sample Joseph Conrad Plumpe An inventory of Rev. Joseph Conrad Plumpe Papers at The American Catholic History Research Center and University Archives Finding aid prepared by Raymond Moore. The American Catholic Research Center and University Archives 2011
101Aquanis HallThe Catholic University of AmericaWashington, D.C. 20064
 Finding aid encoded by Raymond Moore on 2011 English Descriptive Summary The American Catholic Research Center and University Archives 1946-1957 Rev. Dr. Joseph Conrad Plumpe, April 12, 1901-December 8, 1957 Rev. Joseph Conrad Plumpe: Editorial Files from the Ancient Christian Writers Series 2 linear feet; 4 boxes The Fr. Joseph Conrad Plumpe papers are a reflection of his years as editor of the Ancient Christian Writers series. This series was created to translate famous Latin and Greek works of the Church into English for the first time. This collection includes book reviews, in the form of newspaper clippings, for many volumes of this series. Also included are correspondence with translators and other business in publishing this series. 065 English Biographical Note

Fr. Joseph Plumpe was born on April 12, 1901 in Cloverdale, Ohio. He came from a large German-American family. His parents, August and Mary Plumpe, were average Ohio farmers and had a family of eight. Plumpe would come to enjoy nature because of his years on his family farm. From an early age Joseph was passionate about learning and attended St. Barbara's Parish parochial school from 1908-1916 before being admitted to the Josephinum Seminary by Monsignor Joseph Soentgerath. During his time at the Josephinum, he exceled in his studies and became an avid Latin and Greek scholar. He would earn his B.A. and M.A. in 1922 and 1924, respectively, before being ordained in Toledo on June 2, 1928. Plumpe went to the University of Berlin in the fall of 1928, after being accepted to the faculty of the Josephnium, to earn his doctorate in Latin and Greek language and literature. He would earn his degree in classical philology in 1932, and would teach Greek and Latin at the Josephinum from 1932 to 1941.

In 1941 Plumpe joined the staff of The Catholic University of America (CUA) as a Research Associate in Latin from 1941-42 before becoming a Professor in Latin and Greek. Plumpe received tenure in 1949 and due to ill health left The Catholic University of America in 1953. In 1954, he rejoined the staff of the Josephinum as a seminary professor until the day before his death. Plumpe was also a brilliant scholar who was known for his abilities in translating and analyzing early Christian literature, Greek and Latin. Plumpe was devoted to bringing these texts to the English speaking world, which led to the creation of the Ancient Christian Writers series. This series began publication in 1946 in Westminster, Maryland, and London, England, with twenty-six volumes published at the time of his death in 1957.

This series would consume most of Plumbe's scholarly efforts from 1946-1957. His devotion to this series is seen through his personal letters and to his close attention to detail in his writer's translations, as well as the publication of these translations. Also, he worked closely with other English speaking scholars within the Catholic Church in order to get the scholars to translate these texts. An example of this was his 1950 recruitment of Anglican translators who were experts in Greek and Latin. Despite the hard work Plumpe's health was failing by the early 1950s; in 1953 he experienced a complete physical collapse that kept him hospitalized until the fall of 1954. Despite his ill health he remained active in editing the Ancient Christian Writers series. His recovery in 1954 however would be short lived, Rev. Joseph Plumpe died after a failed operation in 1957.

Scope and Contents

The Rev. Joseph C. Plumpe papers are divided into two series. The first series is correspondence with different translators for the Ancient Christian Writers Series, as well as editors of book reviews, and correspondence with numerous book publishers. The second series contains book reviews of volumes 5-9, 11, and 21-25 of the Ancient Christian Writers Series. These reviews are mainly newspaper clippings as well reviews from scholarly journals. This series also includes a Latin translation of Theodocius, and three homilies from the book of Matthew. The correspondence files shows how Plumpe was dedicated to getting the best translation possible but also how he formed close relationships with different translators.

The Plumpe papers are extensive of his years as ACW editor but are missing his papers from his career as a professor at The Catholic University of America as well as his years at the Josephinum. Another important note is the good relationships he had with the translators because many of them were fellow scholars as well as members of the clergy. Several from the ACW were priests, with the exception of some lay professors and a few nuns. The reviews are evidence to the accuracy of the translations in the ACW series as well as Plump's dedication to this extensive project. Overall, despite the fact that these papers are missing Plumpe's years as a student and professor his work as an editor for the Ancient Christian Writers Series gives a rich understanding of his scholarship.

