The Allen Spitzer Manuscript Collection documents the teaching and research activities of the first full professor of anthropology at Saint Louis University and the man who was largely responsible for the development of anthropology as a separate field of study at the school. Spitzer and his wife Lillian were also converts to Catholicism, and there is ample material in the collection that testifies to their deep-seated commitment to their faith. The Biographical Material and Clippings series chronicle the life and work of both Spitzers; Lillian was a trained social worker who served as her husband's research assistant. More clippings are located in the Scrapbook series. The Fieldwork series consists of notes on the Spitzers' research in American Samoa, Austria, and Mexico that are, unfortunately, rather perfunctory, being little more than a list of appointments and events. Allen Spitzer's teaching material is contained in the Lecture Notes and Syllabi and Tests series, while his scholarly output is covered by the Manuscripts and Works series. The Subject Files represent perhaps the most interesting part of the collection; included here is evidence of Allen Spitzer's search for academic positions and research opportunities, documentation of his extensive work with the Blackfeet Indians of Montana (including more field notes), and an indication of the importance of their new-found Catholic religion in the everyday lives of both Allen and Lillian Spitzer. The Contracts subseries throws light upon Allen Spitzer's first years at the University as he attempted to establish himself as an exponent of the separate discipline of anthropology within the department of sociology and endured tense relationships with several colleagues.