Walter L. Pforzheimer

Alumnus' donation of books to library
includes extensive collection of Molière

The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library received a gift of over 15,000 books and some 46 linear feet of manuscript material from an alumnus whose support of the Yale Library spans nearly seven decades. The donor is Walter L. Pforzheimer, a graduate of both Yale College (1935) and the Law School (1938). His broad-ranging gift includes two groups of books originally amassed by his father, Walter Sr. -- a virtually complete collection of Molière covering the 300-year publication history of the French playwright; and a collection of French armorial bindings, books specially bound for the private libraries of kings, nobles and churchmen. The latter includes one of the bindings of the renowned 16th-century bibliophile Jean Grolier. Pforzheimer also donated two of his own archives -- his collection on Philadelphia-born novelist, short-story writer and humorist Frank Stockton (1834-1902); and his collection on intelligence service. The latter includes not only manuscripts, official documents and historical materials, but also fiction and biography relating to intelligence and espionage dating back to the American Revolution. Included are a letter by George Washington citing the need for intelligence, documents relating to British spy Major John Andre and materials relating to the Dreyfus Affair. "We are especially pleased to honor our friend Walter Pforzheimer in this tercentennial year," says Vincent Giroud, curator of modern books and manuscripts at the Beincke Library. "Few collectors have contributed so richly to so many different areas of the library's holdings. The Pforzheimer Molière collection bids fair to be the finest in private hands and now makes Yale the best Molière library outside France." Pforzheimer, who hails from a family of book collectors, began collecting in earnest during his undergraduate years, when he was a student of renowned Yale professor Chauncey Brewster. It was during these years that he began gathering materials relating to Frank Stockton's work as an illustrator, author and editor. He later inherited his father's library, which he conserved and augmented. After graduating from the Law School, Pforzheimer helped organize various OSS operations, which led to Air Force intelligence, and then to a distinguished career with the CIA. He is the author of "Bibliography of Intelligence Literature" (1972). The alumnus' association with the Yale Library also dates back to his student days, when he was the first undergraduate member of the then-newly formed Yale Library Associates. He was elected to the governing board of that organization after graduating from Yale, and is its longest-serving trustee. Other Beinecke Stories Beinecke show pays tribute to public-spirited alumnus collector Noted historian to be Beinecke Library fellow T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S Berkeley Divinity School gets $1 million gift to fund new chapel First Kingsley Trust Fellows are named Journalists to discuss forces shaping the environmental agenda William Lanman, Yale alumnus and benefactor, dies Beinecke show pays tribute to public-spirited alumnus collector ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS Kellert named Tweedy Ordway Professor of Social Ecology McCorkle is appointed Florence Wald Professor of Nursing Williams assumes new post as the Jayne Professor of Nursing Stephen Smith will serve a second term as master of Branford College Peabody exhibit highlights life in a local tidal marsh Alumnus' donation of books to library includes extensive collection of Molière Illinois Governor George Ryan to reflect on death penalty MEDICAL CENTER NEWS Curriculum seeks to educate children about causes of cancer Nobel laureate to discuss his research at event showcasing students' studies Yale scientists create RNA biochip Study: Women choose UFE over their doctors Mellon Foundation grant will fund Latin American studies Noted alumnus conductor to lead 'Royal Blue' concert Chinese students, scholars display 'Images from Home' Public forum to focus on faith and citizenship Communiversity Day: A Photo Essay 'Setting Sail' exhibit on view at Slifka Center 'Art and Conflict' is theme of International Festival of Arts & Ideas Noted historian to be Beinecke Library fellow Trumbull College senior Robert Blake Gilpin awarded annual . . . Memorial service planned for former instructor Effie Geanakoplos YES will announce Y50K award winners at April 14 gala Medical school dean Dr. David Kessler to talk at tea Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus|Calendar of Events|In the News|Bulletin Board Yale Scoreboard|Classified Ads|Search Archives|Deadlines Bulletin Staff|Public Affairs Home|News Releases| E-Mail Us|Yale Home Page