Series IV: Essays

Collection consists of the papers of Vincent Godfrey Burns, a Congregationalist minister and Poet Laureate of Maryland. The bulk of the collection is comprised of Burns' plays, novels, short stories, and poetry. In addition, there is incoming correspondence (1918-1979), radio scripts (1937-38), receipts (1941-1978), scrapbooks (1918; 1972-73), certificates (1918), deeds (1967; 1972), and divorce papers (1967). The collection is arranged roughly into five parts: correspondence, writings, scrapbooks, misc. papers, and submissions.

Correspondence consists of two letters written during World War One; several letters written by his daughter, Barbara and his second wife, [Katherine H. Barker]; correspondence concerning speaking engagements; and requests from Burns' readers for either his opinion of their work or copies of his writings.

Writings are divided into plays, short stories, essays, and poetry. The poetry number largest. Most of his writing exhibits patriotic, religious, or moral overtones. Many have a prison setting.

Scrapbooks are comprised of one volume of World War I material, and two volumes of letters from schools visited by Burns in 1972-73. There is also a record book of marriages performed by Rev. Vincent G. Burns from 1931-35.

Miscellaneous Papers include certificates of graduation, appointments, leases, deeds, receipts, divorce papers, savings account books, contracts, and loose notes containing phone numbers, addresses, and some poetry. For the most part, there are only a few of each type of item.

Submissions are items written by individuals other than Burns but submitted to him for either his editing or for use in one of his antholgies.