Scope and arrangement
The collection consists of Correspondence (1892-1952), Family Correspondence (1885-1949), Correspondence of Lucy Knight Steel (1847-1964), Writings by Charles R. Knight, and Various Papers. The Correspondence consists mostly of incoming letters from museums, libraries, societies, academic institutions, and magazine and newspaper publishers. Other letters include those from Henry Fairfield Osborn (1851-1935), the noted paleontologist, and a few from Cecil B. deMille (1881-1959) about a projected movie. A few personal letters are included; however most of the correspondence is relative to Knight's work as an artist and a writer. Unidentified letters are signed but the identities of the senders are uncertain. Family Correspondence includes letters between Charles R. Knight and his wife, his daughter, and his granddaughter. There are also letters from the Hardcastle family. Most of the Correspondence of Lucy Knight Steel is concerned with her father's work; among other tasks, she set up exhibitions of his work after his death. Some of these letters, however, are concerned with her own work and family. In addition, there are letters (1863-1865) with Dan Varner, a student of scientific art and an admirer of Knight.
Writings by Charles R. Knight includes typescripts and drafts of his longer works of non-fiction, including his autobiography. Short written works include scientific articles, early drafts, single chapters, radio scripts, and his poems transcribed by his granddaughter. Two prospectuses include one for a dinosaur park in Florida, with related letters. Finally, there are some unsorted writings. The last series, Various Papers, includes papers of the Hardcastle family and the Steel family, photographs of Knight and his work, sketches, printed matter, and unsorted papers.
Arrangement
Five series: I. Correspondence, 1892-1952; II. Family Correspondence, 1885-1949; III. Correspondence of Lucy Knight Steel, 1847-1964; IV. Writings by Charles R. Knight; V. Various Papers