John Updike’s Harvard
Feb 6th, 2009 by houghtonmodern
The career of John Updike (1932-2009), Harvard ’54, is well known: more than 50 books of fiction, poetry, short stories, and criticism; two Pulitzer Prizes; four National Book Awards; and a host of other honors. He is, indisputably, one of America’s pre-eminent men of letters. To honor his many contributions to his alma mater, Houghton Library has mounted a small exhibition, John Updike’s Harvard, with items drawn from Updike’s own archive and from other Houghton collections. Included are his yearbook, a Lampoon cover he drew, a short story with comments by his English professor, Albert Guerard, and more.
This exhibition is free and open to the public.
Image, above, John Updike as a Harvard senior, 1954 Image, below, Updike (left) with his staff at the Harvard Lampoon, 1954. Both images © Harvard Yearbook Publications. Images may not be reproduced without permission.
May 12, 2014
Dear Permissions Editor:
I am an English professor emeritus from Lehigh University who has published four books on John Updike. I have served as the first John Updike Scholar in Residence at Alvernia University, where in October, 2010, I was Program Director for the first John Updike Conference, Also, I am a director of the John Updike Society and serve on the editorial board of the John Updike Review.
I have been contracted by McFarland Press to compile remembrances of John Updike from fellow authors, friends, relatives and associates. This compilation discloses the affection, esteem and admiration felt by all who knew him, and it provides an historical volume of great interest to future Updike readers. Among many persons who have contributed to the book are Roger Angell, Joyce Carol Oates, John Barth, Terry Gross, and Nicholson Baker.
I am writing to ask permission to use the photo of Updike with members of the Harvard Lampoon for my section on Harvard. consider this photo to be important to the success of my book. I am requesting American and foreign rights for a printing of about 900 copies. The price is not yet fixed. he book will be purchased primarily by libraries, scholars, critics, and students.I would be pleased to acknowledge the permission in a credit line. Since I have no support for my expenses, would you please consider an accommodation in your fees.
Cordially,
Jack De Bellis
Professor emeritus, Lehigh University