Clark, J. Kent (Literature)

Dates

• Existence: 1917 - 2008

Biographical/Historical

Background: Caltech Professor of English, 1947-1986.

Biographical/Historical

Description: One of the outstanding teachers of the humanities, Kent Clark's renown on campus grew with the creation of a series of musicals on campus life and characters between 1954 and 1988. He has been called Caltech's unofficial poet laureate and the "Bard of Baxter Hall." He is the author of a novel, The King's Agent, biographies of Goodwin and Thomas Wharton, and is co-editor with H. D. Piper of the anthology Dimensions in Drama.

Biographical/Historical

Collection Notes: Oral history, 1989. Completed over three interviews, this 65 page oral history covers Clark's family background, years at Caltech, literary works and musicals, the Humanities and Social Sciences Division, fine arts and performing arts at Caltech, and the admission of women.

Papers, 1954-1993. Included in Clark's papers are copies of musicals and dramatic works written for and produced at Caltech, biographical sketches, essays and other writings and recordings of Kent Clark shows and songs.

Collection size: 3 boxes plus audio cassettes, records; 1.5 linear ft.

Finding aid available at the Archives.

Photo of J. Kent Clark (PhotoNet)

Found in 33 Collections and/or Records: