Papers, 1942–72, 52 cu. ft. University of Kansas professor of medieval Russian history and legal history. During the period 1957–66 he made several research, business, and pleasure trips to the Soviet Union. Ca. 13 cu. ft. of his papers contain the fruits of his contacts with the USSR. For example, there are copies of archival and library materials on medieval Russian history, particularly legal history. Some items concern the travels of Sigismund von Herberstein. Other items cover contemporary Soviet law and some unusual printed materials are on the Eurasian movement. Also, correspondence, office files, drafts of writings, literary manuscripts, etc. on book, serial, and faculty exchange programs that Professor Backus helped to establish and maintain. There is also a computer-based study of land grant provisions in Muscovite law. Unpublished accession record and box list of office records.
