This accession details the life of William Spratling who attended API in from 1917 to 1921 and went on to become an artist, sculptor, silversmith, architect, teacher, and businessman. He created the silver mine industry in Taxco, Mexico, which put that town on the map. And, while in Mexico, he wrote several books including fiction, history, and art history. Several are included in the collection as well as others that mention Spratling as their subject or pertain to Mexican culture. Correspondence with friends and colleagues details Spratling's later life, his business, and achievements. Letters from Vice-President Lyndon Johnson and Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York highlight a collection of letters of recommendation to present Spratling with an honorary degree from Auburn University. The degree was awarded in 1962. Newspaper and magazine clippings describe Spratling's many accomplishments, as does the correspondence between Mrs. Gladys Stewart of Auburn and Ralph Hammond of Arab, Alabama.