Richard M. Dorson papers

Collection

Identifier: UA-17.305

Staff Only

Scope and Content

This collection contains galley proofs and drafts of two of Richard M. Dorson's books: Davy Crockett: American Comic Legend (1939) and Negro Folktales of Michigan (1956).

Dates

Creation: undated, circa 1939-1956, 1966

Creator

Dorson, Richard M. (Richard Mercer), 1916-1981 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Biographical Note

Richard Mercer Dorson was the author of 24 books about folklore and was responsible for coining the terms "urban legend" and "fakelore." Dorson was born in 1916 in New York City. From 1929 to 1933, he attended Phillips Exeter Academy. He earned his A.B., M.A., in history, and his Ph.D. degree in the History of American Civilization in 1942 from Harvard University. Dorson taught at Michigan State University from 1944 to 1957, at which time he took a position at Indiana University. He taught at Indiana University until his death in 1981.