Arrangement

Series 1: Ancient Christian Writers 1947-1957, Box 1 Series 2: Correspondence, Box 2-4 Restrictions on Access

None

 Related Material

Index Terms

This record series is indexed under the following controlled access subject terms.

Persons: Rev. Joseph Plumpe Organizations: Ancient Christian Writers Places: Ohio Washington, D.C. Subjects: Classical Translations and Book Reviews Acquisition Information

Donor unknown, paper received about 1957-1958.

 Processing Information

Processing completed in 2011 by Raymond Moore. EAD markup completed in 2011 by Raymond Moore.

Bibliography Obituary from the December 25, 1957 edition of The Josephinum Review

Obituary from the January, 1958 edition of the CUA Bulletin

 Detailed Description of the Collection Series 1: Ancient Christian Writers Book Reviews, 1947-1957 (1 Box)

This series contains book reviews newspaper clippings and articles from the Ancient Christian Writers Series, edited by Rev. Joseph Plumpe. These files are organized by the Volume and date and some reviews are in Latin or German.

1 1 Volume 1: Rev. James A. Kleist's The Didache; The Epistle of Barnabas, 1947-48

1 2 Volume 2: Joseph P. Christopher's St. Augustine: The First Catechetical Instruction, 1947-48

1 3 Volume 3: Louis A. Arand's St. Augustine: Faith, Hope, and Charity, 1947-48

1 4 Volume 4: Sister Mary Josephine Suelzer's Julianus Pomerius: The Contemplative Life, 1947-48

1 5 Volume 5: Rev. John J. Jepson's St. Augustine's Sermon on the Mount, 1949-50

1 6 Volume 6: Rev. James A. Kleist's The Epistles and the Martyrdom of St. Polycarp, 1949-51

1 7 Volume 7 and 8: George McCracken's Arnobius of Sicca: The Case Against the Pagans, 1949-52

1 8 Volume 9: Rev. Joseph M. Colleran's St. Augustine: The Greatness of the Soul and the Teacher, 1950-51

1 9 Volume 11: Rev. Henry Davis's St. Gregory the Great: Pastoral Cave, 1951-52

1 10 Volume 21: Rev. Polycarp Sherwood's St. Maximus The Confessor: The Ascetic Life, 1956-57

1 11 Volume 22: Rev. Dom Mark Pontifex's St. Augustine: The Problem of Free Choice, 1956-57

1 12 Volume 23: Rev. J.H. Crehan's Athenagoras: Embassy for the Christians, The Ressurrection of the Dead, 1956-57

1 13 Volume 24: Rev. J.H. Waszink's Tertullian: The Treatise against Hermogenes, 1957

1 14 Volume 25: Rev. Maurice Bevenot's St. Cyprian: Saint in Hiding, 1957

1 15 Latin Copy of the writings of Theodocius,

Series 2: Correspondence, 1946-1957 (3 Boxes)

The following two boxes contain Rev. Joseph Plumpe's correspondence during his years as editor of the Ancient Christian Writers series. The correspondence is with translators for the series as well as with book editors, critics, and publishers for the series. This series is organized alphabetically by the name of the author or organization.

 2 1 Three Homilies by Rev. A.C. Rush, unknown

These three homilies were delivered at the Basillica of St. Felicitas, St. Stephen, and St. Andrew on their respective feast days.

2 2 St. Rev. T. Corbishley, 1947-1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 2 3 Sister D. Felicitus Corrigan, 1946-1957

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

2 4 Rev. M. Joseph Costelloe, 1952-1957

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

2 5 Rev. Joseph Crehan, 1947-1956

Assisted Fr. Plumpe in attaining original Latin texts to translate for Ancient Christian Writers Series.

 2 6 Professor F.L. Cross, 1951 and 1955

From Christ Church at Oxford and corresponded with Plumpe on the First and Second International Conference on Patristic Studies, at Oxford. Plumpe was asked to discuss his translations with the Ancient Christian Writers Series.

2 7 St. Cyprian Translation Notes, unknown

Notes made by Plumpe as well as four essays on St. Cyprian written by William N. Lenert, "Life of Caecilian Cyprian, and Russell Williams, "On the Dress of Virgins. The other essay, "To Donatus", has no author.

2 8 Dr. Charles Daly, 1946-1957

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

2 9 Msgr. H. Francis Davis, 1946-1957

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

2 10 Rev. Henry Davis, 1947-1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, Pope Gregory the Great

2 11 Dr. G.F. Diercks, 1952-1956

1954 Discusses about Plumpe's return to editing the Ancient Christian Writers series after an interlude due to his poor health.

