Publication Date

1-22-2016

Comments

An abstract of this interview is available below. A transcript is linked above and to the right. An essay summarizing themes that emerged from interviews conducted about Myers in 2016 is available: Portrait of a Collector: Reflections on an Influential Bibliophile.

This interview subject is affiliated with IWU and/or President Myers in the following ways: Professor and Director of Greek and Roman Studies, 1993-present.

Abstract

Minor interviewed her for her position and she engaged with him on the train collection she saw in his office. She recalls giving him advice on books to purchase for his Classica collection. Myers loaned her a particular book and he expressed anxiety over its safety. She observes that he was not an astute collector of books in her area of expertise but recalls that he kept "want lists" of titles to look for and he would also look for items she was interested in. Sultan believes that Myers' "curiosity about learning" was infectious and important for students, staff and faculty to see. She also discusses Myers' involvement in creating the library and interacting with library staff. Sultan enjoyed the interest Myers shared in her work and feels his vision for IWU was not just to make it an elite institution but a place with intellectual life.

Streaming Media

Duration

00:38:10

Keywords

trains, books, coins, eBay, book loan, polymath, Japanese prints, collecting techniques, research, intellectual curiosity, auctions, hoarder, people, Portrait of a Collector, Faculty

Disciplines

United States History

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