Steve Abbott Papers, 1951-1993 GLC 77

James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA, 94102
(415) 557-4400
info@sfpl.org
2014


Title: Steve Abbott Papers,
Date (inclusive): 1951-1993
Collection Identifier: GLC 77
Creator: Abbott, Steve, 1943-1992
Physical Description: 3 cartons, 1 document case, 1 oversized box (5.0 cubic feet)
Contributing Institution: James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA, 94102
(415) 557-4400
info@sfpl.org
Abstract: Steve Abbott was a poet, critic, editor and novelist. He was one of the founding editors of the San Francisco bay area's poetry newsletter Poetry Flash, and he was the editor of the literary journal Soup. The papers contain correspondence, subject files, works by Abbott, publications and writing by others, photographs, and computer disks.
Physical Location: The collection is stored onsite.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in English.

Access

The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.

Publication Rights

Copyright is retained by Alysia Abbott.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Steve Abbott Papers (GLC 77), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Provenance

Donated by Kevin Killian for the Estate of Steve Abbott, February 1994. Additional material was donated by Alysia Abbott, July 10, 2002.

Biographical note

Stephen Eugene Abbott (1943-1992) was a poet, critic, editor and novelist. He was raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, graduated from the University of Nebraska, and attended Emory University. He married Barbara Binder in February 1969, and came out publicly later that year. Their daughter, Alysia, was born in December 1970. In August 1973, Barbara was killed in an automobile accident.
In 1974, Steve and Alysia moved to San Francisco, where Steve became involved with the literary scene. His friends included Allen Ginsberg, Aaron Shurin, and Robert Gluck, among others. Abbott was one of the founding editors of the San Francisco bay area's poetry newsletter Poetry Flash, and he was the editor of the literary journal Soup. He was a respected critic and the first to use the term "new narrative" to describe the work of Bruce Boone and Robert Gluck. Abbott was a frequent contributor to The Advocate, The Sentinel, and the Bay Area Reporter. He organized the Left/Write conference in 1981.
Steve Abbott died of complications due to AIDS on December 2, 1992. His novel The Lizard Club was published posthumously. In 2013, W.W. Norton and Company published Alysia Abbott's Fairyland: a Memoir of My Father (New York). The memoir draws in part from Steve Abbott's journals which are retained by his daughter. Her website www.steveabbott.org contains a wealth of interesting archival material.

Scope and Contents

The collection contains a good representation of Abbott's written work and artwork. It also includes correspondence, drawings, flyers, subject files, newspaper clippings and photographs. Some subjects include his trial related to conscientious objector status, his participation in school governments and political groups, and his teaching.

Arrangement

Arranged into 6 series: Series 1. Correspondence; Series 2. Subject Files; Series 3. Works by Abbott; Series 4. Publications and Writing by Others; Series 5. Photographs; and, Series 6. Computer disks.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Abbott, Steve, 1943-1992--Archives
American poetry--20th century
Gay poetry--United States
Poets--California--San Francisco

 

Series 1 Correspondence, 1966-1992

Physical Description: 52.0 folders

Scope and Contents

The series includes some letters to family members, friends, poets and writers, and publishers. Of particular interest are the letters to his wife Barbara which includes an illustrated letter written to their daughter Alysia. Notable correspondents include Dennis Cooper, Aaron Shurin, and Allen Ginsberg.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by folder title.
 

Abbott, Alysia. See Box 1 / Folder 1. Abbott, Barbara; and See Box 1 / Folder 21. Galas, Diamanda.

Box 1, Folder 1

[Abbott], Barbara (wife), [1973], undated

General note

Photocopies of letters. Includes illustrated letter for Alysia: "What Daddy Is Doing."
 

Abbott, Alysia

Box 1, Folder 2

[Abbott], David (brother), May 30, 1991

Box 1, Folder 3

[Abbott, Gene] (father), 1976

Box 1, Folder 4

Acker, Kathy, 1992

Box 1, Folder 5

Alex, 1991

Box 1, Folder 6

Antler, 1986

Box 1, Folder 7

Bautista, Paul, 1988, undated

Box 1, Folder 8

Benson, Steve, 1980

Box 1, Folder 9

Blaser, Robin, 1983

Box 1, Folder 10

Bob (includes photograph), 1969

Box 1, Folder 11

Burroughs, William [S.], 1984, 1989

Box 1, Folder 12

Casey, Bishop, 1966

Box 1, Folder 13

Christopher Street, 1976-1977

General note

Regarding cartoon submissions.
 

