English 486: Brief Guide to Using the Kenyon Review Archives

The Kenyon Review Archives

Items in the KR archives include manuscripts, correspondence between writers and editors, and other primary sources (such as promotional materials and photographs) related to the business and craft of The Kenyon Review. There are also materials by and about John Crowe Ransom and other key figures in KR's history.

This collection is part of the Greenslade Special Collections and Archives. Named in honor of Thomas Boardman Greenslade K1931, longtime college archivist and loyal Kenyon alumnus, the Greenslade Special Collections and Archives is housed in Olin and Chalmers Libraries. It consists of two main collections: Special Collections, including rare books and special subject research collections, and the Kenyon College Archives, which contains material related to the history and people of Kenyon College.

Locating Materials in the KR Archives

Although there is not a comprehensive finding aid for the collection, there are several ways that researchers may locate items in the archives. Keep in mind that the collection is organized first by series (1939-1969, 1979-present) and then by the author's name. You'll use the names of contributors, editors, etc. as starting points for your research.

  • Browse issues of The Kenyon Review (housed in Special Collections and Archives, as well as in the bound periodicals collection on the first floor).

  • Consult Elizabeth Browne's Kenyon Review Index: 25-Year Cumulative Compilation, 1939-1963 or the photocopied index to the new series.

  • Consult Marian Janssen's The Kenyon Review 1939-1970: A Critical History. There is a copy in Archives: PN4900 K46 J36 1990.

  • Consult the Comprehensive Index to English-Language Little Magazines 1890-1970. This 8-volume set is located in the reference collection on the second floor: Ref PN4836 S23 1976.

To Use the Archives:

Carol Marshall
Manager of Special Collections and Archives
Email: archives@kenyon.edu
Phone: 740/427-5191
Reading Room Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1:30-4:30 p.m., or by appointment

For Additional Research Assistance:

Melanie Maksin
Librarian & Technology Consultant
Email: maksinm@kenyon.edu
Phone: 740/427-5735
Spring 2008 reference desk hours: Sundays 6-10 p.m., Mondays 2-4 p.m., and by appointment