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Creator
Janvier, Thomas A. (Thomas Allibone), 1849-1913
Call number
MssCol 1547
Physical description
1.5 linear feet (3 boxes, 2 v., 1 oversize folder)
Language
Some materials in French and Spanish
Preferred Citation

Thomas Allibone and Catherine Ann Drinker Janvier papers, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library

Repository
Manuscripts and Archives Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

Thomas Allibone Janvier (1849-1913) was an American journalist and author; Catherine Ann Drinker Janvier (1841-1922) was a painter and author. They traveled extensively in Mexico, England and France and wrote guidebooks, fictional works and translations. While living in Provence, Thomas Janvier wrote several studies of the region and its people and Catherine Janvier translated works by Provencal authors. During their travels they collected manuscripts, pamphlets and other printed works related to Provence and Mexico (they donated many of these works to the New York Public Library). Collection contains correspondence, papers concerning the Provencal movement and Mexico, miscellaneous papers, and Spanish and Mexican manuscripts. General and subject correspondence, 1877-1908, includes letters to and from the Janviers regarding publishing arrangements and social matters, Provence and Mexico. Papers relating to the Provencal movement, 1894-1908, include correspondence with Provencal authors and poets, notes and printed matter. Mexican materials, 1886-1895, consist of correspondence, notes, printed matter, and two votive paintings on tin. Miscellaneous papers contain notes taken by Thomas Janvier for his histories of New York City and printed matter. Spanish and Mexican manuscripts date from the 17th and 18th centuries and include tax lists and estate papers.

Biographical/historical information

Thomas Allibone Janvier, journalist and author, was born in Philadelphia on July 16, 1849. He began his career in editorial work for various Philadelphia newspapers, and in 1878 he married Catherine Ann Drinker. Drinker, a painter and author, was born in Philadelphia in 1841. The daughter of sea captain Sandwith Drinker, she lived in Hong Kong from an early age until 1857 when Capt. Drinker died and the family returned to the United States.

The Janviers traveled extensively in Mexico, England and France and much of their work was inspired by their experiences in these countries. Thomas Janvier wrote a guide book to Mexico (The Mexican Guide, 1886) and several fictional works related to Mexico. The Janviers lived in New York when they were in the country but in 1883 they left the United States for a seven-year visit to England and France. While living in Provence the Janviers became interested in Provencal culture and acquainted with the Provencal writers Felix Gras and Mistral, among others. Thomas Janvier wrote several studies of the region and its people including Embassy to Provence, 1893 and Christmas Kalends of Provence, 1902, Catherine Janvier translated several works by Gras, thereby introducing American readers to the Provencal literary tradition.

The Janviers wrote frequently for Harper's and Thomas Janvier also wrote several works on New York history. During their travels, the Janviers collected manuscripts, pamphlets and other printed works related to Provence and to Mexico. They donated many of these works to the New York Public Library.

Thomas Janvier died in 1913 and Catherine Ann Drinker Janvier died in 1922.

Scope and arrangement

The Janvier Papers consist of correspondence, papers related to the Provencal movement and to Mexico, miscellaneous papers and Spanish & Mexican manuscripts.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Accession # *88 M 71-gift of Catherine Janvier

Processing information

Accessioned by FP, 10/15/88

Using the collection

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018-2788
Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room, Third Floor, Room 328