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Sam Selvon Collection

 Fonds
Identifier: SC33

Abstract

The Sam Selvon Collection spans the period 1948-1985 and consists of manuscripts of Selvon's published works - poems, plays, short stories, articles and non-fiction. It also contains correspondence and manuscripts of many unpublished items.

Dates

  • Creation: 1949-1980

Biographical / Historical

Samuel Selvon, writer, was born in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago in 1923. After his secondary education at Naparima College, he worked with the Royal Navy Reserves and as a journalist with the Trinidad Guardian. He migrated to London in 1950 and established himself as a writer. He was a contributor to Caribbean Voices and became well known as the exponent of the Black immigrant experience in England. He relocated to Canada in 1978. Despite living in exile, he continued to make use of local dialect in his works. He remains dear to the hearts of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago because of his loyalty to the land of his birth.

Extent

6 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Custodial History

The material was amassed by the author himself and donated to The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, in 1987.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The papers were donated by Samuel Selvon in November 1987.

Title
Sam Selvon Collection
Status
Completed
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the The Alma Jordan Library, The University of the West Indies Repository

Contact:
St. Augustine
Trinidad and Tobago
868-662-2002 Ext 82132
868-662-9238 (Fax)