Oscar Wegelin papers (Ms.78.13)

Biographical note

Oscar Wegelin, bookseller and author, was one of the leading bibliographers in the field of early American writings. His papers consist of about 500 items, and include correspondence to and from Wegelin; his own fiction, including manuscripts of articles, poetry, and plays; bibliographical notes; receipts for material purchased from or by Wegelin; and various printed items including publications by Wegelin, play programs, and reviews of Wegelin's books.

Approximately half the collection is correspondence, which chiefly discusses routine matters relating to Wegelin's bookshop. Several letters discuss bibliographical details of early American poetry and plays.

As for manuscript material written by Wegelin, the collection includes a few of his articles on bibliography, one tale of fiction, many poems, and several unpublished plays and skits. The bibliographic notes consist of hand-written copies, mostly in Wegelin's hand, of entries in his bibliographies.

1876 Sep 29

Born in New York City

1890

Begins working in bookshop with John E. Anderson, Jr.

1895

Begins compilation of his bibliography of early American plays

1899

First published verse: Lyrics to White Winged Columbia Song

1900

Publishes Early American Plays 1714-1830

1901

Begins his own bookselling business in Stamford, Connecticut; soon moves to New York city

1902

Publishes Early American Fiction 1774-1830

1903

Publishes Early American Poetry

1905

Revised edition of Early American Plays

1906

Publishes bibliography of William Gilmore Simms

1907

Publishes Early American Poetry 1800-1820

1908

First volume of verse: When Conscience Sleeps and Other Poems

1911

Publishes Books Relating to the History of Georgia in the Library of Wymberley Jones De Renne

1913

Revised edition of Early American Fiction 1774-1830

1915

Publishes Jupiter Hammon, American Negro Poet

1916

Publishes bibliography of William Dunlap

1917

Publishes Micah Hawkins and the Saw-Mill

1923

The Fanatic's Prayer and Other Verse

1929

Third edition of Early American Fiction 1774-1830

1930

Second edition of Early American Poetry

1938-1954

Bibliographer of the New York Historical Society

1941

Second edition of the Simms (1906) bibliography

1953

Publishes bibliography of Samuel Woodworth

1970

Dies