MenuInventory of the Mark Bowden Papers, 1972-2004
Abstract
Author, journalist, screenwriter, and adjunct professor at Loyola College in Maryland.
Papers contain research materials for Bowden's book about the Iran hostage crisis (1979-1981), published as Guests of the Ayatollah: The First Battle in America's War with Militant Islam (NY: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2006). Materials include interview transcripts with American hostages, Iranian hostage takers, and members of the United States military who were involved in the 1980 rescue attempt. Collection also contains many research files and clippings.
Descriptive Summary
- Repository
- David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
- Creator
- Bowden, Mark, 1951-
- Title
- Mark Bowden Papers, 1972-2004
- Language of Material
- English
- Extent
- 11.4 Linear Feet, 7125 Items
- Location
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Collection Overview
The Mark Bowden Papers span the dates 1972-2004, and contain research materials for Bowden's book about the Iran hostage crisis (1979-1981), published as Guests of the Ayatollah: The First Battle in America's War with Militant Islam (NY: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2006). Materials include transcripts of Bowden's interviews with many dozens of individuals, including American hostages, Iranian hostage takers, and members of the United States military who were involved in the 1980 rescue attempt. Also present in the collection are extensive bound notebooks of press clippings, and many research files. These files contain documents related to the U.S. government's role in the hostage crisis and its relations with Iran, as well as articles by other authors on Iran and the hostage crisis. Specific materials can be found on the CIA, the Department of Defense, and President Carter's administration.
Administrative Information
Collections are on the move for the renovation of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.
Electronic files are present in this collection; please consult with a reference archivist for access to these materials.
Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.
Use Restrictions
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Contents of the Collection
Browse List of Series
Collapse All
Expand AllInterviews Series, 1982-2004
Arranged alphabetically by last name. Consists primarily of two periods during which Bowden carried out interviews: 1982-1984 and 2002-2004. Original electronic media have been removed and files have been mounted to a library server; for access to these materials please consult with a reference archivist before coming to use the collection.
[Disk removed.]
[Disk removed.]
[2 CDs removed.]
[CD removed.]
[CD removed]
[Disk removed]
[Disk removed]
[Disk removed.]
[2 disks and 1 CD removed.]
[Disk removed.]
[Mini Disc removed.]
Research and Writings Series, 1972-2004
Consists primarily of research materials for the book Guests of the Ayatollah. Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Includes correspondence, handwritten notes, speeches, and Pentagon chronology.
Includes Jimmy Carter, Rosalyn Carter and then-Governor Bill Clinton.
Includes articles, Department of Defense briefing, Iranian report, House hearing testimony and other documents.
Consists of correspondence, poems and a selection from memoir Women Imprisioned in the Kingdom of Mullahs.
Oral Histories
Includes articles, book reviews and thesis on former Iran hostages.
Includes correspondence, memorandums, intelligence assessments and presidential directives.
Digital Material Series
Contains electronic files from eight floppy disks, five cds and one mini disc of interviews.
[Electronic files have been mounted to a library server. For access to these materials, please consult with a reference archivist before coming to use the collection.]
Historical Note
Chronology List
| Date | Event(s) |
|---|---|
| 1951 | Born in St. Louis, Missouri |
| 1973 | Graduated from Loyola College of Maryland with a B.A. in English Literature |
| 1979-2003 | Worked as staff writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer |
| 1987 | Published Doctor Dealer: The Rise and Fall of an All-American Boy and His Multimillion-Dollar Cocaine Empire |
| 1994 | Bringing the Heat published |
| 1999 | Publication of Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War |
| 2001 | Published Killing Pablo: The Hunt for the World's Greatest Outlaw |
| 2002 | Published Our Finest Day : D-Day, June 6, 1944 |
| 2002 | Publication of Finders Keepers: The Story of a Man Who Found $1 Million |
| 2006 | Publication of Road Work : Among Tyrants, Heroes, Rogues, and Beasts |
| 2006 | Published Guests of the Ayatollah: The First Battle in America's War with Militant Islam |
Subject Headings
Related Material
- Tim Wells Papers, 1982-1986: background materials, including oral interviews, relating to Well’s book about the Iran hostage crisis (1979-1981). (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University)
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Mark Bowden Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Provenance
The Mark Bowden Papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library as a gift in 2006.
Processing Information
Processed by Ted Holt, Oct. 2009
Encoded by Ted Holt, Oct. 2009
Accession 2006-0082 is described in this finding aid.
Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and local Style Guide.
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.