Cedric Dover papers

The collection consists of the papers of Cedric Dover from 1881-2007, and includes correspondence, writings by Dover and others, printed material, and photographs. The bulk of the correspondence concerns the publication of American Negro Art and covers the years 1959-1960. Writings include a manuscript draft of Dover's first, but unpublished, book on butterflies, drafts of biographical sketches of artists under consideration for inclusion in American Negro Art and several drafts of articles on race and sociology.

The printed material consists primarily of journals, reprints of articles, and other works written by Dover throughout his career, in addition to material related to Fisk University and African American art in the mid-twentieth century. Printed material also includes twelve bound volumes of articles and clippings compiled by Dover. These contain both reprints of articles written by Dover and articles written by other authors. Many volumes contain scientific articles, though others cover topics ranging from literature to politics and philosophy. Several of these volumes have titles, which were supplied by Dover and describe the subject contents of the volumes.

Photographs include images of prominent African American intellectuals and artists, including Langston Hughes, Charles S. Johnson (president of Fisk University), W.E.B. Du Bois, Nancy Elizabeth Prophet, Owen Dodson, Arna Bontemps, and others.