2 12 Sister Mary Bede Donelan, 1950-1957

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

2 13 Rev. Malachi J. Donnelly, 1947-1957

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, "Sheppard of Hermas"

2 14 Rev. Francis D. Dorman, 1946-1952

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

2 15 Dr. James Duff, 1946-1953

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, "Confessions of St. Augustine

2 16 J. William Eckenrode, 1953-1957

Representative with Newman Bookshop, publisher of the Ancient Christian Writers series.

2 17 Episcopate, 1946-1949

Correspondence discussing the Ancient Christian Writers Series with different Archdioceses.

 2 18 Dr. Daniel C. Fires, 1950-1955

Correspondence concerning book reviews of the Ancient Christian Writers series written by Dr. Fires.

2 19 Rev. Dr. John Fleming, 1954

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, referral to Rev. Johannes Quasten

2 20 Rev. Denis Fahy, 1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

2 21 Victor J. Furst, 1946-1953

corrections for Victor J. Furst, publisher for The Newman Press

 2 22 Rev. Paul A. Geringer, 1946-1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

2 23 Rev. Brian Gardon, 1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 2 24 Rev. Auselin Genders, 1952-1955

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 2 25 Dr. Clarence A. Forbes , 1955-1957

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 2 26 William McAller Green, 1955

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 3 1 Miss Hilda C. Gray 1950-1955

correspondence on Ancient Christian Writers book reviews

 3 2 Michael R.E. Gough, 1948-1950

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, discusses Plumpe's trip to Europe

 3 3 Dr. John Hackett, 1946

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 3 4 Rev. Thomas Halton, 1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 3 5 Dr. Paul Harkins, 1948-1957

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 3 6 Rev. Wulstan Hibberd, 1947-1950

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 3 7 Rev. John W.B. Higgens, 1950-1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 3 8 F.R. Hoare, 1951

collaborator for Ancient Christian Writers

 3 9 Rev. Philip Holdsworth, 1950

British translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 3 10 Imprimaturs, 1947-1957

Correspondence granting permission to publish Ancient Christian Writers volumes by the Bishop of the Diocese where the books are sold.

 3 11 Sister Mary Josephine, 1953-1954

Correspondence discussing Plumpe's health and how it has impacted his work as editor for the Ancient Christian Writers series.

 3 12 Rev. J.P. Klienz, 1949-1950

Writer for the Josephinum Review, commenting on the Ancient Christian Writers Series.

 3 13 Dr. G.W.H. Lampe , 1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, "Cyril's Catecheses

 3 14 Thomas Comerford Lawler, 1949-1957

translator for Ancient Christian Writers and a very close friend to Plumpe

 3 15 Rev. William Le Saint, 1947-1956

translator for Ancient Christian Writers and correspondence on other academic matters

 3 16 Rev. P. DeLetter, 1947-1957

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, from India

 3 17 Harry L. Levy, 1950-1951

Editor for Classical Weekly, correspondence on his reviews of the Ancient Christian Writers series

 3 18 Rev. Dr. Gregory Lombardo, 1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 3 19 Longmans and Green, 1956-1957

correspondence with London publisher

 3 20 Rev. Dr. James Magner, 1949 and 1952

Correspondence on Catholic University news on the Ancient Christian Writers series. A copy the November 1949 Catholic University Bulletin is included.

3 21 John J. Mahoney, 1951

Inquiring about working for Newman Books to assist with the publication of the Ancient Christian Writers series.

 3 22 Rev. Gervase Matthew, 1950-1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, from Oxford University

 3 23 Rev. R.J. McCarthy, 1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, and an expert on Arabic texts

 3 24 Dr. William C. McDermott, 1949-1952

Correspondence on his work of Gregory the Great's translation and his work on Roman History

3 25 John J. McHale, 1947

Correspondence with a former student of Plumpe's who is now a translator for a publishing firm.

 3 26 Michael J. McGann, M.A., 1950

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, St. Augustine "De Musica"

 3 27 Rev. Francis McHenry, 1954

3 28 Rev. Denis Meehan, 1946-1950

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, "Gregory of Nazianzus

 3 29 Mercier Press, 1951

Correspondence with an Irish publisher for the Ancient Christian Writers series.

