Marilyn Arnold papers

Collection

Identifier: ACCN 2857

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Marilyn Arnold papers consist of her scholarly research and writings, specifically on her authoritative work regarding Willa Cather. Also included in the papers are numerous writings including published articles and books on many topics, both fiction and non-fiction. Arnold is a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and many of her writings discuss this topic.

Dates

1860s-2016

Creator

Arnold, Marilyn, 1935- (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Note

Marilyn Arnold is an emeritus professor of English at Brigham Young University. Arnold was born November 26, 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Henry Lynn and Rhoda Jane Arnold. She obtained her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1957 and 1958 and she taught at BYU from 1958-1961. In 1968, Arnold obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Arnold became Assistant Dean of Women at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1962-1964 and then Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1964-1965. She pursued graduate work in English until 1968 and then returned to Utah to accept the position of Assistant Professor of English at Weber State College, Ogden, Utah, from 1968-1969. After the academic year, Arnold obtained a position at Brigham Young University as an Assistant Professor from 1969-1975. Later, she served as assistant to President Dallin H. Oaks from 1975-1979 and as Dean of Graduate Studies beginning in 1985. She was promoted to Professor of English in 1980 and was also the director of the Center for the Study of Christian Values in Literature at Brigham Young University from 1979-1982.

Arnold is not only known as an internationally recognized scholar on the writings of Willa Cather, but also as a widely published writer and speaker in academic circles. She has also authored several nonacademic books, including three novels that grow out of her spiritual roots and her deep attachment to the desert country of southern Utah. Her numerous publications include Willa Cather: A Reference Guide (1986); Willa Cather’s Short Fiction (1986); with John March, A Reader’s Companion to the Fiction of Willa Cather (1993); Desert Song (1998); Song of Hope (1999); Sky Full of Ribbons (2000); Fields of Clover (2002); with Bonnie Ballif-Spanvill and Kristen Tracy, A Chorus for Peace: A Global Anthology of Poetry by Women (2002); The Classmates (2003); and Minding Mama (2004); as well as Sweet Is the Word: Reflections on the Book of Mormon—Its Narrative, Teachings, and People (1996), Pure Love: Readings on Sixteen Enduring Virtues (1997), and, with Maurine Ozment and Lisa Farr, Sacred Hymns of the Book of Mormon (2009).

Arnold is an avid tennis player, an outdoor enthusiast and was M.V.P. in basketball in the state of Wisconsin. She enjoys mountain climbing, skiing and hiking.

Extent

36 Linear Feet (60 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Marilyn Arnold papers (1860s-2016) consist of her scholarly research and writings, specifically on her authoritative work regarding Willa Cather. The collection contains numerous writings including published articles and books on many topics, both fiction and non-fiction. Arnold is an emeritus professor of English at Brigham Young University. She also served as assistant to former BYU president Dallin H. Oaks, director of the Center for the Study of Christian Values in Literature, and dean of Graduate Studies.

Arrangement

This collection has been arranged into eleven series: I. Personal materials; II. Professional academic materials; III. LDS Church materials; IV. Writings; V. General writings; VI. Writings and research materials regarding Willa Cather; VII. Writings and research materials on Eudora Welty; VIII. Writings and research materials on Flannery O'Connor; IX. General research materials; X. Oversize materials; and XI. Addendum

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Marilyn Arnold in 2015 and 2016.

Related Materials

Forms part of the Aileen H. Clyde 20th Century Women's Legacy Archives.

Separated Materials

Photographs and audiovisual materials were transferred to the Multimedia Division of Special Collections.

Processing Information

Processed by Betsey Welland in 2015.

Addendum processed by Sean Taylor in 2016.

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