John Jakes Papers, 1951-1989
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Jakes, John, 1932-2023
- Title
- John Jakes Papers
- Dates
- 1951-1989 (inclusive)19701990
- Quantity
- 12 cubic ft. (12 boxes) + digital
- Collection Number
- 10190
- Summary
- John Jakes was an American author, known for historical and speculative fiction. This collection contains manuscripts from John Jakes’ writing career. Included are manuscripts of short stories, scripts, and books written by Jakes.
- Repository
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American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu - Access Restrictions
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There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public. However, the collection will require the completion of a use agreement before any reproductions can be made, and no reproductions can be made of any of the material within box 1.
- Languages
- English
Historical Note
John Jakes was an American author, known for historical and speculative fiction. John William Jakes was born March 31, 1932, in Chicago. Jakes studied creative writing at DePauw University in Indiana and started his career by selling stories to pulp magazines. He married his wife Rachel in 1951, and in 1952, they appeared together on the game show Beat the Clock. John graduated from DePauw in 1953 and went on to earn an MA in American Literature from Ohio State University. They moved to Dayton, Ohio in 1961, where Jakes worked as a copywriter for several advertising agencies. Over those ten years, he wrote fiction at night and on the weekends, and in 1971, John began writing full-time. Over the course of his career, he wrote under a few pseudonyms, the two most famous being the names Jay Scotland and J.X. Williams. The Jakes moved to Florida in the 70s and had four children. John Jakes died in Sarasota on March 11, 2023, at the age of 90.
While at DePauw University John Jakes published speculative fiction stories and in the twenty years after graduating college, he published dozens of stories and several novels, most of which were fantasy fiction, science fiction and westerns, as well as historical fiction. Jakes was a member of the Swordsman and Sorcerers’ Guild of America, a group of heroic fantasy authors founded in the 1960s. They helped to promote the “Sword and Sorcery” subgenre, which Jakes published the Brak the Barbarian stories within. John’s popularity skyrocketed with the publication of his Kent Family Chronicles, which was a bestselling American Bicentennial series of books in the mid to late 70s. He continued to publish more popular works of historical fiction, most dealing with American History. The most famous of which was his North and South trilogy about the U.S. Civil War, which was later adapted into an ABC miniseries. John also ventured into writing stage adaptations, and his adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol was first performed in Hilton Head and has since become a popular production for university and regional theaters.
Content Description
This collection contains manuscripts from John Jakes’ writing career. Included are manuscripts of short stories, scripts, and books written by Jakes. This includes drafts of his famous North and South Trilogy, his children’s story, “Susanna of the Alamo” and his “California Gold” novel. Also included are correspondence, information about the sale of the rights to “California Gold” and ledgers for the sale of his short stories.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
Copyright InformationThe researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
Restrictions on Use
Statement on Potentially Harmful Language and Images Found in CollectionsThe American Heritage Center aspires to approach all areas of our work in ways that are respectful to those who create, use, and are represented in our collections. For a variety of reasons, however, users may encounter offensive or harmful language or images in some of our finding aids, catalogs, and collection materials.
Note that the AHC does not censor or alter contents of the collections as they provide context and evidence of a time, people, place, or event. Therefore, we encourage users to bring questions and concerns about descriptions in our finding aids to our attention via email or anonymous web-form. For more information, read our full statement.
Preferred Citation
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
Administrative Information
Related Materials
John Jakes Papers, MS 0110, Browne Popular Culture Library, University Libraries, Bowling Green State University.
John Jakes Papers, Rare Books and Special Collections, University of South Carolina Libraries.
John William Jakes papers, MSD-1953-001. Archives of DePauw University and Indiana United Methodism.
Acquisition Information
This material was recieved from John Jakes between 1982 and 1990.
Processing Note
This collection was processed by Brittany Heye in May of 2024.
