Clark Powell

Lawrence Clark Powell (1906–2001) was a distinguished American librarian, author, and critic whose extensive career left a significant mark on the library profession and the literary landscape, particularly concerning the American Southwest. Born in Washington D.C. to Quaker parents, Powell's early life included periods in Riverside and South Pasadena, California, where he developed an early connection with books through bookstore work. He pursued higher education at Occidental College and later earned advanced degrees from the University of Burgundy and the University of California, Berkeley. His professional life was deeply intertwined with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he served as University Librarian and head of the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, significantly expanding its collections. He also founded the School of Library Service at UCLA. Powell's intellectual interests were broad, encompassing history, travel, rare books, librarianship, the book trade, and book collecting, with a particular focus on the American Southwest. His prolific writing career, spanning over 100 books, reflected these passions, earning him accolades and establishing him as a respected voice in literary and library circles. After retiring from UCLA, he continued to contribute to the field as a professor at the University of Arizona, further solidifying his legacy in Southwestern studies.

Lawrence Clark Powell dedicated a substantial portion of his life to the field of librarianship and academia. After initial experiences working in bookstores and obtaining his library certificate from UC Berkeley, Powell began his long association with UCLA in 1938. He rose to become the University Librarian from 1944 to 1961 and concurrently headed the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library until 1966. Under his leadership, the UCLA library experienced remarkable growth, quadrupling in size and acquiring significant collections, including the Michael Sadleir collection of Victorian Fiction and C.K. Ogden's extensive library. Powell was also instrumental in establishing the School of Library Service at UCLA, serving as its first dean. His influence extended beyond UCLA; he was a visiting professor at Columbia University's School of Library Service and, after retiring from UCLA, played a key role in developing the Graduate School of Library Science at the University of Arizona for nearly two decades. The Powell Library at UCLA is named in his honor, a testament to his enduring impact on the institution.

Powell's prolific output of over 100 books cemented his reputation as a significant literary figure. His writings frequently explored themes close to his heart: history and travel, with a special emphasis on the American Southwest, alongside his deep engagement with rare books, libraries, librarianship, the book trade, and the practice of book collecting. He also maintained a monthly column, "Books of the West," for Westways magazine. Powell's passion for books extended to his personal life and friendships. He lived next door to author M.F.K. Fisher and maintained a significant correspondence with her. He also served as a correspondent, friend, and bibliographer for John Steinbeck during the writing of "Of Mice and Men" and "The Grapes of Wrath." Author Henry Miller recognized Powell as a uniquely content and well-adjusted individual, dedicating his work "The Books In My Life" to him and crediting Powell with the suggestion that inspired it. Powell's dedication to the world of books was recognized with the Sir Thomas More Medal for Book Collecting in 1977 and American Library Association Honorary Membership in 1981.

The legacy of Lawrence Clark Powell is multifaceted, extending through his extensive writings, his foundational work in library science, and his lifelong dedication to the American Southwest. His commitment to the region is honored by the Fay and Lawrence Clark Powell Endowment for Southwest Research at the University of Arizona, supporting continued study of its geography. Furthermore, the Lawrence Clark Powell Memorial Lecture in Tucson annually celebrates his contributions by featuring noted authors discussing topics relevant to his work. Powell was also a prominent figure in various bibliographical and library societies, holding leadership positions in the Bibliographical Society of America, the California Library Association, and the Zamorano Club, and was a member of prestigious groups like the Roxburghe Club and the Grolier Club. His passing in 2001 at the age of 94 marked the end of a remarkable career dedicated to the world of books and knowledge.