The Charles G. Finney papers contain manuscripts,
correspondence, publicity records, personal records pertaining to Finney's family and
his work as an author of two novels, a variety of short stories. The collection also
includes biographical information obtained by June Fredman, a close family friend, who
planned on writing a biography on Finney.
Collection Number:
AZ 024
Language:
Materials are in English.
Repository:
University of Arizona Libraries, Special Collections
University of Arizona
PO Box 210055
Tucson, AZ 85721-0055
Phone: 520-621-6423
Fax: 520-621-9733
URL: http://speccoll.library.arizona.edu/
E-Mail: LBRY-askspcoll@email.arizona.edu
Biographical Note
Charles Grandison Finney was born in Sedalia, Missouri on December 1, 1905. He was the
great-grandson of the famous evangelist, Charles Grandison Finney (1792-1875). In 1927
to 1929, Finney served in China with the U.S. Army 15th Infantry Regiment (E Company),
which would later inspire one of his novels, The Old China Hands. After returning from
China, Finney moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1930 where he became an editor at the Arizona
Daily Star. His most famous novel, The Circus of Dr. Lao, was published in 1935 by
Viking Press and was created into a Hollywood movie, later titled, The 7 Faces of Dr.
Lao starring Tony Randall. He wrote a variety short stories, some of which were
published as a collection in The Ghosts of Manacle.
Scope and Content Note
This collection includes a variety of materials pertaining to the life and work of
author and editor Charles G. Finney. The majority of the collection are annotated and
unpublished typescripts and manuscripts of Finney's novels and short stories, in
addition to correspondence, photographs, various publicity materials, and notes by June
Fredman, a close family friend who was working on a biography of Charles Finney at the
time of her death. This series contains both published and unpublished typescripts and
manuscripts written by Charles Finney. This series is arranged alphabetically. "The Lyre
Snake" "Noah Builds an Ark" Copy of typescript from the Robert Hammond Papers ; MSS 164;
Fales Library and Special Collections, New York University Libraries. This series
contains letters between Finney and his literary agent, former military personnel, and
his readers. This series is arranged chronologically. This series contains materials
related to his published works. This subseries contains literature reviews of Finney's
books published in newspapers across the United States. This subseries contains
memorabilia related to the The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao movie,released in 1964. This series
contains personal items related to Charles Finney, his family, and his family history.
Materials include photographs and publications. This series contains materials related
to June Fredman who was working on a biography on Charles Finney. Materials indlude
notebooks, cassette tapes, correspondence with publishers, and a draft of the first few
chapters of the biography, which was to be titled Magician out of Missouri. manuscript
draft
Use of original audio visual materials is restricted due to their fragile nature Use of
original audio visual materials is restricted due to their fragile nature
Copyright
It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of
the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her
transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless the Arizona Board of Regents for the University of Arizona, its officers,
employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he
or she is an owner of copyright.
This series contains letters between Finney and his literary agent, former
military personnel, and his readers. This series is arranged chronologically.
box
folder
1
31
Correspondence, 1945-1961
1
32
Correspondence, 1962-1965
1
33
Correspondence, 1966-1971
1
34
Correspondence, undated
1
35
Notes, undated
box
3
The United States 15th Infantry Regiment Broadside , 1964
This series contains materials related to June Fredman who was working on a
biography on Charles Finney. Materials indlude notebooks, cassette tapes,
correspondence with publishers, and a draft of the first few chapters of the
biography, which was to be titled Magician out of
Missouri.
box
folder
2
7
Charles Finney Biography Notes, undated
box
3
Charles Finney Interview Audio Cassettes, undated
4 Cassettes
Existence and Location of Copies
The audio materials in this collection have been digitized for research access.
Please contact Special Collections for more information.
Conditions Governing Access
Use of original audio visual materials is restricted due to their fragile
nature
3
1
Finney, Charles Interview, tape 1,
1 Audio cassettes
Side 1 Charles Finney describes his childhood,
family, education and growing up in Missouri and Kansas. He discusses his
educational and religious background, and the circumstances leading to
signing up for the military. Side 2 Charles Finney details his early
experiences in China as well as his university experiences. Finney talks
about his reading habits as a child, and James Branch Cabell being the
most influential writer on his work.
(Scotch brand audio cassette,
60 minutes)
3
2
Finney, Charles Interview, tape 2,
2 Audio cassettes
Side 1 Charles Finney talks about his writing
career. Side 2 Charles Finney talks about his writing career, authors and
music he enjoys, including Wagner.
(Tracs brand audio cassette,
60 minutes)
3
3
Finney, Marie Interview, tape 1,
3 Audio cassettes
Side 1 Marie Finney recounts the history of her
ancestors from Germany and Ireland. She discusses her life in Tucson
before getting married, including her work at Steinfeld's department
store. Side 2 Marie Finney continues describing her life in Tucson before
getting married and meeting Charles Finney.
(Scotch brand audio cassette,
60 minutes)
3
4
Finney, Charles interview, tape 3,
4 Audio cassettes
Side 1 Charles Finney discusses the books his
mother read to him, his childhood pastimes and his siblings, including
the suicide of his brother. Finney describes his feelings about Missouri.
Side 2 Charles Finney recalls childhood memories, including how he
learned profanity. Marie Finney provides some commentary. Finney
discusses neighborhood children and animals. He also talks about the
amount of research he did on Old China Hand.
(Maxell C120 brand audio cassette,
120 minutes)
box
folder
2
8
Magician Out of Missouri Incomplete
Draft, undates