 3 30 Dr. Charles C. Mierow, 1946-1957

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, and personal friend

 3 31 Rev. Dr. R.L.P. Milburn, 1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 3 32 Dr. Robert Meyer, 1949-1957

Catholic University professor's correspondence concerning the Ancient Christian Writers Series.

 3 33 The Morrissey's, 1950-1956

Rev. Francis Morrissey and Miss Wilhelmina Morrissey, translators for Ancient Christian Writers

 3 34 Rev. Dr. William G. Most, 1946-1950

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 3 35 Rev. F.J. Murray, 1949-1956

3 36 Rev. Herbert A. Musurillo, 1950-1957

A translation editor and colleague for the Ancient Christian Writers series.

 4 1 R.K. Nicholson, 1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, St. Augustine and the Donatist Controversy

 4 2 Dr. Anthony A. Nemetz, 1956

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 4 3 Rev. Paul O'Dea, 1950

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 4 5 Dr. Brian Oman, 1951-1952

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 4 6 Rev. Dr. John O'Meara, 1946-1955

Irish scholar who worked on Volume 19 as a Latin translator at the University College, Dublin.

 4 7 Rev. Dr. J.G. O'Neill, 1951

Recommendation for translator Justin Maytyr

 4 8 H. James Pearson, 1947 and 1951

Correspondence discussing why after four years Pearson's translation of St. Gregory the Great's "Homiliae in Evang" has not been completed.

 4 9 Sister Penelope, 1950-1957

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 4 10 Rev. Dom Pontifex, 1950-1956

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 4 11 "Printer Instructions, undated

Various correspondence with publishers on instructions given by Plumpe for the Ancient Christian Writers Series

 4 12 Rev. Hugh Pope and Fr. Drostan McLaren, 1946-1947

Translated St. Augustine of Hippo and was completed by Fr. McLaren following Fr. Pope's death in 1947

 4 13 Rev. Johannes Quasten, 1957

Correspondence concerning the Ancient Christian Writers series, letters in English and German.

 4 14 Reprint requests and Requests for Review, 1946-1957

Correspondence about reprints and reviews by the publisher for the Ancient Christian Writers series.

 4 15 Rev. Gregory Rhys, 1950-1951

Correspondence concerning failure to complete translation due to ill health and eventual death in 1951.

 4 16 Formatting rules for Ancient Christian Writers translations, 1956-1957

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 4 17 Rev. Ralph Russell, 1950

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, St. John Damascene translation

 4 18 Rev. Edward J. Sherry, 1950

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 4 19 Rev. Polycarp Sherwood, 1946-1956

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, rough drafts included

 4 20 Rev. P. Smulders, 1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, "Hilary's De Trinitate"

 4 21 Rev. J.P. Smith, 1950-1956

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 4 22 Rev. Kevin Smyth, 1953-1954

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, Contra Celsum

 4 23 Rev. Patrick Sullivan, 1947

Cancelling translation of Athenagoras

 4 24 Msgr. C.E. Spence, 1947

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 4 25 Rev. J. Stevenson, 1956

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, Lactantius Divine Institutes

 4 26 Subscriptions, Subscribers, and Stock letters, 1950-1953

4 27 Rev. Dr. Michael Tierney, 1946-1949

Resigning from translating for Ancient Christian Writers to become president of University College, Dublin

 4 28 Dr. Dominic Unger, 1949-1951

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, Irenaus

 4 29 Dr. Cornelia J. de Vogel, 1948

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, Dialogi de Trinitate

 4 30 Rev. Robert Voigt, 1948

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 4 31 Dr. James E. Walsh, 1947 and 1956

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, Justin's Apologies, reason for nine year hiatus to finish translation

 4 32 Rev. R.W.H. Warner, 1952-1953

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, St. Gregory's De Virginitate

 4 33 Rev. Austin Waldvogel, 1947-1949

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 4 34 Dr. J.H. Waszink, 1946-1956

translator for Ancient Christian Writers

 4 35 Rev. Philip T. Weller, 1954-1956

translator for Ancient Christian Writers, correspondence on his dissertation

 4 36 Bruno Woernle, 1952

Correspondence with representative from the Lineotype Composition Co.

 4 37 York Composition Co., 1952-1955

Correspondence with composition company for the Ancient Christian Writers series.

 4 38 Various Letters, 1946-1949

These are letters of correspondence with Plumpe but are one or two letters from one person

 4 39 Various Letters 2, 1950-1957

These are letters of correspondence with Plumpe but are one or two letters from one person