William Harrison Riker papers

Collection

Identifier: D.262

Staff Only

Biographical / Historical note

William Harrison Riker was born on September 22, 1920 in Des Moines, Iowa. After graduating from Depauw University in 1942, Riker attended Harvard from 1944 to 1948. From Harvard Riker moved to Appleton, Wisconsin, to take a position as an assistant professor at Lawrence University, where he would remain until 1962, when he accepted an appointment as Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of Rochester. At Rochester, Riker built a Political Science department based on his new theories. He died on June 26, 1993.

Bruce Bueno De Mesquita and Kenneth Shepsle wrote a biography of Riker for the National Academy of Sciences, the link for which is included at the end of this register. They write:

William Riker was a visionary scholar, institution builder, and intellect who developed methods for applying mathematical reasoning to the study of politics. By introducing the precepts of game theory and social choice theory to political science he constructed a theoretical base for political analysis. This theoretical foundation, which he called "positive political theory," proved crucial in the development of political theories based on axiomatic logic and amenable to predictive tests and experimental, historical, and statistical verification. Through his research, writing, and teaching he transformed important parts of political studies from civics and wisdom to science. Positive political theory now is a mainstream approach to political science. In no small measure this is because of Riker's research. It is also a consequence of his superb teaching--he trained and influenced many students and colleagues who, in turn, helped spread the approach to universities beyond his intellectual home at the University of Rochester.[1]

[1] Taken from Bruce Bueno De. Mesquita and Kenneth Shepsle, William Harrison Riker: Biographical Memories, National Academy of Sciences. Please see the essay contained in this folder.

Scope and Contents

The collection contains professional correspondence and departmental correspondence from Riker's years at Lawrence University and at the University of Rochester along with papers written by Riker, both published and unpublished, many including rough drafts and correspondence concerning revisions.The collection also contains many papers written by other political scientists who sent copies to Riker for comments. Forty-two books with marginal comments by Riker are included at the end of the collection.

Creator

Riker, William H. (Person)

Dates

Creation: 1943-1993

Language of Materials

English

Extent

115 box(es) (115 boxes and 41 volumes)

Access

The William Harrison Riker Papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books, Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The William Harrison Riker Papers were a gift from Mary Elizabeth Riker, his wife, in August 1998.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], William Harrison Riker Papers, D.262, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.

Arrangement

Series 1: Correspondence: boxes 1-9

Series 2: Conference Material: boxes 10-15

Series 3: Writings by Riker: boxes 16-34

Series 4: Reviews written by Riker: boxes 35-37

Series 5: Research Compiled by Riker: boxes 38-54

Series 6: Writings by Others collected by Riker: boxes 55-72

Series 7: Course Materials: boxes 73-82

Series 8: Riker's Course work from Harvard; Miscellaneous: boxes 85-87

Series 9: Annotated books

Appendix A: Biographical Memory by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Kenneth Shepsle: National Academy of Sciences

Appendix B: Curriculum Vitae, July 1991