Detailed Description of the Collection
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Container: Box
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Description: CorrespondenceDates: 1958, 1982, 1985, undatedContainer: Box 1
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Description: Correspondence to Michael AvaloneDates: 1967-1971Container: Box 1
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Description: "Black in Time" A Science Fiction Entertainment NovelDates: undatedContainer: Box 1
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Description: "Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story" by John Jakes and designed and illustrated by Paul BaconDates: undatedContainer: Box 1
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Description: "Susanna of the Alamo"- first draft textDates: 1985Container: Box 1
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Description: "Susanna of the Alamo"- second and third draftsDates: 1985, 1989Container: Box 1
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Description: "Susanna of the Alamo"- draftsDates: undatedContainer: Box 1
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Description: "Susanna of the Alamo"- notes & correspondenceDates: 1989Container: Box 1
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Description: "Susanna of the Alamo"- photocopy of original thumbnail layout by artist (Paul Bacon)Dates: undatedContainer: Box 1
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Description: "Susanna of the Alamo"- Publisher's Press PacketDates: 1989Container: Box 1
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Description: "Susanna of the Alamo"- revised text with suggested cuts addedDates: 1985Container: Box 1
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Description: "Susanna of the Alamo"- textDates: 1985Container: Box 1
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Description: File Ledger Sheets- Short StoriesDates: 1951-1956Container: Box 11
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Description: File Ledger Sheets- Short Stories (A-L)Dates: undatedContainer: Box 11
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Description: File Ledger Sheets- Short Stories- unsold (current)Dates: undatedContainer: Box 11
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California Gold:
Container: Box
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Description: Sale of "California Gold" hard and soft rightsDates: 1986Container: Box 1
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Description: Final CopyDates: undatedContainer: Box 1
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Description: In Process ItemsDates: 1989Container: Box 1
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Description: Master TypesettingDates: 1989Container: Box 1-2
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Description: Outline (first and final drafts)Dates: undatedContainer: Box 2
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Description: Volume Six- "Power and Glory, 1899-1903"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 2
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Description: Volume Six- "Power and Glory, 1899-1903" typed final copyDates: undatedContainer: Box 2
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Description: Author's Treatment for an 8-hr TV Mini SeriesDates: 1990Container: Box 2
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North and South Trilogy:
Container: Box
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Description: Book One- "North and South"- first draftDates: undatedContainer: Box 4
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Description: Book One- "North and South"- first draft outlineDates: January 1980Container: Box 4
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Description: Book One- "North and South"-outlineDates: 1980Container: Box 4
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Description: Book One- "North and South"- pre-production manuscriptDates: undatedContainer: Box 4-5
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Description: Book One- "North and South"- style sheetDates: undatedContainer: Box 5
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Description: Book One- "North and South"- typed final draftDates: undatedContainer: Box 5
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Description: Book One- "North and South"- galley proofsDates: undatedContainer: Box 5-6
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Description: Book One- "North and South"- copy edited manuscript (boxed)Dates: undatedContainer: Box 6
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- draftDates: undatedContainer: Box 7
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Book One- "A Vision from Scott"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 7
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Book Two- "A Worse Place Than Hell"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 7
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Book Three- "Let Us Die to Make Men Free"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 8
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Book Four- "The Butcher's Bill"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 8
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Book Five- "The Judgements of the Lord"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 8
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Galley ProofDates: undatedContainer: Box 8
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Prologue and Book One- "A Vision from Scott" Galley ProofDates: undatedContainer: Box 8
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Book Two- "The Downward Road" Galley ProofDates: undatedContainer: Box 8
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Book Four- "Let Us Die to Make Men Free" Galley ProofDates: undatedContainer: Box 8
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Book Five- "The Butcher's Bill" Galley ProofDates: undatedContainer: Box 9
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Edits and AfterwordDates: 1984Container: Box 9
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Miscellaneous NotesDates: undatedContainer: Box 9
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- OutlineDates: 1982Container: Box 9
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Outline- Author's Annotated CopyDates: 1982Container: Box 9
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Replacement PagesDates: 1984Container: Box 9
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Indexes to Research BooksDates: undatedContainer: Box 9
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Story Detail NotesDates: undatedContainer: Box 9
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- copy edited manuscript (boxed)Dates: undatedContainer: Box 9
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Description: Book Two- "Love and War"- Uncorrected Proof (bound)Dates: undatedContainer: Box 9
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Description: Book Three- "Heaven and Hell"- DraftDates: 1987Container: Box 10
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Description: Book Three- "Heaven and Hell"- Final OutlineDates: August 1986Container: Box 10
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Description: Book Three- "Heaven and Hell"- First OutlineDates: 1985Container: Box 10
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Description: Book Three- "Heaven and Hell"- Galley ProofDates: undatedContainer: Box 10
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Description: Book Three- "Heaven and Hell"- MiscellaneousDates: undatedContainer: Box 10
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Description: Book Three- "Heaven and Hell"- Original Page RevisionsDates: 1987Container: Box 10
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Description: Book Three- "Heaven and Hell"- Source Book Indexes and ExcerptsDates: undatedContainer: Box 10
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Description: Book Three- "Heaven and Hell"- Unused First Draft materialDates: undatedContainer: Box 11
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Description: Book Three- "Heaven and Hell"- Working NotesDates: undatedContainer: Box 11
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Description: Book Three- "Heaven and Hell"- copy edited manuscript (boxed)Dates: undatedContainer: Box 11
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Description: Book Three- "Heaven and Hell"- 3 5in. Floppy discs- Author's Final Computerized MSDates: undatedContainer: Box digital, Folder ahcdm_10190_001-003
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Scripts:
Container: Box
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Description: "Tribute" A Play in Two Acts by Bernard SladeDates: 1978Container: Box 2
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Description: "The American Bicentennial Series"- No. 50302- adapted for television by John Wilder, teleplay by Guerdon TruebloodDates: January 31, 1978Container: Box 2
