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James A. Michener Chesapeake Collection

In November 1977, James A. Michener left all papers connected to the writing and publication of Chesapeake to the Maryland Room of the Talbot County Free Library. These papers have been filed in 18 archival boxes.

The Chesapeake collection also includes the uncorrected first proof and a special edition of Chesapeake, as well as a photo album and audiotapes of Michener interviews.

James Michener spent two years on the Eastern Shore of Maryland carrying out research and writing his well-known novel Chesapeake. After having finished writing this work, but prior to its release, Mr. Michener spoke to the local population about his new book. The presentation took place at St. Mark's United Methodist Church Hall in Easton on May 17, 1978.

Listen to the St. Marks Presentation.

Papers about The Watermen were given later and are filed in Box 19.

Box 1

Barcode: 33536001643976

Box 2

Barcode: 33536001643984

Carbon copy on yellow sheet of the "rough draft".

Box 3

Barcode: 33536001644032

Manuscript with editorial corrections and reformatting.

Box 4

Barcode: 33536003459447

Manuscript with new pagination and corrections. Chapters 1 to 7

Box 5

Barcode: 33536003459454

Manuscript with new pagination and corrections. Chapters 8 to 14.

Box 6

Barcode: 33536003459462

Pieces of manuscript with corrections by several editors.

Box 7

Barcode: 33536001644040

Photocopy of manuscript with new pagination. Chapters 1 to 7.

(photcopy of contents in box 4)

Box 8

Barcode: 33536001644057

Photocopy of manuscript with new pagination. Chapters 8 to 14.

(photcopy of contents in box 5)

Box 9

Barcode: 33536001644081

Manuscript on onion skin with corrections.

Box 10

Barcode: 33536001644065

Photocopy of manuscript with editorial corrections. Chapters 1 to 8.

Box 11

Barcode: 33536001644024

Photocopy of manuscript with editorial corrections. Chapters 9 to 14.

Box 12

Barcode: 33536001644107

"Galleys" - Master Set First Pass.

Box 13

Barcode: 33536001685548

"Galleys" - Air Set.

Box 14

Barcode: 33536001644099

"Book Blues".

Boxes 15, 16 and 17

Barcodes: 33536001644123, 33536001644115, and 33536001693880

Correspondance 1975 - 1979. Copies of letters or rough-drafts of letters as well as letters received by James Michener filed chronologically.

Box 18

Barcode: 33536001685530

Box 19

Barcode: 33536001685563

The Watermen