Scope and Content Note
The papers of Virginia Hamilton (1936-2002) span the years 1938-2003 with the bulk of the material dating between 1970 and 1999. The collection, arranged alphabetically by title of writing with a miscellany file at the end, documents the production of her numerous children's books. Material consists of background information, correspondence with her publishers, drafts of writings, illustrations, printing proofs, publicity items, and reviews. The miscellany contains biographical information, general correspondence, and material relating to Hamilton's public appearances and speeches. Included in the writings are drafts of her biographies of W. E. B. DuBois and Paul Robeson and such works as Anthony Burns: The Defeat and Triumph of a Fugitive Slave; Bluish; The House of Dies Drear; and M. C. Higgins, the Great, for which she received the National Book Award and the John Newbery Medal.