Evans G. Valens Papers
Collection Overview
Abstract
The Evans G. Valens Collection consists of manuscript and research materials created by Valens.
Dates
- Creation: dates to be determined
Extent
11.96 Cubic Feet (2 archives boxes, 9 record cartons)
Creator
- Valens, Evans G. (Person)
Scope and Contents
The Evans G. Valens Papers consist of manuscripts, research materials, illustrations, and materials from all stages of Valens' writing process.
Of particular interest to researchers may be materials relating to Evans G. Valens' book A Long Way Up, which was retitled The Other Side of the Mountain in 1975 and adapted into a popular film. The collection includes extensive interview transcripts from the author's discussions with Jill Kinmont, as well as others, along with research materials, multiple drafts including a first draft, galley copies, and news clippings.
Other books by Valens represented in the manuscript collection include The Number of Things, The Attractive Universe, Cybernaut, People-Reading, Viruses and the Nature of Life, and Elements of the Universe.
This collection is currently unprocessed, but it is available to researchers upon request.
Biographical / Historical
Evans G. Valens (1920-1992) was a native of State College, Pennsylvania, and an author primarily of science and semi-fictional works. He earned a Purple Heart as a war correspondent in Okinawa, Japan in 1945. He served as a writer, producer and director for NBC, WQED, National Educational Television, and Johns Hopkins University. Valens went on to write several books on science topics for children as well as adults.
Evans Valens is perhaps best known as the author of A Long Way Up: The Story of Jill Kinmont (1966) tracing the life of a downhill skier after an accident that left her a quadraplegic. The book was retitled The Other Side of the Mountain in 1975 and adapted into a movie starring Marilyn Hassett and Beau Bridges. The success of the film caused Valens to write The Other Side of the Mountain, Part II, which was also made into a film.
Conditions Governing Access
No known access restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright and other restrictions may apply to the materials in this collection. Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The materials in this collection were transferred to the Browne Popular Culture Library by Evans G. Valens in 1982.
- Title
- Guide to the Evans G. Valens Papers
- Author
- Tyne Lowe
- Date
- February 2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin