J. R. Record Papers
Scope and Contents
J. R. Record donated a collection of dime novel reproductions, from 1878-1909, and a catalog from 1946. Additionally, he donated several volumes of works about leading American newspapers that are now part of the library circulating collection. A complete list of donated books is contained in the donor file. Dime novel reproductions include Beadles Pocket Library, Beadles New York Dime Library, Diamond Dick, Jr., Five Cent Wide Awake Library, Young Klondike, The Liberty Boys of 76, and The New York Detective Library.
Dates
- Creation: 1878-1909
- Creation: 1946
Conditions Governing Use
Collection is open for research. Copyright has not been transferred to Texas Christian University.
Biographical / Historical
J. R. Record was the associate editor of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. His relationship with TCU came about through his friendship with J Willard Ridings, founder of the TCU Journalism Department. Mr. Record donated books and dime novels after being impressed by the student newspaper, The Daily Skiff, and the quality of journalism being taught at TCU.
Dime novels, early paperback books with tales of adventure, romance, and retellings of
historical events, became a mass market publishing sensation in the late 19th century and
were widely read through the early 20th century. As the form developed, stories covered
life in the city, sports, detective stories, early science fiction, and westerns. Irwin P.
Beadle & Co. published the first dime novels in 1860. Beadle’s experiment in publishing
spawned a thriving market.1
Extent
1.00 Linear feet
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by publication title.
Physical Location
Vault BB 5
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by J.R. Record, August 5, 1969.
Source
- Record, J. R. (Person)
Topical
- Title
- Guide to the J. R. Record Papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Lisa Pena
- Date
- 2014
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Archives and Special Collections, Mary Couts Burnett Library Repository
TCU Box 298400
2800 S. University Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76129-0001
Fort Worth Texas 76129
(817) 257-4566
(817) 257-7282 (Fax)
LibSpecialCollections@tcu.edu
