Scope and Contents: This collection documents the research, writing and publication process of nineteen novels by Jane Langton, the Boston mystery writer who is also known for the children’s series the Hall Family Chronicles. The material in this collection covers all eighteen books in the Homer Kelly mystery series and Langton’s introduction to Acts of Light, a collection of Emily Dickinson poems.
The correspondence includes letters between Langton and her agents, editors, and publishers and letters with authors and artists concerning quotes for texts. In addition, there is correspondence with WGBH Boston for on-air readings, research inquiries, permissions letters, notes on illustrations and text, and fan mail. Publicity material – including book reviews, press releases, catalog listings, potential publicity targets, author readings, and information on book signings, tours and speaking engagements – are scattered throughout the correspondence.
Publicity includes book covers, listings from publishers’ catalogs, press releases, reviews, articles, flyers, and pamphlets and brochures related to speaking engagements and book signings. The bulk of material pertains to three titles: The Dante Game, Divine Inspiration, and Dead as a Dodo. There is no publicity material for The Transcendental Murder or Acts of Light.
The illustrations in the Homer Kelly series were done by Jane Langton.
Jane Langton Papers
| Boston Public Library Archival and Manuscript Finding Aid Database
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