Margaret and Kenneth P. Landon Papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: SC-038

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The papers of Kenneth P. and Margaret Landon present unique views into the life and culture of Southeast Asia. Margaret, best known for her work Anna and the King of Siam, and Kenneth, a Presbyterian missionary and later Southeast Asia specialist with the U.S. State Department, were both graduates of Wheaton College. Both exhibit distinct qualities that offer the researcher many opportunities.

The collection is organized into 12 series (Biography/Correspondence, Siam Missionary Correspondence, Publications, and Research, Government Service, Academic Activities, Literary Works, Photographs/Slides, Maps/Atlases, Audio, Secondary).

Includes secondary materials and correspondence of other missionaries to Thailand: Edna Cole, Rev. and Mrs. Stephen Matoon, Mary Frances Davenport and Dr. Dan Beach Bradley, as well as significant primary and secondary materials about King Mongkut of Siam and royal governess, Anna Leonowens, the subjects of Margaret Landon's novel, Anna and the King of Siam (1944) which provided the basis for Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical, The King and I. Audio recordings in the collection include 94 CDs of oral history interviews with Kenneth and Margaret Landon.

The collection also includes Kenneth and Margaret Landon’s extensive library on the history, culture, art, and literature of Southeast Asia. The contents of the Landon Monograph Collection may be searched in the library catalog as keyword: SC/38

Dates

Created: 1824-2017
Other: Majority of material found in 1927-1990
Other: Date acquired: 1990

Creator

Landon, Margaret, 1903-1993. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Major portions of Margaret's correspondence and a small portion of Kenneth's correspondence from 1927-1990 are restricted until 2010. Additional restricted material pertains to legal matters involving a lawsuit against 20th Century Fox. These legal files will open in 2010.

Conditions Governing Use

Duplication may be restricted if copying could cause damage to items. Materials may not be loaned out to family members or the general public.

Extent

348 boxes

198 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Thai

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The collection is arranged by series with folder level control.

Source of Acquisition

Gift

Method of Acquisition

The collection was received through personal donation in 1990.

Other Descriptive Information

The papers of Kenneth and Margaret Landon, graduates of Wheaton College, present unique views into the life and culture of Southeast Asia. Margaret was best known for her work Anna and the King of Siam, and Kenneth served as a Presbyterian missionary and later Southeast Asia specialist with the U.S. State Department. Includes secondary materials and correspondence of other missionaries to Thailand: Edna Cole, Rev. and Mrs. Stephen Matoon, Mary Frances Davenport and Dr. Dan Beach Bradley, as well as significant primary and secondary materials about King Mongkut of Siam and royal governess, Anna Leonowens, the subjects of Margaret Landon