Alexandra Ripley Papers 1966-1967, 1985-1992

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
160 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Brenda Gunn
Phone: (434) 924-1037
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This addition to the papers of novelist Alexandra Ripley of Keswick, Virginia, consists of ca. 825 items (17 Hollinger boxes, ca. 7 linear feet), 1966-1967 and 1985-1992, chiefly pertaining to the writing and publishing of Scarlettby Ripley, including autograph manuscripts, typescripts, correspondence with her agency, publishers, and editors, fan mail, newspaper clippings, postcards, photographs, memorabilia, audiotapes, computer disks, a videotape recording, and research material about the historical background of the novel, including folders on Atlanta, Ireland, Charleston, and Savannah

Acquisition information:
This collection was loaned to the Library by Alexandra Ripley, Keswick, Virginia, on December 1, 1992.
Arrangement:

Manuscripts of the book Scarlettby Alexandra Ripley comprise the first series. Also included is a Dove Audio typescript of Charleston, a talk to booksellers in Atlanta by Ripley, and various writing assignments and notes for a night class with Richard Coleman in Charleston, South Carolina by Alexandra Ripley.

The second series consists of miscellaneous and research files, including fan mail; correspondence with her agents, publisher, and friends; the American Booksellers Association Convention in New York City; the promotional tour for Editions Belfond, France; Gone With the Wind Forum, Richmond, Virginia; the Lifeexcerpt from Scarlett, with autograph corrections and changes (1991 Jun); Lifephotographs of Alexandra Ripley by Lynn Johnson [1988]; newsclippings and articles about Scarlett; publicity and press releases; photographs and postcards; cassette recordings; promotional material for Scarlett; and research material, including books used in research and copies of Scarlettand Gone With The Wind.

The correspondence file contains a draft of Ripley's letter to the Atlanta representatives of the Mitchell estate concerning the story line for Scarlett. The letter defends her choice of Ireland in the novel as an outlet for the explosive nature of Scarlett as presented by Mitchell in Gone With The Wind. Ripley contends that Margaret Mitchell effectively closed the familiar scenes of Atlanta, Tara, and Charleston to Scarlett. Ireland provides a largely unknown historical setting that has a rich mythology but which is also violent and stormy enough to furnish a suitable backdrop for the character of Scarlett (1987 Oct 9); a draft of a letter from Ripley to her lawyer in New York, Bob Youdelman, about her difficulties with her agent William Morris, and asking for advice (1988 Feb 27); and two notes from Barbara Mertz about the success of Scarlettand the progress of her next Amelia book (ca. 1992 Jan 1) and auction plans (Fall 1992).

Physical description:
This collection consists of 825 items.