THE Gary Becker Papers (117.42 linear feet, 223 boxes) are now open at the University of Chicago:
The collection documents much of Gary Becker’s intellectual history. One of his autobiographical essays, “A Personal Statement About My Intellectual Development” (see Box 120, Folder 10 and Box 189, Folder 1), traces his academic career from his youth to his origins as a student at Princeton University, his graduate studies and professorship at the University of Chicago, and his extra-collegiate involvement in business advisory boards, political participation, and government advising. The essay could have been written based on some of the materials collected here. The collection documents an intellectual trajectory mainly through intellectual productions, research files and communications. His approach to research and writing, his publication history, his engagement with others in economics and others in public service and global politics are contained here. Although the collection primarily concerns his professional life, mention is also made of his relationship with Guity Nashat, his wife, as they traveled together to numerous conferences and events in the United States and abroad, and other incidents from his life for a study or minor treatment of his biography.
Materials in the collection include Becker’s handwritten and printed copies of his scholarship, including notes (and bibliographic records), articles (and drafts), diagrams and tables, data sheets, correspondence, periodical reprints, magazines, newspapers and clippings, grant materials, reports, referee files, course and teaching materials, photographs, VHS tapes, DVDs and associated ephemera.
Thanks to Peter Istzin.
