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Charles Schlessiger correspondence regarding Leslie Norris

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 8159

Scope and Contents

Contains letters between Charles Schlessiger and Leslie Norris. There are also letters between Charles Schlessiger and publishers of Leslie Norris' work. Correspondence dates from 1985 to 2003.

Dates

  • 1985-2003

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Open for public research.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from Charles Schlessiger and Leslie Norris letters must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators.

Biographical History

Leslie Norris (1921-2006) was a Welsh poet and professor in Utah. He worked at Brigham Young University in Provo.

Leslie Norris was born in Methyr Tydfil, Wales on May 21, 1921. Leslie grew up in Wales during the Depression and enjoyed a number of sports as well as reading. During World War II he was in the Royal Air Force before being discharged due to a training accident. Eventually he attended college at the City of Coventry College of Education and the University of Southampton. From there he began teaching, and would eventually become a Principal in West Sussex. This began a lifelong love of teaching.

Leslie Norris was married to Catherine Mary Morgan in July 1948, and they remained married until his passing in 2006. They had no children, but were very active in their communities and had numerous friends.

In 1958, Leslie began teaching at the University level in Sussex. Later he would teach at the University of Washington as a visiting professor, became the resident poet at Eton College, and was a visiting professor at a number of universities before coming to Brigham Young University (BYU), where he remained for the rest of his career. His teaching served as a great catalyst for budding writers, and Norris was often sent work by others who were seeking advice. Even after retiring from teaching, he remained the Poet in Residence at BYU. In addition to teaching Norris was a prolific writer, predominantly in poetry with which he published several volumes of poetry. He was also adept at writing short stories, and has published numerous stories, including several volumes of his stories. He would also write biographies, reviews and translations, and altogether published over twenty books, including several children's books. He was given numerous awards and honors for his writing, as well as his continuous support and love for arts and humanities. Norris was frequently involved in various literary events, especially readings.

Leslie Norris passed away in Provo, Utah on April 6, 2006.

Biographical History

Charles Schlessiger (born 1933) is a literary agent in New York.

Charles J. Schlessiger joined the Brandt & Brandt literary agency as an assistant in 1956, eventually becoming an agent. He worked closely with authors such as Leslie Norris in the publication of their writing, and is currently involved in rights management for the estates of deceased authors.

Extent

3 folders ((0.3 linear ft.) )

Language of Materials

English

Custodial History

Materials were created or received by Charles Schlessiger and were donated by him.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated; Charles Schlessiger.

Appraisal

Literary Manuscripts collection development policy.

General

Located in Box 595.

Processing Information

Processed; Kristi Young; 2013.

Title
Charles Schlessiger correspondence regarding Leslie Norris
Status
In Progress
Author
Kristi Young
Date
2013
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English in Latin script.

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

Contact:
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States