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University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library

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Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113, USA
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Esquire, Inc. Records, 1933-1977

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Restrictions:
The record group is open for research. The collection contains audio tapes from which digital copies have been made. Source tapes are for staff use only. Audio files are only available in the...

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Summary

Creator:
Esquire, Inc.
Abstract:
Magazine publishing company, principally Esquire magazine, originally edited by Arnold Gingrich, records include editorial files with drafts and manuscripts of articles and some correspondence with authors and some business records.
Extent:
26 linear feet
2.08 GB
Language:
English.
Call Number:
85177 Bb/2
Authors:
Finding aid prepared by: Thomas E. Powers

Background

Scope and Content:

The records of Esquire Magazine detail the management and operation of one of the nation's principal literary and current events periodical of the middle decades of the twentieth century. The bulk of the material in the collection consists of research and editorial files for each article published in Esquire.

Although the records contained in the Esquire record group cover only a portion of the magazine's development, they can be used in conjunction with the Arnold Gingrich collection, also on file at the Bentley Historical Library to document one of the most influential publishing ventures of the twentieth century.

Biographical / Historical:

Esquire was founded in 1933 by David A. Smart and William H. Weintraub, publishers, and Arnold Gingrich, editor. Advertised as a magazine for men, Esquire published fiction, travel, and fashion news for an affluent audience. The magazine was immediately successful, and Esquire, Inc. expanded into other areas, including publication of Coronet beginning in 1936. Gingrich attracted many of the most prominent authors in America to Esquire, from Hemingway and Fitzgerald in the 1930s to Styron and Mailer in the 1960s.

By the 1960s the magazine had become less fiction-oriented, and published more investigative reporting by such writers as Tom Wolfe and Philip Nobile. In 1977, after Gingrich's death, Esquire, Inc. sold the magazine, and the editorial files were donated to the Michigan Historical Collections.

Acquisition Information:
The records were donated by Esquire, Inc. in 1978. Donor no. 6153
Processing information:

In preparing digital material for long-term preservation and access, the Bentley Historical Library adheres to professional best practices and standards to ensure that content will retain its authenticity and integrity. For more information on procedures for the ingest and processing of digital materials, please see Bentley Historical Library Digital Processing Note. Access to digital material may be provided either as a direct link to an individual file or as a downloadable package of files bundled in a zip file.

Arrangement:

The record group has been divided into seven series: Article Files; Sound and the Fury (Letters to the Editor); Story Research File; Correspondence with Authors and Agents; Staff Correspondence; and Assorted Business Files.

Contents

Using These Materials

Info for Visitors

How to Request

Ordering Reproductions

Download PDF Finding Aid
RESTRICTIONS:

The record group is open for research.

The collection contains audio tapes from which digital copies have been made. Source tapes are for staff use only. Audio files are only available in the Bentley Historical Library reading room on designated Bentley Library computers.

USE & PERMISSIONS:

Copyright to the letters written by Arnold Gingrich has been transferred to the Regents of the University of Michigan; copyright to other materials has not been transferred. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials.

PREFERRED CITATION:

item, folder title, box no., Esquire, Inc. Records, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

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Collection

Esquire, Inc. Records, 1933-1977
Call Number 85177 Bb/2
Total components 640
Items available online Online 1
Last indexed 2023-08-08