Below are selected images and letters from the 2019 Birss Exhibition on Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five. For more information about the book please see our Slaughterhouse-Five Research guide. For more information about the The John Howard Birss, Jr. Memorial Program please see our schedule of events.
Dresden, known as the “Florence of the Elbe” because of its beauty, was heavily bombed by Allied forces on February 13 and 14, 1945 toward the end of World War II. This controversial raid leveled this once beautiful city and killed thousands of civilians, mostly women, children, elderly men and refugees. Kurt Vonnegut, a member of the 106th Infantry Division in the U.S. Army, was a prisoner of war in Dresden at the time of the bombing, He and his fellow prisoners survived by hiding in a cold-storage cellar below the slaughterhouse where they were housed. Vonnegut spent over 20 years trying to write Slaughterhouse-Five based on this experience.
Pfc. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. missing in action reported in The Indianapolis Times, January 15, 1945
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaBeginning of a 6000-word piece on Dresden, a haunting early attempt by Vonnegut to write about his Dresden experience.
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaLetter from Pfc. K. Vonnegut Jr. to his family, dated May 29,1945, informing them that he survived World War II and outlining the series of events in his wartime experience
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaLetter from Pfc. K. Vonnegut Jr. to his family, dated May 29,1945, informing them that he survived World War II and outlining the series of events in his wartime experience.
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaLetter from Pfc. K. Vonnegut Jr. to his family, dated May 29,1945, informing them that he survived World War II and outlining the series of events in his wartime experience.
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaLetter written by Vonnegut in 2001 to Joe Mark, a fellow soldier in the 106th Infantry Division, reflecting on his experience during World War II and since that time. Signed with his signature profile.
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaAlbanian translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaVonnegut was driven to write about his experience during the Dresden bombing and the impact it had on him and how he saw the world. At times giving up on fiction writing altogether, it took him over 20 years to write the “Dresden Book”, experimenting with a variety of structures and voices, before finally settling on the perspective of the fictional character, Billy Pilgrim.
Manuscript copy of the title page of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of many versions of the beginning of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of many versions of the beginning of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of many versions of the beginning of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of many versions of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaDutch translation of Slaugherhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of many versions of the beginning of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of many versions of the beginning of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of many versions of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaNorwegian translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of many versions of the beginning of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of many versions of the beginning of
Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of many versions of the beginning of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaKorean translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of the many versions of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of many versions of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of many versions Slaughterhouse-Five, including plot notes
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of many versions of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaRomanian translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaManuscript page from one of many versions of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaIllustration created by Vonnegut with note to book designer for Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaSpanish translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaDoodles and plot notes from manuscript of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaDoodle on the back of a Slaughterhouse-Five manuscript title page
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaDoodles and plot notes from manuscript of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaHebrew translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaContract from Dell with Vonnegut for Slaughterhouse-Five and three untitled novels.
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaLetter from Vonnegut to his friend, Sam Stewart, seeking advice about writing realistic dialogue in a novel set in wartime.
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaReproduction of Kurt Vonnegut’s study at the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, Indianapolis, IndianaReproduction of Kurt Vonnegut’s study at the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, Indianapolis, IndianaCover of first edition of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaAdvertisement for the film, Slaughterhouse-Five from The New York Times, March 24, 1972
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaOscar awarded to Kurt Vonnegut for Slaughterhouse-Five, Best Science Fiction Film 1972
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana Catalan translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaAward from The American Civil Liberties Union dated June 12, 1978
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaVonnegut, Kurt. “Why are you banning my book?” American School Board Journal, vol. 168, no. 10, p. 35.
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaWinerip, Mike. “The Problem with ‘Slaughterhouse-Five’: The Words.” The Miami Herald, 25 July 1982, p. 1G, 6G.
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaWinerip, Mike. “The Problem with ‘Slaughterhouse-Five’: The Words.” The Miami Herald, 25 July 1982, p. 1G, 6G.
