Collections : [Rare Book & Manuscript Library]

Papers pertaining to Heuser's studies of Gerhart J.R. Hauptmann (1862-1946), the German dramatist of social protest and early exponent of realism. There is correspondence both with Hauptmann and with others prominent in literary and academic fields, giving their views on Hauptmann. The correspondence is roughly in two groups; letters written to Heuser during his trip to Germany in 1923; and letters concerning Hauptmann's visit to the United States to deliver the oration at the exercises held at Columbia University in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the death of Goethe, 1932. There are twenty letters from Hauptmann and 59 letters from his wife Margarete. The correspondence with the Hauptmann family continues up to 1957. There are twelve boxes of manuscripts and notes on Hauptmann; and five boxes of mounted clippings and printed extracts. Among the miscellaneous correspondence are letters from H.L. Mencken, Auguste Forel, Albert Schweitzer, Tristram Coffin, and Nicholas Murray Butler. Also, photographs relating to Hauptmann.