Al Silverman Papers
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Abstract
The Al Silverman Papers document the working life and activities of sports writer Al Silverman, author of ten books and numerous essays. The collection includes materials related to Al Silverman's work as an author as well as his work as editor of Sport Magazine, editor and publisher at Viking Press, and CEO and chairman of Book of the Month Club. Included in these files are draft copies of articles and books, research, interviews, magazine and newspaper clippings, correspondence with editors, and fan mail.
Biographical Note
Al Silverman, a noted sports writer, is author of 10 books and numerous essays published in, among other publications, Playboy, Saga, and Sport Magazine. Among his publications is I am Third, written with Gale Sayers, which became the acclaimed movie, "Brian's Song."
In addition to his writing, Silverman also worked as an editor and publisher. He was editor of Sport Magazine from 1951 to 1963 and was CEO and chairman of Book of the Month Club from 1972 to 1988. Most recently, Silverman served as editor and publisher at Viking Press from 1989 to 1997.
Arrangement
The Al Silverman Papers are organized into three series: Author Files, Book of the Month Club files, and "It's Not Over 'Til It's Over" materials. Within series I and II, files are organized chronologically. The files are in the original order in series III. Descriptions are at the folder level.
The files are grouped into 3 series: I: Author Files; II: Book of the Month Club Files; III: It's Not Over 'Til it's Over.
The Al Silverman Papers are organized into three series: Author Files, Book of the Month Club files, and "It's Not Over 'Til It's Over" materials. Within series I and II, files are organized chronologically. The files are in the original order in series III. Descriptions are at the folder level.
The files are grouped into 3 series:
- I: Author Files
- II: Book of the Month Club Files
- III: It's Not Over 'Til it's Over
Scope and Content Note
This collection includes materials related to Al Silverman's work as an author as well as his work as editor of Sport Magazine, editor and publisher at Viking Press, and CEO and chairman of Book of the Month Club. Included in these files are draft copies of articles and books, research, interviews, magazine and newspaper clippings, correspondence with editors, and fan mail. The collected materials illustrate the stages of Silverman's writing process.
Most materials are in original format.
SERIES DESCRIPTIONS
SERIES I: Author Files
This series includes materials from several stages of Silverman's career including materials related to his work as an essayist and book author as well as his work as an editor of Sport Magazine and editor and publisher at Viking Press. Included are drafts, correspondence with editors, fan mail, interviews, research notes, contracts and audiocassettes.
Subseries A: Paper Files
Subseries B: Audio Recordings removed from Paper Files
Subseries C: Recorded Interviews
SERIES II: Book of the Month Club Files
Subseries A: Paper Files
Subseries B: Videocassettes
This series includes materials from Silverman's tenure as CEO and chairman of Book of the Month Club. Included are correspondence, press clippings and videocassettes as well as files related to Book of the Month Club: Sixty Years of Books in American Life, edited by Silverman.
SERIES III: It's Not Over 'Til It's Over
Subseries A: Paper Files
Subseries B: Books
Subseries C: Media
Subseries D: Digital Data Storage
This series is a 2004 accretion to the Al Silverman papers. It includes research materials for, and drafts of It's Not Over 'Til It's Over, a sports history book written by Silverman, published in 2002.
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Access Restrictions
Materials are open to researchers. Please contact the Fales Library and Special Collections, fales.library@nyu.edu, 212-998-2596.
Use Restrictions
Copyright (or related rights to publicity and privacy) for materials in this collection was not transferred to New York University. Permission to use materials must be secured from the copyright holder. Please contact the Fales Library and Special Collections, fales.library@nyu.edu, 212-998-2596.
Preferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form:
Identification of item, date (if known); The Al Silverman Papers; MSS 136 ; box number; folder number; Fales Library and Special Collections, New York University Libraries.
Provenance
The Al Silverman papers were donated by Al Silverman in 1998. Accretions were added to the collection in 2004 and 2009.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Audiovisual and born-digital materials have not been preserved and are not available to researchers.
Separated Material
Over 800 books from Al Silverman's personal library were donated with his personal papers. An "author" or "related name" search in Bobcat, NYU's online catalog, will retrieve the records for the books.
