscript and revisions of the second children's book by A.B. Guthrie, Jr. It features Maggie Magpie, Mephitis Skunk, Busy Beaver, and the other animal inhabitants of Pond Placid. The book was orginally published by Mountain Press Publishing Company and illustrated by Carol B. Guthrie.

Once Upon a Pond, manuscript, early revision, undated

  • Box 5, folder 1
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Once Upon a Pond, manuscript, final revised carbon, undated

  • Box 5, folder 2
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Once Upon a Pond, manuscript, final typed version, undated

  • Box 5, folder 3
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Once Upon a Pond, original working manuscript, final revisions on Xerox, undated

  • Box 5, folder 4
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Playing Catch-Up (1985), 1985, undated

Scope and Contents

The Playing Catch-Up (1985) series contains the publisher's manuscript and proof for the westen mystery novel by A.B. Gutrie. The plot centers around a murder at a Montana brothel solved by Sheriff Chick Charleston. The book was first published by Houghton Mifflin in 1985.

Playing Catch-Up, manuscript, publisher's copy, chapers 1-12, undated

  • Box 5, folder 5
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Playing Catch-Up, manuscript, publisher's copy, chapers 13-25, undated

  • Box 5, folder 6
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Playing Catch-Up, master proofs, 1985

  • Box 5, folder 7
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These Thousand Hills (1956), undated

Scope and Contents

The These Thousand Hills (1956) series comprises manuscripts, proofs, and revision of the novel. It is the fourth story in western epic series by A.B. Guthrie, Jr. The focuses on life in the west, particulary Montana during the mid 1800's. These Thousand Hills was orignally published in 1956 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

These Thousand Hills, abortive revisions, chapters 36-37, undated

  • Box 5, folder 8
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These Thousand Hills, author's manuscript, 1st submission carbon, chapters 1-7, undated

  • Box 5, folder 9
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These Thousand Hills, author's manuscript, 2nd submission, undated

  • Box 5, folder 10
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These Thousand Hills, author's marked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 1-3, undated

  • Box 5, folder 11
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These Thousand Hills, author's marked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 4-7, undated

  • Box 5, folder 12
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These Thousand Hills, author's marked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 8-14, undated

  • Box 5, folder 13
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These Thousand Hills, author's marked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 15-17, undated

  • Box 5, folder 14
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These Thousand Hills, author's marked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 18-20, undated

  • Box 5, folder 15
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These Thousand Hills, author's marked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 21-22, undated

  • Box 5, folder 16
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These Thousand Hills, author's marked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 23-24, undated

  • Box 5, folder 17
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These Thousand Hills, author's marked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 25-26, undated

  • Box 6, folder 1
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These Thousand Hills, author's marked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 27, undated

  • Box 6, folder 2
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These Thousand Hills, author's marked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 28-29, undated

  • Box 6, folder 3
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These Thousand Hills, author's marked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 30-33, undated

  • Box 6, folder 4
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These Thousand Hills, author's marked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 34-35, undated

  • Box 6, folder 5
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These Thousand Hills, author's unmarked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 1-9, undated

  • Box 6, folder 6
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These Thousand Hills, author's unmarked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 10-21, undated

  • Box 6, folder 7
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These Thousand Hills, author's unmarked manuscript, 1st submission, chapters 22-31, undated

  • Box 6, folder 8
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These Thousand Hills, carbon screenplay, undated

  • Box 6, folder 9
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These Thousand Hills, carbon screenplay, undated

  • Box 6, folder 10
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These Thousand Hills, carbon screenplay, undated

  • Box 6, folder 11
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These Thousand Hills, galley inserts, undated

  • Box 6, folder 12
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These Thousand Hills, original manuscript, chapters 1-8, undated

  • Box 6, folder 13
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These Thousand Hills, publisher's manuscript copy, chapters 1-18, undated

  • Box 6, folder 14
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These Thousand Hills, publisher's manuscript copy, chapters 19-37, undated

  • Box 6, folder 15
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These Thousand Hills, research notes and correspondence, undated

  • Box 6, folder 16
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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.