NTDMG503 Edward Elmer "Doc" Smith Letters, Notes, and Ephemera 1904-1983 Edward Elmer "Doc" Smith Letters, Notes, and Ephemera Sara Szobody University of Idaho Library, Special Collections and Archives 2021
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2021-11-15. Finding aid written in English Finding aid based on DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard), 2nd Edition. University of Idaho Library, Special Collections and Archives
Edward Elmer "Doc" Smith Letters, Notes, and Ephemera MG 503 3 linear feet oversized diplomas and one legal-sized document box. 1904-1983 The materials in this collection include letters to and from E. E. "Doc" Smith from family members, publishers, and other authors. Additionally, there are photographs and educational materials including diplomas awarded to Smith. 1. Simon and Schuster - Goodman 14 typed letters/copies 2. family letters - 35+ TLS/ALS mainly to his daughter Mr. Albert Trestrail, several with additions by his wife and others. 3. Synopsis of Skylark of Space, with a fabulous 20+/- page manuscript of drawings and notes 4. miscellaneous photos and documents 5. group to Olive Robb -- re Amazing Stories - replies/carbons of Smith side of correspondence 6. Jack Williamson -- group of 8 letters/replies, re Dragon Island and Grey Lensman 7. A. Merritt [Abraham Grace Merritt] - 4 letters/replies Skylark / Ship of Istar English . 1

Correspondence to or from E. E. "Doc" Smith and his family, publishers, or other authors. Also includes photos and educational materials for Smith. The materials of this collection were provided by Betsy Spiegel via her nephew Courtney Fugate. A noteworthy piece includes a synopsis of Skylark of Space with a 20+ page manuscript of drawings and notes. Other items of interest include letters to and from authors Jack Williamson and Abraham Grace Merritt.

E. E. (Edward Elmer) "Doc" Smith (1890-1965) was an American science-fiction author who is credited with creating the Skylark series (1928–65) and the Lensmen series. He graduated in 1914 from the University of Idaho with two degrees in chemical engineering and in 1918 completed his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a focus in food engineering from George Washington University. During his educaiton he began writing his first science fiction work, Skylark of Space his neighbour, Lee Hawkins Garby. Though completed in 1919, his work wasn't published until 1928. Some of his most famous works include The Skylark of Space, and the Lensmen series, and they were published in the periodicals Amazing Stories" and Astounding Stories. He was one of the first science fiction writers to write about interstellar travel. He became the inspiration for those in the science fiction community.

Collection is open for research.

 Authors Science fiction--Authorship Science fiction--Appreciation Correspondence Publishers and Publishing Photographs Letters 1921-1964 Family and Miscellaneous Letters 1921-1966; undated 1 1-3 Jack Williamson Letters 1937-1951 1 4 Abraham Merritt Letters 1930-1933 1 5 Jack Goodman Letters 1937-1940 Jack Goodman was the Executive Editor of Simon and Schuster at the time. 1 6 Olive Robb Letters 1932; undated 1 7 Miscellaneous Documents 1904-1983; undated "Synopsis of THE SKYLARK OF SPACE. The Tale of The First Interstellar Cruise" Two copies typed, 7 sheets each. One has "Clarrissa Smith" in pencil at the top. The second copy is a revised version of the first. Both have handwritten corrections. 1 8 Notes on the 'Skylark'; Quotation Ten small pages handwritten. Contains calculations relating to relativity theory, a diagram of the Skylark with various parts labelled, summaries of the "opinions" held by various characters, etc. Quotation from Stephen Leacock, in Smith's hand in pencil on ruled paper. 1 9 An Interview with Edward E. Smith by Julius Schwartz (via Fourth-Order Communicator) 1933 Carbon copy typed. Transcript of a recorded interview (?), later published by Schwartz in Science Fiction Digest, 1933 (8). 1 10 Miscellaneous and Photographs 1921; 1965; 1983; undated Items taped to board (now removed) relating to Smith and Fredrick Pohl. a. Photo of E. E. Smith speaking at the 12th World Science Fiction Convention. b. Photo of E. E. Smith. c. "Ode to the 'Skylark.'" Hand-calligraphed excerpt from piece published by Pohl in the December 1965 edition of Worlds of If Science Fiction announcing E. E. Smith's death. Signed by Pohl, "Fred Pohl 11 August 1983." d. Photo of E. E. Smith, Fred Pohl and Verna Smith (?). e. Photo of Fred Pohl and unknown person. 1 11 Photograph of E. E. Smith in Sci-Fi Suit Photograph of E. E. Smith. Large 10x14, in a science-fiction inspired suit. 1 12 Miscellaneous Items on board 1909-1910; 1914 Items pasted on board relating to Smith's wife and his time as a student at the University of Idaho. a. Photo of E. E. Smith as a student at University of Idaho. b. Invitation to the commencement at the University of Idaho, with envelope addressed to his future wife, "Miss Jeanine MacDougall," dated 1914. c. Invitation from (to?) Edward Smith to a dance at the Neolian Academy of Dancing, dated 1909-1910. 1 13 Miscellaneous Parchment 1904-1919; undated E. E. Smith's State of Idaho Common School Diploma 1904 1 E. E. Smith's University of Idaho Preparatory School Diploma in the Scientific Course 1907 1 E. E. Smith's BS in Chemical Engineering Diploma from the University of Idaho 1904 1 E. E. Smith's MS Diploma from George Washington University 1916 1 E. E. Smith's PhD. Diploma from George Washington University 1919 1