One of the greatest American writers of not only 20th century, but of all times, Ernest Hemingway is known for his understated literary style. While some writers were influenced by it, some others despised it. But no one can dispute the literary authority that manifested in his tightly gripped stories.
Sometimes, the love toward one's beloved writer can begin a quest of amassing every written word by that author.
That is what 70-year old C. Edgar Grissom, a retired physician and self-proclaimed 'amateur collector' from Hattiesburg, Mississippi did. His love for Hemingway's writing and thrill of tracking down literary works led him to consolidate a huge amount of literary treasure which is now being acquired by University of South Carolina.
He says he has the most complete collection of Hemingway's 'primary works in existence.'
He was present with his wife at a special viewing Tuesday at The Ernest F. Hollings Special Collections Library where university officials unveiled a portion of the group of works that was acquired from Grissom.
This new body of writings will be added to the already existing massive Hemingway collection at the library.
According to The State, Grissom's collection includes more than 2,000 Hemingway pieces which comprises of everything from appearances in newspapers and magazines to galleys and proofs and pirated editions printed overseas. About 1,200 volumes alone are first editions and reprints of his novels.
The reason behind Grissom's decision to give his prized collection to Carolina is the relationship he shares with the university's rare books department where he used to spend a great amount of time to conduct research for his book on Hemingway's bibliography.
"I wanted somebody that was serious about using [the collection] and understood the potential for scholarship the exhibit potentially helped," Grissom said.
Dean of Libraries Tom McNally said he was extremely proud to house 'finest collection of Ernest Hemingway in the world.' He also added that allowing scholars to access these collections is what makes Carolina's rare books department stand out from others.
This inclusive policy of Carolina has helped the department to grow sevenfold in last 25 years.
"This is a working collection," McNally said. "We don't want collections that are show pieces. We want collections that people ...can actually use."
