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 Collection
Identifier: R-MC 161

Allan Lord Thompson: Paul Robeson Research Collection

Dates

  • 1898 - 1976

Scope and Contents

The series is arranged into two series across seven boxes. The contents of the collection are primarily paper documents related to research for the writing of Thompson’s book on Robeson as well as his personal recording collection of Paul Robeson’s acting and musical performances. The materials are both professional and self-recorded.

There are two series, documents and recordings. All research documents are in the first two boxes with VHS, CDs, and cassette tapes in the subsequent five boxes grouped according to format.

Extent

7 boxes (2 manuscript boxes and 5 A/V boxes)

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The creator’s son, Brian Thompson, donated his father’s papers and the audio materials to Rutgers University Archives in summer 2017. The collection came from his father’s home in the United Kingdom.

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Allan Lord Thompson is a British author and independent researcher. Thompson self-published a book in 1998 titled Paul Robeson Artist and Activist on Records, Radio and Television, which was met with some acclaim by the Robeson community.

Arrangement

The materials were donated to RUA in one box. The materials are a combination of documents, printed materials, audio, and visual resources. Ten blue folders organized the research notes, documents, and correspondence previously. An additional blue binder with notes and research pertaining to the book completes the research documentation. The remainder of the collection are audiovisual materials of Paul Robeson performances and other individuals discussing his career. RUA replaced the blue folders, photocopied any notes on the original folders, and placed them in the new folders with the original documents. The binder was discarded and the documents contained within were refoldered in two consecutive folders.

Related Collections

The Paul Robeson Collection (R-MC 011).

Author
Stephen Bacchetta
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Part of the Rutgers University Archives Repository

Contact:
Rutgers University Libraries
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
169 College Avenue
New Brunswick NJ 08901-1163
848-932-7510
732-932-7012 (Fax)