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Creator
Eustace, Edward J., 1897-1971
Call number
MssCol 953
Physical description
2 linear feet (6 boxes)
Language
Materials in English
Preferred Citation

Edward J. and Sarah Eustace papers, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library

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

Edward J. Eustace (1897-1971) was an American poet, playwright and screenwriter for the Fox Film Corporation. Collection consists of correspondence, writings, drawings, photographs, and printed matter. Correspondence, 1920-1971, is with Eustace's associates at Fox, family and friends. Writings include typescript and printed versions of his plays and poems; several typescript versions of Eustace's play, "King of the Mountain," ca. 1934-1949, with prefaces to the 1948 and 1955 editions, and related correspondence, 1945-1951; notes and sketches; and diary, 1891-1893. Other materials are drawings, miscellaneous notes, photographs, financial records, and printed matter. Also, typescript and printed poems of his aunt Sarah Eustace.

Biographical/historical information

Edward J. Eustace (1897-1971) was a poet, playwright and screenwriter for the Fox Film Corporation. He was an only child and never married.

Eustace, who enjoyed his pseudonymity, was the author of a few plays, one of which, Hot Pan by "Michael Swift" achieved professional production.

Sarah Eustace was Edward's aunt.

Scope and arrangement

The correspondence of Edward J. Eustace, 1920-1971, is incoming and in chronological order. The letters, from associates at the Fox Film Corp., friends and family, are scant and say very little about Eustace. There is a small group of letters relating to attempts to publish a play Eustace wrote entitled King of the Mountain.

King of the Mountain was based on the Molly Maguire disturbances, criminal trials and executions which took place in Schuylkill County, PA., from the 1860s to 1879. The play was revised several times; fictitious names were given to the play's real persons and places; the fifth act was omitted and then restored. It was not until after Eustace death that King of the Mountain was published by The New York Public Library, with funds from his estate.

Collection includes typescripts of four versions of King of the Mountain, prefaces to two editions, notes for and sketches illustrating the play. Included also are typescripts of other plays and poems by Eustace and poems by his aunt Sarah Eustace.

The New York Public Library also printed a volume of religious poems by Sarah Eustace.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

1971, Received from Estate of Edward J. Eustace

Processing information

Accessioned by LB, September 4, 1987

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