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaPortuguese translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaGraphs from a short lecture by Kurt Vonnegut on the Shapes of Stories. (Video available on YouTube)
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaGraphs from a short lecture by Kurt Vonnegut on the Shapes of Stories. (Video available on YouTube)
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaGraphs from a short lecture by Kurt Vonnegut on the Shapes of Stories. (Video available on YouTube)
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaCzech translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaRejection letter from New York Magazine
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaRejection letter from Collier's
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaRejection letter from Harper's Magazine
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaRejection letter from Story
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaRejection letter from Reader's Scope Magazine
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaBack of rejection letter from Reader's Scope Magazine used for grocery list
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaSwedish translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaLetter of gratitude from author and admirer, John Irving, to Kurt Vonnegut, dated 1 December 1982
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaLetter from Kurt Vonnegut to Mr. Charles Ray Ewick, a wry response to a request from a research librarian for a free copy of Deadeye Dick
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaCzech translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaPhotograph of Kurt Vonnegut signing a book
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaPhotograph of Vonnegut signing a book in Sag Harbor, Maine in 1990.
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaGold Medal for Drama Committee 12/4/97: Edward Albee (back left), Brendan Gill (back right), Arthur Miller (front left) and Kurt Vonnegut (front right)
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaPhotograph of Vonnegut and President Clinton, September 16, 1998
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaPhotograph of Vonnegut delivering a speech upon receipt of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Butler University in Indianapolis on May 11, 1996
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaPhotograph of Kurt Vonnegut at a celebration of his receipt of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Butler University in Indianapolis on May 11, 1996
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaPolish translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaGraphic print by Vonnegut: “Sphincter”
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaGraphic print by Vonnegut with one of his favorite quotes.
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaGraphic print by Vonnegut: “Three Madonnas”
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaGraphic print by Vonnegut: "Nostalgia"
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaGraphic print by Vonnegut: “One-Eyed Jack”
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaGraphic print by Vonnegut: “Small Wasp Waist”
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaVonnegut art show poster with self portrait
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaCoaster with Vonnegut website and Kilgore Trout portrait
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaKurt’s Mile-High Malt label with self portrait
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaHungarian translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaVonnegut had a convoluted college experience, but finally received a Master of Arts degree from the University of Chicago in 1971
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaVonnegut received numerous honorary degrees, including one from the University of Rhode Island in 1990. (with commentary following)
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaComments made about Vonnegut when he was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Rhode Island
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaTHE GE ALUMNI 20TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
Man of the Year Award
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana Greek translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaFan letter from Richard M. Billings
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaFan letter from Natalya Shulga
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaResponse to a fan letter from Natalia Shulga
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana Fan letter
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaFan letter from Yurika Fujiwara
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaFan letter from Yurika Fujiwara
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaFan letter from Kevin Makley
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaFan letter from Steve Chabot
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaFan letter from Dennis Jensen
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaFan letter from the "G's" Book Club at Hammond High School
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana"G's" Book Club at Hammond High School
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaFan letter from Sean D. Sigler
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaPage from a booklet of student drawings sent to Vonnegut by fifth grade teacher, Sean Sigler.
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaSlovenian translation of Slaughterhouse-Five
Courtesy: The Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, IndianaThe 19th Professor John Howard Birss, Jr. Memorial Exhibition: Kurt Vonnegut & Slaughterhouse-Five -- CreditsThe 19th Professor John Howard Birss, Jr. Memorial Exhibition: Kurt Vonnegut & Slaughterhouse-Five -- Part 1The 19th Professor John Howard Birss, Jr. Memorial Exhibition: Kurt Vonnegut & Slaughterhouse-Five -- Part 2The 19th Professor John Howard Birss, Jr. Memorial Exhibition: Kurt Vonnegut & Slaughterhouse-Five -- Part 3The 19th Professor John Howard Birss, Jr. Memorial Exhibition: Kurt Vonnegut & Slaughterhouse-Five -- Part 4
Image reproductions used in this exhibit were obtained from the Lilly Library and their inclusion seeks to comply with the Fair Use doctrine of United States Copyright Law, 17 U.S. Code § 107. If you are the copyright holder of any of these images and you would like any or all removed from this exhibit per the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DCMA), please contact cfagan@rwu.edu.
