Perry Brass papers, 1968-2004.
Collection Number: 7329
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Cornell University Library
DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY
Title:
Perry Brass papers, 1968-2004.
Repository:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Collection Number:
7329
Abstract:
The Perry Brass papers consist of handwritten and typescript drafts of letters, articles,
prose pieces, theatrical writings, diaries, poems, and essays, as well as photographs,
publicity and promotional materials, scripts, letters to Brass from friends and family,
and printed versions of articles as they appeared in various gay magazines. Most of
the material in the collection is concerned with gay themes and the relationship between
the gay and straight cultures; the correspondence also most often pertains to gay
society, relations, or theatrical and literary milieus.
Creator:
Brass, Perry.
Quanitities:
4.4 cubic feet.
Language:
Collection material in English
Perry Brass was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1947. He graduated from New York University
in 1974, having studied art education. As a gay playwright, writer, and essayist,
Brass' most successful work was the theater piece "All Men" which was produced in
New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, in 1987 and 1988.
Manuscript versions of Brass' plays, stories, novels, and articles, mostly with gay
male themes, including stage directions, programs, press releases and other promotional
material for some of the plays, notably "All Men"; typescript of unpublished novel;
original screenplay This is All of US, 1970; copies of COME OUT!, which Brass wrote
for and published; professional and gay movement correspondence; course materials;
and miscellaneous professional papers. Personal papers include a 1968 journal; student
papers from NYU, 1971-1973; photographs; and personal and family correspondence.
PROVENANCE
The collection was received from Perry Brass in multiple installments in 1989 and
1992.
| Series I. Personal | Boxes 1, 3 |
| Series II. Correspondence | Boxes 1, 2, 4, 5 |
| Series III. Works | Boxes 1-5 |
| Series IV. Miscellany, including photographs | Boxes 1-5 |
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Perry Brass papers, #7329. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University
Library.
The collection was received from Perry Brass in multiple installments in 1989 and
1992.
Names:
New York University -- : Students.
Subjects:
Erotica.
Gays\' writings, American.
Pornography.
Homosexuality, Male.
Homosexuality and art.
Gay men -- Drama.
Form and Genre Terms:
Photographs.
Erotica.
Scripts.
Diaries.
CONTAINER LIST
|
Container
|
Description
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Date
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Series I. Personal
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| Box 1 | Folder 4 |
Diary, 29 Apr. 1968 to 12 Nov. 1968
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| Box 1 | Folder 6 |
Brass vita; "12 Musical Figures for Christmas"; Young/Brass change of address note;
"5 Gay Plays by Perry Brass"
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 17 |
Diary, 1969-1972
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| Box 3 | Folder 18-23 |
Diary notebooks
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| Box 1 | Folder 58 |
Perry Brass' original descriptive notes of material
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See also key to Brass' notes
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Series II. Correspondence
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| Box 1 | Folder 1-3 |
Letters to Perry Brass, from Rick Paul, Will Inman, Louise Landy, George Michell,
Betty Deal, Christopher Hewitt, and others, 1987-1989
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 17-22 |
Letters from George Michell, 1975-1977
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| Box 2 | Folder 23 |
Professional letters and miscellany, mid 1970s
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| Box 2 | Folder 26-27 |
Gay Movement and Professional Letters, 1970s
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| Box 2 | Folder 28 |
Assorted Boyfriend and Personal Letters, 1970-1990
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| Box 2 | Folder 29-31 |
Personal and Family Letters and Papers, 1969-1974
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 42 |
Correspondence 1969-1971; Ian Young
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| Box 2 | Folder 43 |
Correspondence 1972-1974
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| Box 2 | Folder 44 |
Correspondence 1975-1978
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| Box 2 | Folder 45 |
Correspondence Feb - Apr 1980
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 46 |
Correspondence May 1980 - Feb 1982
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 47 |
Correspondence 1992
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| Box 2 | Folder 48 |
Correspondence, undated
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 49 |
Correspondence, Clippings, and typescript of "Men Keep House" 1987
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 50 |
Correspondence Jan - Jun 1988
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| Box 2 | Folder 51 |
Correspondence Jul - Dec 1988
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| Box 2 | Folder 52 |
Correspondence 1987
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| Box 2 | Folder 53 |
Correspondence Jan - Jun 1990
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| Box 2 | Folder 54 |
Correspondence Jul - Dec 1990
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| Box 2 | Folder 55 |
Correspondence 1991 and undated
|
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| Box 4 | Folder 1-7 |
Correspondence with Tom Kohn, 1977-1978
|
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| Box 4 | Folder 8 |
Correspondence with Perry Brass' mother, 1969-1973
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 1 |
Correspondence, Jan - Mar 1980
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 2 |
