John B. Goetz Papers

Collection

Identifier: Wing-Modern-MS-Goetz

Staff Only

Scope and Content of the Collection

Correspondence and other materials relating to books Goetz designed, especially the Lattimore/Baskin Iliad; biographical materials. Copies of many books Goetz designed entirely or in part are to be found in the cataloged portion of the Wing collection.

Dates

Creation: 1961-1992

Creator

Goetz, John B., 1920-2006 (Person)

Language

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The John B. Goetz Papers are open for research in the Special Collections Reading Room; 1 box at a time (Priority III).

Ownership and Literary Rights

The John B. Goetz Papers are the physical property of the Newberry Library. Copyright may belong to the authors or their legal heirs or assigns. For permission to publish or reproduce any materials from this collection, contact the Roger and Julie Baskes Department of Special Collections.

Biography of John Goetz

Chicago book and magazine designer.

Born in Natchez, Mississippi on July 8, 1920, John Goetz attended Spring Hill College and worked for the Mobile Press-Register. After wartime service in the Pacific theater, he worked in the design and production departments at E.P. Dutton Co. and Henry Holt Co. in New York. In 1950 he moved to Berkeley, California as design and production manager for the University of California Press. In 1958 he was made assistant executive director of the University of Chicago Press, where he was leader for the most notable design achievement of those years, the Lattimore/Baskin Iliad. In 1966 he became managing editor of the American Dental Association, responsible for its numerous journals and reference books. Goetz retired from ADA in 1985 and formed his own company in Chicago, Design & Production Services Co.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet (1 box)

Additional Description

Abstract

Correspondence and job files of Chicago book and magazine designer John B. Goetz. The largest part of the collection concerns his work on the award-winning translation of the Iliad by Richard Lattimore, illustrated by Leonard Baskin. There are also files on some of his freelance design projects.