161-967 1/16/97 GB/EC
Contact: George Bain, Archives and Special Collections, 614/593-2713


   OHIO UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ACQUIRES RARE JAMES EDWIN CAMPBELL BOOK

    ATHENS, Ohio -- The Archives and Special Collections Department of the 
Ohio University Libraries has purchased a rare book of essays by Ohio 
author and poet James Edwin Campbell.

    The 96-page book, _Driftings and Gleanings_, was published by the State 
Tribune Press of Huntington, W.Va., in 1887.

    "This work is a significant one in the African-American literary 
canon," said Vattel Rose, chair of the university's African American 
Studies Department. "The full story of African-American literary activity 
in the past remains to be told. Though Campbell is not included in the 
recently released Norton Anthology of African American Literature, I hope 
that in the future, when the book is revised, the editors will recognize 
his role in the black literary tradition with the inclusion of his poetry."

    "We are very pleased to be able to acquire this title," said George 
Bain, head of Archives and Special Collections. "This fits into our 
collecting interest because Campbell was reared in nearby Pomeroy, Ohio. We 
already have a copy of his book of poetry, Echoes from the Cabin and 
Elsewhere."

     In addition to his writing, Campbell (1867-1896) also served as the 
first president of what is now West Virginia State College in Institute, 
W.Va.

    The libraries purchased the volume with funds from the Donald A. and 
Marian A. Spencer Endowment.  Donald Spencer served as a university trustee 
from 1975 to 1983, chairing the board in 1979-80, and is a current member 
of the Ohio University Libraries National Advisory Council. The Spencers 
have been long-time civic leaders in Cincinnati. 

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