William Pfaff Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSN/MN 10026

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of the personal and professional papers of journalist William Pfaff. Pfaff’s professional materials include his writings from each stage of the writing process, such as research notes, drafts, proofs, and published materials. The collection also contains conference materials and speeches, financial records, and materials from Pfaff’s work at the Hudson Institute, a non-profit research center on public policy. Also included are Pfaff’s personal papers which consist of correspondence, agendas, photographs, and Notre Dame memorabilia. Significant topics include journalism, American foreign policy, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, terrorism, communism, Soviet relations, and American and European history. Materials include clippings, newspapers, magazines, drafts, manuscripts, research, pamphlets, speeches, lectures, journals, reports, correspondence, financial records, contracts, agendas, address books, photographs, and electronic records.

Dates

Creation: 1942-2015
Creation: Majority of material found in 1965-2015

Creator

Pfaff, William, 1928-2015 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Folders 132, 702-704, and 707-709 are restricted.

Conditions Governing Use

Biographical / Historical

William Pfaff (1928-2015) was a foreign affairs journalist and author. Pfaff was born in Iowa and earned a B.A. in English literature and political science from the University of Notre Dame in 1949. He travelled extensively through southeast Asia while serving in the Special Forces during the Korean War before eventually settling permanently in Paris, France. Pfaff was the Assistant Editor of Commonweal Magazine (1949-1955), writer at ABC News (1955-1957), and Deputy Director of the Hudson Institute’s European Affiliate (1971-1978). As a freelance journalist, Pfaff wrote for the International Herald Tribune, New Yorker Magazine, Harper’s, and others. Pfaff is also the author of seven books and co-author of three books with Edmund Stillman.

Extent

25 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

French

Additional Description

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into seven series: I. Writings; II. Conference Materials, Speeches, and Course Materials; III. The Hudson Institute; IV. Correspondence; V. Financial Records; VI. Personal Papers; and VII. Electronic Resources. Series I, II, III, V, and VI are arranged chronologically. Series IV is arranged alphabetically by correspondent.