George B. Powell writings, 1971-1990.
(Document/manuscript/pamphlet/archival material)

Materials housed in Special Collections Division of the Main Library, Nashville Public Library.

In library use only. Available by appointment.

Scope and content: Writings by George B. Powell, in the form of photocopied typescripts, with some simple illustrations, consisting of essays, poetry, proverbs, timelines, short stories, and a variety of other writings. Most works are between 10 and 25 pages long, although a few are longer or shorter. Although the majority of his works relate to world history, his works also include a few items written for children, including an alphabet song and a few stories written in the vein of a Sherlock Holmes mystery. His "Skipping Stone Classic" proposes a method for learning history by concentrating on just a few significant events from each century. Other works include: an attempt to plot route of the journey of Ulysses; a work about the Crusades; works about the history of kings and queens of England; works relating to learning or translating the Chinese written language; Powell's own translation of the Dao de Jing by Lao Tzu (some versions of which Powell has given the title: "Small Book of Bamboo Thought"); world history chronologies; and a few other subjects. Occasionally the reader may encounter the notation "cpo" which stands for the "calculated personal opinion" of George B. Powell. In many instances, several versions of his works are available, as he made frequent revisions. Some items have simple illustrations, including a few that have been colored. It also appears that Powell may have sold his works, as several include references to prices in the range of 15 cents to 25 cents. Although it is possible that some of these price references may have been added by a second party, some appear as part of the original and are therefore clearly associated with Powell's work.

Cite as: George B. Powell Writings, Special Collections Division, Nashville Public Library

All materials copyrighted by the author and protected by copyright law (Title 17 U.S. Code). Nashville Public Library does not have intellectual property rights to these materials.

No photocopies in excess of fair use.

Source of acquisition unknown;,Acc. RT-100.

George B. Powell became a voracious reader when he found himself at home recovering from surgery. A man who swept factory floors and was a truck driver, he did not graduate high school, although he obtained his diploma equivalent. He became self-taught on a variety of subjects, predominantly the written Chinese language and some classic works of Chinese literature; world history; and British history. His own personal translation of the Dao de Jing took between eight and ten years to produce. He and his wife Mary had two sons, Toby and Thomas, and a daughter, Diana Kay who predeceased him. He died in Nashville on Apr. 18, 2006 at the age of 80.

In English and Chinese

Unknown provenance.

Process;,2011;,Linda Barnickel;,removed from (obsolete category) Author's Works Ephemera Subject Files.

No further accruals are expected.