A selection of the file boxes that originally housed the PEN Records.
C. A. Dawson Scott, “P.E.N. Club: poet playwright editor novelist,” not dated, ca. 1921. Harry Ransom Center, PEN Records 257.2.
Lafayette Ltd. (Active 1880–1962), [Radclyffe Hall], 1921. Harry Ransom Center, Radclyffe Hall Literary File Photography Collection, P-2.

Freedom to Write, Freedom to Read

The Story of PEN

November 2, 2024 – August 17, 2025

Freedom to Write, Freedom to Read: The Story of PEN explores the history of PEN and its continuing relevance as an international organization focused on freedom of expression. Using the archive of both English PEN and PEN International at the Harry Ransom Center, this exhibition follows the founding of the organization of P.E.N. (poets, essayists, and novelists) as a dining club in London in 1921, its fight against the Nazi book burning campaigns in the 1930s, and its present status as the world's foremost association of writers, operating in more than 90 countries. This exhibition spotlights creators like Radclyffe Hall, Toni Morrison, Arthur Miller, Salman Rushdie, and Margaret Atwood alongside the everyday people who promote freedom of expression.

This exhibition is curated by Professor Marion Wynne-Davies, University of Surrey.

Presented by

National Endowment for the Humanities

The Ransom Center appreciates the generosity of our promotional partners: The Austin Chronicle and KUT 90.5 & KUTX 98.9

Any views, findings, recommendations or conclusions expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.