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The papers document the life and writing of poet and philosopher Benjamin Fondane. Writings include holograph manuscripts of approximately 650 poems, 55 works of prose and 9 playscripts. Prose writings consist chiefly of holograph drafts of short untitled essays or notes (some fragmentary) on topics related to poetry and philosophy. Also included is a holograph draft of Fondane's first book Tagaduinta lui Petru (1918). Poems consist of holograph drafts of original poems and translations, some titled, others untitled. While most of the writings are undated, they appear to date from before 1923, the year Fondane emigrated to France. Correspondence (incoming and outgoing) is with Fondane's sisters Lina and Rodica Wechsler, other family members, and the journal Hatikvah. Other papers include a catalog of the avant garde theater group Insula, which Fondane co-founded. Material is chiefly in Romanian; some correspondence is in French.