Francis X. Talbot, SJ Papers

This collection is comprised of the papers of Francis Xavier Talbot, S.J., one time Editor-in-Chief of America Magazine (1936-1944). Father Talbot, a native of Philadelphia, entered the Society of Jesus in 1906. Completing his studies at Woodstock College (Woodstock, Maryland), he was ordained to the priesthood in 1921. He served as an instructor of Literature at Loyola School (New York) and Boston College. Father Talbot served as Literary Editor of American Magazine (1922-1936) prior to succeeding Wilfrid Parsons, S.J. as Editor-in-Chief, a position which he held from 1936-1944. During the same period, he also served as Editor of the quarterlies "The Catholic Mind" and "Thought."

After his tenure at America Magazine, Father Talbot was appointed to the post of President of Loyola College in Baltimore where he served from 1947-1950. Among the organizations he founded are the Catholic Book Club, the Spiritual Book Associates and Pro Parvulis (a book-of-the-month club for children), as well as being one of the founders of the Catholic Poetry Society of America, the Catholic Theater Conference, the Catholic Library Association and the Gallery of Living Catholic Authors.

In addition to his other activities, Father Talbot served as chaplain of the Motion Picture Department of the International Federation of Catholic Alumnae, the reviewing committee of the Legion of Decency. He was also a trustee of the United States Catholic Historical Society and had been a member of the Catholic Press Association.

Father Talbot was also the author of a biography concerning the life of American missionary-pioneer St. Isaac Jogues entitled "Saint Among Savages" and was, consequently, considered an authority on 17th Century American martyr-missionaries. Father Talbot was serving as Assistant Pastor of Holy Trinity Church (Georgetown) in Washington when he died in 1953. It should also be noted that there is an abundance of material pertaining to Father Talbot in the America Magazine Archives.