Jack Hoffenberg papers

Abstract

Important Information for Users of the Collection

Historical Note

A popular novelist of the 1960s and 1970s, Jack Hoffenberg was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on February 8, 1906. He was the youngest son among Barney and Faye (Fannie Buch) Hoffenberg's five sons and four daughters. He attended Baltimore City College, the University of Maryland, and the Maryland Institute College of Art. His studies were concentrated in art and journalism. He studied sculpture under Reuben Kramer.

As a young man, he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps and served as an officer under General Frank A. Evans in the U. S. Constabulary in "Papa Doc" Duvalier's Haiti for three and one-half years. Following his service in the Marines in 1937, Hoffenberg joined the Kaufman Advertising Agency in Washington, D.C., as an account executive. On October 5, 1939, Hoffenberg married Mary Joel Kramer, a public information officer, from Winchester, Virginia. He returned to military service during World War II, serving in the U. S. Army in Italy; at war's end, he left the army as a major. Upon the termination of his military career, Hoffenberg opened his own advertising agency in Baltimore, handling industrial accounts.

Hoffenberg first saw southern California in the late 1920s and decided to live there some day. He finally relocated there in 1954 after realizing, to his consternation, that he had become nothing but an administrator. His first California residence was in Sherman Oaks, and, in 1960, he settled in Studio City. At the age of fifty-three he began to devote serious effort to writing, which he characterized as "the most fun you can have with your clothes on." Sow Not In Anger, his first novel, was purchased by the first publisher who read it in 1961. For the next sixteen years, Hoffenberg regularly spent the day at an office near his home, composing a daily quota of chapters. He published ten novels, wrote a number of short stories including a children's story, and outlined several screenplays and teleplays during this period; see Appendix A for a list of his published novels.

In addition to being a disciplined writer, Hoffenberg was a meticulous researcher. In his historical and topical novels, he used knowledge gained from his extensive travels throughout Europe, Central and South America, the Pacific, and Israel. A Thunder At Dawn is based on his military experiences in the Caribbean. His familiarity with Southern cities is evident in his three novels set in the southern United States. While working on The Desperate Adversaries, Hoffenberg spent ten months with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, riding in patrol cars and working with homicide, narcotics, burglary, and vice crews.

Hoffenberg was a dedicated member of the Los Angeles writing community. He served three terms as president of the West Coast chapter of P.E.N. (Poets, Editors, and Novelists) International and frequently lectured at college campuses, libraries, and literary groups in the Los Angeles area. He also picketed when the members of the Writers' Guild struck for better pay and recognition.

Hoffenberg was devoted to sports throughout his life--first as an athlete and then as a spectator. He took time from his arduous writing schedule to enjoy professional football and baseball games. As a young man, he played basketball and baseball with teams sponsored by the Jewish Educational Alliance. He also played football and handball. Among his interests were amateur photography, the "old-time ukulele," although he could not read a note, and shooting craps.

Hoffenberg died in Studio City, California, on March 23, 1977, after a short illness. He was survived by his wife, his brothers Harry and Albert Hoffenberg, and his sisters Mrs. Rose H. Jacobs, Mrs. Shirley Pinsler, and Mrs. Edythe Lewis.

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The papers of Jack Hoffenberg span the period from 1944 to 1977, with the bulk between 1961 and 1977. The collection contains research materials for his works including maps, diagrams, newspaper and magazine articles, and notes. There are also outlines, drafts, manuscripts, and galley proofs and page proofs for his published novels. The papers also include outline projections and rough drafts for screen/teleplays that never came to fruition and rough and working copies of several unpublished short stories.

The collection also includes correspondence with his literary agents, various publishers, and personal friends. The correspondence with agents and publishers contains editing suggestions and production, publication, and distribution details for his works. The personal correspondence includes mainly friendly inquiries and invitations to social engagements.

In addition, the collection is comprised of lecture requests; printed items including articles about him, reviews, publicity, and lecture announcements; illustrations; a P.E.N. certificate; and publicity snapshots. The primary topics are Hoffenberg's published work, the editing and publication of that work, and his activities related to his literary career.

Custodial History and Acquisition Information

The bulk of Jack Hoffenberg's papers were donated to the University of Maryland Libraries in 1978 and 1979 by Mary Hoffenberg. She donated an additional accretion in May 1997.

Processing Information

Arrangement of Collection

The collection is organized into four series:

• Series 1: Writings
• Series 2: Correspondence
• Series 3: Clippings, Publicity, and Lecture Announcements
• Series 4: Art Work, Awards, and Photographs

Detailed Description of the Collection