DoubleTake records, 1908-1999, bulk 1994-1999

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Summary

Creator:
Archive of Documentary Arts (Duke University) and Duke University. Center for Documentary Studies. DoubleTake
Abstract:
The DoubleTake magazine records contain story manuscripts with editor's markings, correspondence, photographs and slides, and production files for issue numbers 1-16, 1994-1999. Files of editors Jay Woodruff, Rob Odom, and other editors contain correspondence with writers whose work they were interested in publishing and editing. There are postcards and transparencies used in various issues; and a complete run of the magazine through spring 1999. There are two unidentified files. Acquired as part of the Archive of Documentary Arts at Duke University.
Extent:
53.1 Linear Feet
Approximately 58,872 Items
Language:
English.
Collection ID:
RL.00321

Background

Scope and content:

Collection holds story manuscripts (with editor's marks), correspondence, and production files for issues 1-16, 1994-1999. Files of editors Jay Woodruff, Rob Odom, and other editors contain correspondence with writers whose work they were interested in publishing and editing. There are postcards and transparencies used in various issues; and a complete run of the magazine through spring 1999. There are two unidentified files.

Later accessions include production files and correspondence between the magazine's editors and its contributors, also covering issues 1-16.

Accession 2010-0081 includes photographer name files, dating from 1993 (pre-production) through 1998, kept by Alex Harris and other DoubleTake staff. Files were created whenever a photographer corresponded with the magazine, and include copies of correspondence between editors and photographers, slides of sample work, contracts for those who were accepted as contributors, and occasional biographies or other information about the photographer. Some files represent a particular museum's exhibit rather than a personal photographer; these are designated with exhibit titles instead of a photographer's name.

Files are organized alphabetically, and include correspondence from well before the magazine began publication, as well as materials post-dating Harris's departure from the magazine.

Acquired as part of the Archive of Documentary Arts at Duke University.

Biographical / historical:

The DoubleTake, magazine formerly associated with the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, was co-founded by Alex Harris and Robert Coles. It was established in 1995 to publish photography, fiction, poetry, and essays documenting the human experience "as it is and as it might be." In its early years, Alex Harris was responsible for managing everyday operations, while Robert Coles was based in Boston. DoubleTake's high-quality publications, focusing on photography, earned national awards and praise, including a National Magazine Award for general excellence.

Despite its successes the magazine was unable to rein in production costs. Alex Harris left the magazine in 1998, remaining with the Center for Documentary Studies as a professor and photographer. Rather than suspend publication, Coles moved the magazine to Somerville, New Jersey, where it continued to struggle financially. Its final issue, Summer 2003, was funded by a series of benefit concerts by Bruce Springsteen. By November 2004, the magazine closed its offices permanently.

Acquisition information:
Materials were transferred into the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library in 1999 and 2010.
Processing information:

Processed by Don Sechler, September 1999.

This collection is unprocessed: materials may not have been ordered and described beyond their original condition.

Accessions included in this collection: 1999-0187, 1999-0263, 1999-0336, 2010-0081.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Access is restricted.

Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection.

All or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. The library may require up to 48 hours to retrieve these materials for research use.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], DoubleTake records, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Permalink:
https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m1331m