Lawrence Clark Powell
Encyclopedia
Lawrence Clark Powell was a librarian, literary critic, bibliographer and author of more than 100 books.
He was University Librarian at the UCLA Library and head librarian of the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library
from 1944 until 1961. He was the first dean of the School of Library Service at UCLA, which later merged to become the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies
. He received a BA from Occidental College
in 1928, a doctorate from University of Burgundy
in Dijon (Université de Bourgogne) in 1932, and Certificate of Librarianship from UC Berkeley in 1937.
In 1934, Powell moved to Laguna Beach, California
with his wife Fay, to live next door to M.F.K. Fisher, with whom he maintained a great correspondence and friendship.
Henry Miller
wrote in his book The Air-Conditioned Nightmare that L. C. Powell, "a humble, modest librarian at U.C.L.A." was (apart from Ed Ricketts
) the only person whom Miller, during his journey across USA, found "satisfied with his lot, adjusted to his environment, happy in his work, and representative of all that is best in the American tradition" .
He was University Librarian at the UCLA Library and head librarian of the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library
William Andrews Clark Memorial Library
The William Andrews Clark Memorial Library , one of twelve official libraries at the University of California, Los Angeles, is one of the most comprehensive rare books and manuscripts libraries in the United States, with particular strengths in English literature and history , Oscar Wilde, and fine...
from 1944 until 1961. He was the first dean of the School of Library Service at UCLA, which later merged to become the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies
UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies
The Graduate School of Education and Information Studies is one of the professional graduate schools at the University of California, Los Angeles...
. He received a BA from Occidental College
Occidental College
Occidental College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college located in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1887, Occidental College, or "Oxy" as it is called by students and alumni, is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges on the West Coast...
in 1928, a doctorate from University of Burgundy
University of Burgundy
The University of Burgundy is a university located in Dijon, France.The University of Burgundy is situated on a large campus called Campus Montmuzard, 15 minutes by bus from the City Centre...
in Dijon (Université de Bourgogne) in 1932, and Certificate of Librarianship from UC Berkeley in 1937.
In 1934, Powell moved to Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach is a seaside resort city and artist community located in southern Orange County, California, United States, approximately southwest of the county seat of Santa Ana...
with his wife Fay, to live next door to M.F.K. Fisher, with whom he maintained a great correspondence and friendship.
Henry Miller
Henry Miller
Henry Valentine Miller was an American novelist and painter. He was known for breaking with existing literary forms and developing a new sort of 'novel' that is a mixture of novel, autobiography, social criticism, philosophical reflection, surrealist free association, and mysticism, one that is...
wrote in his book The Air-Conditioned Nightmare that L. C. Powell, "a humble, modest librarian at U.C.L.A." was (apart from Ed Ricketts
Ed Ricketts
Edward Flanders Robb Ricketts commonly known as Ed Ricketts, was an American marine biologist, ecologist, and philosopher...
) the only person whom Miller, during his journey across USA, found "satisfied with his lot, adjusted to his environment, happy in his work, and representative of all that is best in the American tradition" .