Date of Award
Spring 5-2013
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Degree Program
History
Department
History
Major Professor
Atkinson, Connie Zeanah
Second Advisor
Mitchell, Mary Niall
Third Advisor
Mizell-Nelson, Michael
Abstract
In 1891, an Englishman named William Beer arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana, to take up the position as librarian of Tulane University's Howard Library. Beer quickly gained a reputation as a competent and knowledgeable librarian by bolstering the Louisiana collection at the Howard Library with maps, rare books and Louisiana historical documents. In 1896, Beer played a central role in the organization and opening of the first free and public library in New Orleans, the Fisk Free and Public Library. Beer befriended many well-known authors of New Orleans literature including George Washington Cable, Grace King, Mollie Moore Davis and Mary Ashley Townsend. Beer's influence in New Orleans and its literature, and his roles as librarian and instigator of literature have hitherto been largely ignored. This paper will argue that Beer created the foundations of a New Orleans literary culture.
Recommended Citation
Shields, Remesia, "William Beer: An Englishman's Role in Libraries, Literature and Society in New Orleans, 1891-1927" (2013). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 1669.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/1669
Included in
American Literature Commons, American Popular Culture Commons, Cultural History Commons, Intellectual History Commons, Literature in English, North America Commons
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.