Skip to main content

J. R. Record Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS 136

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.

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

Contact:
TCU Box 298400
2800 S. University Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76129-0001
Fort Worth Texas 76129
(817) 257-4566
(817) 257-7282 (Fax)