Correspondence, 1983-1988
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 3 |
Correspondence, photographs, poems, notes, and invoices, undated
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 19 |
Correspondence, 1985-1987
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| Box 5 | Folder 20 |
Correspondence Jan - Jun 1987
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| Box 5 | Folder 21 |
Correspondence Jul - Aug 1987
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| Box 5 | Folder 22 |
Correspondence Sep 1987
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| Box 5 | Folder 23 |
Correspondence Oct - Dec 1987
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| Box 5 | Folder 24 |
Correspondence, undated
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|
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Series III. Works
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| Box 1 | Folder 7 |
Varied-Subject Pad, including drafts of letters, lists, synopsis of "The Chinese Monkey
Feast," versions of "At Death's Door," "PCP," a poem inspired by Tom Finley, and other
writings
|
|
| Box 1 | Folder 8-9 |
"All Men" stage notes, program, and notes
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 10 |
"All Men" script for publication
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 11-12 |
"All Men" material: Flyers, biographical note, press release, programs, flyers, posters,
Christin Bjorn photograph, publicity and promotional material, notes, and reviews,
and an interview of Stan Leventhal and Perry Brass
|
|
| Box 1 | Folder 13-19 |
Manuscript of Jimmie, an unpublished novel
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 20 |
"Night Chills" manuscript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 21-22 |
"Night Chills" typescript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 23 |
"Gay Success" manuscript and printed version in Advocate Men
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 24 |
"The Platinum Ring" manuscript
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| Box 1 | Folder 25 |
"The Platinum Ring" manuscript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 26 |
"Taste" manuscript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 27 |
"The Voice Within the Idol" manuscript
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| Box 1 | Folder 28 |
"At Death's Door" manuscript
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| Box 1 | Folder 29 |
"On Being Bullied" manuscript and printed version in Torso
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 30 |
"Notes from a Gay Playwright: manuscript and typescript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 31 |
"A Blow Job is for Real" manuscript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 32 |
"Smoky George Talks" manuscript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 33 |
Drafts of letters
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 34 |
Varied-Subject Pad, including articles for Stan Leventhal, letters, "Southern Sissy
Boy," "Men and Manners" and other writings
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 35 |
Varied-Subject Pad, including "The Golden Pavilion" manuscript (later called "Spies in the Golden Pavilion"
), drafts of letters, and a list ("New in the 60's")
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 36 |
"The Death of My Friend Tom" manuscript; "Summer on Christopher Street" manuscript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 37 |
"A Regular June" typescript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 38 |
"Spies in the Golden Pavilion" typescript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 39 |
Cover (only) of "Survival Kit - A complete Guidance Manual for Gay Men Everywhere"
edited by Perry Brass and Lou Thomas
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 40 |
"Sex Stick" manuscript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 41 |
Draft of a letter to the New York Transit Authority, and list of stories
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 42 |
"Dark Mouth" manuscript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 43 |
Lists of venues, poems, bus instructions, and a "Statement of Purpose"
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 44 |
"The Cold" manuscript, with printed version in Advocate Men
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 45-46 |
"Disco" manuscript and typescript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 47-48 |
"Bargello" and "Souffle" (two interlinked, one-act plays), manuscript and typescript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 49 |
"Unmasking Straight Men" printed version in Torso
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 50 |
"Meaningless Relationships" printed version in Torso
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 51 |
"Threesomes" printed version in "Torso"
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 52 |
"Disco" Manuscript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 53 |
"Social Climbing" Manuscript
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 54 |
"Gay Anxiety" and "Men Keep House" manuscripts; draft of a letter to Greg Baysans
of "The James White Review" and others; preparation notes
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 55 |
"Straight Men" manuscript (later "Unmasking Straight Men")
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 56 |
Miscellaneous pieces: draft of a letter to the editor; aphorisms, riddles, and short
written pieces on cards; printed version of "The Cincinnati Connection Ballet Comes
Alive!"; "Five Gay Plays"; mosaic promotional page for "Urban Fables and Verses";
"Osiris, the Dog Star"; and "The Enticing Lane" by Christopher Hewitt
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 57 |
Wings Theatre Company broadside and poster for "All Men"
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 1-3 |
Typescript of "Unforgettable is Paris"
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 4-12 |
Schoolpapers from NYU, 1971-1973
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 13-15 |
Copies of "Come Out!"
