Eric W. Carlson Papers

Collection

Identifier: 2011-0090

Staff Only

Scope and Content Note

The collection contains notes, correspondence, syllabi, news clippings, articles, reference materials, reports, studies, and similar materials pertaining to Dr. Carlson's tenure as a professor of English at the University of Connecticut from 1942-1979.

Dates

Creation: 1942-2004

Access

The collection is open and available for research.

Restrictions on Use and Copyright Information

Permission to publish from these Papers must be obtained in writing from both the University of Connecticut Libraries and the owner(s) of the copyright.

Biography

Born in Sweden on August 20, 1910, Eric W. Carlson immigrated to the United States with his family when he was only six years old. The son of a bag maker, Carlson spoke no English when he first entered school in Worcester, Massachusetts, but quickly mastered his adopted language. He attended Boston University from 1928 to 1932, receiving a Bachelors degree in English. After graduation he continued his study of English at Boston University, being awarded both an MA and Ph.D from the university. In 1938 he met and married his wife Doris Anderson, with who he would spend the next seventy years of his life.

During the Great Depression Carlson worked a number of different teaching jobs in Massachusetts before moving to Connecticut to work at the University of Connecticut in 1942. Carlson spent the next 38 years teaching English at the university, publishing a number of books and articles on Edgar Allen Poe, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and numerous other authors. Carlson retired from the University of Connecticut in 1979 as Professor Emeritus of English and moved back to Worcester to spend more time with his family. Eric Carlson passed away at the age of 100 on July 13, 2011.

Extent

5.2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Eric W. Carlson was an Emeritus Professor of English at the University of Connecticut, teaching from 1942 to 1979. Professor Carlson was a notable scholar of Edgar Allen Poe and Ralph Waldo Emerson, producing numerous articles and books about the authors. His papers consist of notes, manuscripts, correspondence, syllabi, lectures, reports, and other assorted materials related to his tenure as a professor at the University of Connecticut.

Provenance and Acquisition

The papers were donated to the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center by Dr. Carlson's family. Dr. Carlson donated his collection of the Mansfield Chapter of the World Federalist records.

Related Material

Archives & Special Collections has a substantial collection of materials pertaining to [the University, its history, administration, faculty, staff and students. For detailed information on these collections please contact the curator or ask at the Reading Room desk.