Collection of Arvid Paulson papers

1911-1976

Arvid Paulson was a Swedish-born American actor and a translator of the works of August Strindberg. His papers date from 1911 to 1976, and primarily consist of correspondence. The collection of Arvid Paulson papers contains his correspondence with George Freedley, curator of the New York Public Library's Theatre Collection, regarding Paulson's donations to the library, his translations of Strindberg, and a proposed exhibit on Strindberg and Henrik Ibsen. The collection contains letters written to Paulson by actors, writers, and others associated with the theater world, including letters from Albert Hackett, Peggy Wood, Nancy Wickwire, Beverly Sitgreaves, and George Jean Nathan. Most of the letters are short notes regarding social engagements, reactions to Paulson's translations and other works, and invitations to events. The collection contains commemorative Strindberg stamps issued in Sweden in 1949 and copies of letters written by Strindberg in 1911, with explanatory captions and draft translations. The collection also contains a legal brief for a 1970 copyright lawsuit in which Paulson was the plaintiff, and an incomplete script for a musical allegory about European Jews during World War II. The earliest item in the collection is a membership card for the Green Room Club from 1911.