Identity Statement

Reference Code

HU OSA 312-0-4

Title

Copies of Archival Materials

Date(s)

1956 - 1990

Description Level

Series

Extent and medium (processed)

13 Archival boxes, 1.62 linear meters

Context

Archival history

These materials are mainly copies from three collections of the Hoover Institution Archives (HIA): the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Corporate Records, the George C. Minden Papers and Samuel S. Walker Papers. In addition, the series contains a small amount of archival documents from other institutions that were relevant to the book distribution program, along with copies of materials from people who were direct participants in the book distribution program. The most valuable are the reports from John P.C. Mathews, director of the Free Europe Press from 1956 to 1959. Materials from other institutions and private collections, in addition to the aforementioned Mailing Operation Reports from 1956 to 1959, which were donated by John P.C. Mathews, of substantial interest are documents from Nana Alimanestianu (a former employee of IAC and head of the Romanian and Bulgarian Program) and documents by Marilyn Minden (discovered in the basement of the house).

Content and Structure

Scope and Content (Abstract)

This series contains copies of archival materials that Alfred A. Reisch acquired during his research on his book, Hot Books in the Cold War.

Materials from Hoover Institution Archives (HIA) are organized in accordance with the internal development of the book program and then, they are arranged chronologically. The series contains Publications and Special Projects Division (PSPD) memoranda, monthly, annual reports, and International Advisory Council (IAC) semi-annual reports. These represent almost a full collection of report copies. In these reports, details of the program are outlined with statistics on the number of books mailed, their titles, and the list of individuals who received them.

The two aspects of the program, Person-to-Person and Mailing Operations, were reported separately. The reports also contain specifics on another facet of this program, which deals with the PSPD and IAC involvement in the financing of émigré publications, service centers and sponsors in the US and Europe that were responsible for the steady supply of requested books.

Of special interest to researchers are the copies of the European Trip Reports that were compiled by George C. Minden from 1973 to 1987 of visits to European distributors and publishers of books for the program. The most valuable aspect of these reports is that Alfred A. Reisch’s book only covers the period of the program until 1972. Therefore, these reports are unique sources for further research.

From the Samuel S. Walker Papers Collection the most interesting are those related to the Vienna Youth Festival held in 1959.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information

No destruction of documents took place in the course of processing with the exception of duplicates

Accruals

Not Expected

System of arrangement

The materials are organized thematically and then chronologically.

Conditions of Access and Use

Conditions governing access

The general rules of research in OSA Research Room apply.

Conditions governing reproduction

Digital reproduction in OSA Research Room is allowed for educational and research purposes.

Languages

English, German, Hungarian, Romany

Physical characteristics and technical requirements

The records are in good physical condition.

Description Control

Archivist's note

Processed by Clare Lewin, March, 2015.