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William Irving Kaufman (1922-1995) was born June 8, 1922, in New York City, New York. He attended Wake Forest College from 1940 to 1941. From 1941 to 1946, he was enlisted with the United States Army. After completing his military training, he attended the Leland Powers School of Radio and Theatre Technique from 1946 through 1947. Kaufman was affiliated with the National Broadcasting Company, Inc., from 1947 to 1963. Kaufman also performed as a talk show host for a California radio station from 1984 to 1985.
William Kaufman was a writer and editor of over 150 publications in the areas of food, wine, travel, music, photography, and television. The exhibition of his work in photography led him to travel extensively thoughout the world. Kaufman was also a lecturer and consultant to several airlines and foreign governments on such topics as "the creative process," food, and food appliances. He was a television spokesman for numerous organizations, such as Brach's Candy, the American Dairy Association, Ernest & Julio Gallo, United Airlines, and American Express.
William Kaufman produced and directed UNICEF tours in 1971 and 1972. Kaufman was also the founder of the "Adopt-A-Class" Foundation, which provides funding for educational trips for underprivileged children.
Kaufman has received many awards, including the Christopher Award in 1971, the "Medallion Artistique" twice from the French government, and the Gold Vine Award in 1981. In addition, he was awarded Chevalier du Tastevin, Chevalier Order des Coteaux, and Officier Order dex Coteaux.
This collection includes all the materials dealing with Mr. Kaufman's book Perfume, which was published in 1974. It begins with a small amount of correspondence, mostly between Kaufman and leaders in the perfume industry. This is followed by draft chapters of the book, and original and final manuscripts. The research material is the bulk of the collection, and is comprised of items such as interviews, publications, and writings by executives of top perfume companies, such as Jean Patou, Guerlain, Chanel, and Givaudan. There are fifteen cassettes which record the previously mentioned interviews. Along with these are transcripts for some of the cassettes. A book dummy and additional illustrations are also included in this collection. Photographic prints are included.