Collection inventory

printer friendly version

Larry Niven Papers

An inventory of his papers at Syracuse University

Overview of the Collection

Creator: Niven, Larry.
Title: Larry Niven Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1965-1979
Quantity: 1 linear ft.
Abstract: Correspondence and typescript manuscripts of the American science fiction author. Also includes audiotape of an interview with Niven.
Language: English
Repository: Special Collections Research Center,
Syracuse University Libraries
222 Waverly Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13244-2010
https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center

Biographical History

Laurence van Cott Niven (1938- ) is a multiple award-winning American science fiction author. Born in Los Angeles, Niven graduated with a degree in mathematics from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. His first story was published two years later and soon after that he was writing full time. One of his best-known works is Ringworld (1970), which received Hugo, Locus, Ditmar, and Nebula awards; the story of an inhabited orbital "band" influenced not only other authors but even the Halo video game. His novels and short stories are primarily hard science fiction, though he has also written several fantasy novels. He has collaborated with fellow science fiction author Jerry Pournelle on five novels, including the post-apocalyptic Lucifer's Hammer, the alien invasion adventure Footfall, and two contemporary retellings of Dante's Inferno. He has also written scripts for television shows and for the DC Comics character Green Lantern.

Return to top

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The Larry Niven Papers consist of a small amount of biographical material and correspondence, and a number of typescript manuscripts of short stories. Also included is an audiotape of a 1979 interview with Niven.

Return to top

Arrangement of the Collection

Manuscripts are arranged alphabetically by title.

Return to top

Restrictions

Access Restrictions

The majority of our archival and manuscript collections are housed offsite and require advanced notice for retrieval. Researchers are encouraged to contact us in advance concerning the collection material they wish to access for their research.

Use Restrictions

Written permission must be obtained from SCRC and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Return to top

Related Material

Larry Niven material may also be found in the following collections:

Galaxy Publishing Company Records (manuscripts)
Mercury Press Records (manuscripts)
Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine Collection (manuscripts)
Frederik Pohl Papers (correspondence)

In addition, Special Collections Research Center has the papers of a number of noted science fiction authors as well as those of science fiction publishers, organizations, conferences and fanzines. Please refer to the SCRC Subject Index for a complete listing.

Return to top

Subject Headings

Persons

Ellison, Harlan -- Correspondence.
Niven, Larry.

Subjects

Fantasy fiction, American.
Science fiction, American.

Genres and Forms

Correspondence.
Manuscripts for publication.

Occupations

Authors.

Return to top

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Larry Niven Papers,
Special Collections Research Center,
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

Gift of Larry Niven, 1968, 1969, 1979.

Finding Aid Information

Created by: -
Date: Dec 1997
Revision history:

Return to top

Inventory

Biographical material
Box 1 Miscellaneous
Correspondence
Box 1 General 1965-1969
Box 1 Ellison, Harlan 1967
Manuscripts
Box 1 And leave the driving...
Box 1 Arm
Box 1 Binary
Box 1 Color of sunfire (2 folders)
Box 1 Crosshatch figurine
Box 1 Down in flames
Box 1 Dust collector
Box 1 For a foggy night
Box 1 Glimpse over the edge (2 folders)
Box 1 Man in the garden
Box 1 Misspelled magishun
Box 1 Neutron star - setting copy
Box 2 Neutron star - setting copy
Box 2 On the composition of the earth's core
Box 2 Scar
Box 2 Shape of space - galley
Box 2 Somnophobe
Box 2 Space breed (sentient)
Box 2 Stargoers (unsentient species)
Box 2 Tricks of the trade
Box 2 Visitation
Box 2 Warrior
Box 2 Miscellaneous unidentified notes, fragments
Tape recordings
Box 2 Interview

Return to top