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Description: "The American Bicentennial Series"- No. 85107- adapted for television by John Wilder, teleplay by Guerdon TruebloodDates: November 23, 1977Container: Box 2
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Description: "North and South"- Episode One (written by Douglas Hayes)Dates: 1984Container: Box 3
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Description: "North and South"- Episode Two (written by Paul Edwards)Dates: 1984Container: Box 3
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Description: "North and South"- Episode Three (written by Kathleen A. Shelley)Dates: 1984Container: Box 3
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Description: "North and South"- Episode Four (written by Patricia Green)Dates: 1984Container: Box 3
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Description: "North and South"- Production ScheduleDates: 1985Container: Box 3
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Description: "North and South"- StorylinesDates: 1983Container: Box 3
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Description: "North and South II"- first draft- Episode One, Part Two (written by Patricia Green)Dates: 1985Container: Box 3
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Description: "North and South II"- Episode Two, Part Two (written by Patricia Green)Dates: 1985Container: Box 3
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Description: "North and South II"- Episode Three, Part Two (written by Patricia Green)Dates: 1985Container: Box 3
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Description: "North and South II"- Episode Four, Part Two (written by Patricia Green)Dates: 1985Container: Box 3
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Description: "North and South II"- Final Draft-- Shooting Script prepared during productionDates: September 11, 1985Container: Box 3
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Description: "North and South II"- Part TwoDates: 1985Container: Box 3
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Description: "North and South II"- Revised Step OutlineDates: August 9, 1985Container: Box 3
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Description: "The Rebels" parts I and II- teleplay by Sean Baine and R.A. CinaderDates: 1978-1979Container: Box 3
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Description: "The Seekers" part 1- teleplay by Steve HayesDates: 1978-1979Container: Box 3
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Description: "The Seekers" part 2- teleplay by Steve HayesDates: 1978-1979Container: Box 3
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Short Stories:
Container: Box
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Description: "The Agape Machine" published title- "The Long Love In"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "A Majesty of Dolphins" published as "The Highest Form of Life"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "And the Masters Walk"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Atlas Secrets" published title- "The Deadly Mission" by Alexander BladeDates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Beast with A Hundred Skins"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Blizzardbrain" by Darius John GrangerDates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Coffins to Mars"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Countdown to Coffin Hill" by C.H. ThamesDates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Devils in the Walls" 2nd Expanded versionDates: 1963Container: Box 12
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Description: "Don't Shoot the Wergs"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Doom Jungle"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: Fact ArticlesDates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Feed Me, Mr. Wodgett"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Ghoul's Garden"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Girl in the Gem"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "I, Time" by Stephen WilderDates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "In the Days of King Arsgrat"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Keepers of the Dreaming Trees" published as "The Dreaming Trees"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Last Cry of Pain"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Last Job in the Death Works"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Love Is A Punch in the Nose"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Malice in Wonderland" by Alan PayneDates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Man Who Wanted to be in the Movies"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Man Who Was Everybody"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Mandalay Passage"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Marshals Die on Sunday"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Matches"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Meet Miss Impossible" published title- "Miss Impossible" by C.H. ThamesDates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Mescalero Drums"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Miranda"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Mirror of Wizardry"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Naked Gun"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Night Alexander the Great Slept in the Carport"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Night of the Mustang"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Night They Took the Spy King" by Robert St. GeorgeDates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Nine Shadows at Doomsday" by Adam ChaseDates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "No Place to Hide"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Old Maid of Angouleme" by John Jakes and Roger ElwoodDates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "One Race Show"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The One Way Train" published title- "Death Has Green Eyes"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Opener of the Crypt"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Outcasts of the Dog Show"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Peepshow Murder"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Pistol Patriots"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Pistol-Whipped!"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Point of Disorder" published title- "Political Machine"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Red Green"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Riddle in Concrete"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Selfish Bomb"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Sex Shoot"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Singular Occurrence at Styles"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Siren and the Shill"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Souvenir"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Stalkers of the Iron Jungle"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Stranger with Roses"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Stripped for Murder"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Tex" published title- "Manhunt"Dates: 1955Container: Box 12
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Description: "The Texans Ride North"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "There's No Vinism Like Chauvinism"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "To Hell With You" A Pete Horn MysteryDates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "To Patch A Thief" published title- "Recidivism Preferred"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Traitor's Flight"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Underfellow"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "Uncle Willie's Strippers"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Voyage of the Singing Satellite" by Darius John GrangerDates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Whip Master" by Retz ColtDates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "With A Knife in My Heart"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "The Woman at Apache Wells" published title- "Lobo Loot"Dates: 1952, 1980Container: Box 12
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Description: "The Woman in the White Sweater"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Description: "You Are Now Leaving Grim"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 12
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Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Authors -- United States -- 20th century.
- Television mini-series -- United States.
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Fiction.
Titles within the Collection
- North and South (Television mini-series)
Other Creators
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Personal Names
- Brak, the Barbarian (fictitious character)
- Jakes, John, 1932- -- North and South trilogy.
- Scotland, Jay, 1932-2023
- Williams, J.X.
