Harvard acquires archive of Pulitzer Prize winning author, and alumnus, John Updike

Harvard acquires archive of author John Updike

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Harvard University has acquired the manuscripts, correspondences, and other papers of two-time Pulitzer Prize winning author John Updike, a member of the university’s class of 1954.

The Boston Globe reports that Harvard’s Houghton Library, the university’s primary repository for rare books and manuscripts, will house the John Updike archive. Officials did not disclose how much Harvard paid for the papers.

An official announcement is expected Wednesday.

Leslie Morris, curator of modern books and manuscripts at Houghton Library, says the collection includes 1,500 books, including Updike’s collection of his own work, as well as books Updike reviewed, photographs and correspondence from Kurt Vonnegut, Joyce Carol Oates and others.

Updike died in January at age 76.

Information from: The Boston Globe, www.boston.com/globe