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 24 |
Typescript of "This Is All Of Us"
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 25 |
Untitled early stories, 1966-1967
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 32-37 |
Early draft of Jimmie
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 38 |
Professional papers, course description, 1980s
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 39 |
Mirage and publicity material
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 40 |
Sex Charge
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 41 |
"Sleep" woodcut, 1971
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 56-57 |
Mirage third draft typescript
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 58-60 |
Red-bound spiral drawing tablets, some with homoerotic drawings, 1972-1973
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 1-3 |
Final Disconnect typescript
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 4 |
Prescription for Love by "Nancy Gwendolyn Bell" typescript
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 5 |
"Homosexual Politics" typescript
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 6 |
Drafts of short stories, correspondence, miscellany, c.1966-1967
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 7 |
"Salonica" an original screenplay typescript
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 8-10 |
Draft manuscripts, typescripts, poems, and miscellaneous writings
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 12 |
Poems
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 13 |
"Pet Palmistry"
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 14 |
Short stories
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 15 |
"Homosexual Politics" draft typescript
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 16 |
Artwork
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 24 |
"Here, There, and Yonder," a trilogy of one act plays
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 25 |
Mirage
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 26 |
Sex Charge
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 27 |
"Daddy and the Eskimos"
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 28 |
"Bar None"
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 29 |
"Bargello" and "Souffle"
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 30 |
"Sex Charge" typescript
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 31 |
"Another Temporary Assignment" draft typescript
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 32 |
"Night Chills"
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 33 |
"The Chinese Monkey Feast"
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 34 |
"The Secret Gate"
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 35 |
"Munchenergarten"
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 36 |
"The Most Beautiful Man in the World"
|
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| Box 4 | Folder 9 |
"Men Living With Each Other"
|
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| Box 4 | Folder 10 |
Mirage holograph
|
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| Box 4 | Folder 11-12 |
"The Rat Man" holograph
|
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| Box 4 | Folder 13 |
"Secret Gate" holograph
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 8-10 |
"Works" second draft
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 11-15 |
"Mirage" second draft
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 16-17 |
Published pieces in "The Connection"
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 18 |
"Works" paperback
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 26-30 |
Notebooks of draft prose fictions, including "Book Talks - Maugham," "Movers and Shakers,"
"Mother's Boys," "Take it Slow," "The Freighter Story," "Night Chills," and "The Most
Beautiful Man in the World"
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 31-35 |
Notebooks of drafts of "The Seventeenth Summer"
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 36-39 |
Notebooks of "Set" poem, "The Boathouse," "The Self-Expression Factor," "Bargello,"
"Poetry Education," and "The Body Queens"
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 40 |
"The Wounded Angel"
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Series IV. Miscellany, including photographs
|
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| Box 1 | Folder 5 |
Photographs of Brass, friends and lovers
|
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| Box 2 | Folder 16 |
Photographs, Germany, by Tom Kohn
|
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| Box 3 | Folder 11 |
Clippings, pornography magazines
|
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| Box 4 | Folder 14 |
Miscellany, including theatre programs, broadside, poem, letter from the Netherlands,
photographs, and woodcut
|
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| Box 4 | Folder 15 |
Miscellany, including photographs, negatives
|
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| Box 4 | Folder 16 |
Miscellany, including passport, slides, negatives, and photographs
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 4 |
"Esquire" July 1964
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 5 |
"Vogue" December 1968
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 6 |
Theatre and musical programs
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 7 |
Anion Enzyme Educational Conference Center Workbook, 1983
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 25 |
Photographs
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 41 |
Publicity for Brass publications and readings, 1997-1998
|
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| Box 5 | Folder 42 |
2004 Publicity
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