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David Dunaway Writing the Southwest research and recordings

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-879-BC

Scope and Content

David Dunaway’s Writing the Southwest collection is divided into two series audio and research. The audio series consists of sound recordings from the radio documentary series “Writing the Southwest," a thirteen-part national radio documentary that explores literature from multiethnic authors (mainly from New Mexico) who helped define Southwestern American literature. Fourteen authors are represented and for each one there is related audio. The authors include: Edward Abbey, Rudolfo Anaya, Denise Chávez, Joy Harjo, Tony Hillerman, Linda Hogan, Barbara Kingsolver, Terry McMillan, John Nichols, Simon Ortiz, Alberto Ríos, Stan Steiner, Luci Tapahonso, and Frank Waters.

The audio series also contains recordings on consulting conferences in preparation for the radio series and interviews, readings, lectures and broadcasts with the writers listed above.

The research series constitutes the research David Dunaway collected from 1987-1995 to write the scripts, co-produce the radio series and edit the companion volume Writing the Southwest. The materials include biographical documents, criticism, correspondence, interview transcripts, production scripts, notes and a few photographs. In addition, the research series has publicity, a lecture series and media documents from promoting the radio series and book, consulting conferences transcripts and an overview of the project written by David Dunaway. These papers and recordings reveal the creative process and development of the radio series and evolution of the book. In addition, they highlight the unique American Southwest literary tradition

Source: Some of the scope and content information provided by David Dunaway

Dates

  • 1976-2005

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publications or distribution.

Biography / History

A group of Southwestern authors, who formed the Writers Co-op of Santa Fe in 1985 to help promote Southwestern authors, approached radio producer and University of New Mexico English professor David Dunaway to pilot a radio series that would highlight southwestern literature. Dunaway secured funding for the project from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Arizona Humanities Council, the Colorado Endowment for the Humanities and the New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities. Fourteen well-known authors from the Southwest participated in the series; examples include award-winning mystery novelist Tony Hillerman, African American novelist Terry McMillan, Navajo poet Luci Tapahonso and American writer John Nichols. The radio program consists of performance documentaries, in which authors’ readings are interlaced with interview excerpts and commentary from critics and literary historians. Dunaway authored the scripts and co-produced the series. In addition, Dunaway and Dr. Sara Spurgeon researched and edited a companion volume to the radio series published by Plume Books in 1995 entitled Writing the Southwest. The University of New Mexico Press published a revised edition in 2003.

David Dunaway received his B.A. Magna cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin, and his graduate training at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned the first Ph.D. in American Studies. He co-edited the text Oral History: An Interdisciplinary Anthology published in 1996. He has produced many oral history radio series, winning major awards in the field. His national radio series, Writing the Southwest, has been broadcast on National Public Radio. Dunaway has lectured on the Writing the Southwest project at the University of Paris, Heidelberg and Copenhagen. Currently, he teaches biography and other professional writing courses at the University of New Mexico and continues to specialize in producing documentaries that present literature and history to a wide public audience.

Source: Some of the biographical information provided by David Dunaway

Extent

3 boxes (2.6 cu. ft.)

Abstract

This collection consists of sound recordings from the radio documentary series "Writing the Southwest," a thirteen-part national radio documentary exploring literature from multiethnic authors (mainly from New Mexico) who helped define Southwestern American literature. The collection also contains research materials collected by David Dunaway, which he then used to produce the radio series and edit a companion book with Dr. Sara Spurgeon,Writing the Southwest.

Related Material

John Nichols Papers, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico Rudolfo Anaya Papers, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico Tony Hillerman Papers, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico Denise Chavez Papers, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico Luci Tapahonso Papers, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico Frank Waters Papers, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico Hector Torres Papers, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico

Separated Material

Archival CDs stored in B3.

Processing Information

Inquire with reference staff for access to unprocessed addition of author interview recordings and Santa Fe Co-op files - 3 boxes, B3-3A
Title
Finding Aid of the David Dunaway Writing the Southwest research and recordings, 1976-2005
Status
Completed
Author
Jordan Biro
Date
© 2012
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451