Fiala, Richard

Box 1, Folder 14

City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, [1987?]

 

[Ferlinghetti], Lawrence

 

Sharrard, Bob

Box 1, Folder 15

Claude, July 30, [1986]

Box 1, Folder 16

Coffman, Robert E. [Homocore request], 1992

Box 1, Folder 17

Cooper, Dennis, 1981-1990

Box 1, Folder 18

The Crossing Press, 1988-1989

General note

Includes contracts for: Frederick Schultz (Sam D'Allesandro) Collected Stories; Kevin Killian Shy, A Novel; Steve Abbott Holy Terror, A Novel.
 

Gill, John

Box 1, Folder 19

[Epstein, Ronald ?], 1989

General note

Contains photocopy of Philip Gambone's review of Kevin Killian's book Shy.
Box 1, Folder 20

[Ferstl], Amy [regarding Jin Shin healing], July 8, 1991

Box 1, Folder 21

[Galas], Diamanda to Alysia [Abbott], undated

 

Abbott, Alysia

Box 1, Folder 22

Gay Artists and Writers Kollective Writers' Workshop (W.L. Warner), 1990

Box 1, Folder 23

Ginsberg, Allen [interview], 1976

 

Elovich, Richard

Box 1, Folder 24

Gluck, Robert, undated

Box 1, Folder 25

Goldberg, Natalie, [1985?]

Box 1, Folder 26

Harris, Marie ( A Gift of Tongues), 1987

Box 1, Folder 27

International Biographical Centre, 1987

Box 1, Folder 28

John and Frank [photocopies], [1972?]

General note

Regarding relationship between John and Abbott.
Box 1, Folder 29

Kerouac-Parker, Frankie "Edie," 1983

Box 1, Folder 30

Mariah, Paul, 1979

Box 1, Folder 31

Montgomery, Mike, 1989

Box 1, Folder 32

Naropa Institute, 1991

Box 1, Folder 33

Norse, Harold, 1979-1980

 

Anzaldua, Gloria

Box 1, Folder 34

Notley, Alice, [1992], undated

Box 1, Folder 35

Peters, Bob, 1990

Box 1, Folder 36

Playboy, March 1975

Box 1, Folder 37

Poetry Flash, 1975, 1979

 

Ford, Jon

Box 1, Folder 38

Quignard, Pascal (includes photograph), 1991

Languages represented: Some in French.
Box 1, Folder 39

San Francisco State University, 1990

Box 1, Folder 40

Shapiro, Karl, 1978

Box 1, Folder 41

Shurin, Aaron, 1976-1979

Box 1, Folder 42

Silliman, Ron, undated

Box 1, Folder 43

[Stambolian], George, 1985-1986

Box 1, Folder 44

Thompson, Mark, 1985

Box 1, Folder 45

Tom, undated

Box 1, Folder 46

Trinidad, David, 1986

Box 1, Folder 47

Weinberger, Eliot, 1985

Box 1, Folder 48

[Weltner], Peter, undated

Box 1, Folder 49

White, Ed[mund], undated

Box 1, Folder 50

White, Frederick C., 1976

Box 1, Folder 51

[Willkie], Phil ( James White Review), 1986

Box 1, Folder 52

W[ilson], P[eter] L[amborn], 1991-1992

 

Kyger, Joanne

 

Taylor, Steven

 

Series 2 Subject Files, 1951-1993

Physical Description: 28.0 folders 3.0 oversized folders

Scope and Contents

The series contains materials gathered about and documenting Abbott's different interests. Of note are the conscientious objector materials and clippings, reviews of some of Abbott's published work, Abbott's posters and publicity for readings, his notes on the OutWrite conference in 1991, and the CFDP white paper. In addition, there are syllabi for classes Abbott taught, and resumes and bibliographies.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by folder title.
Box 1, Folder 53

Address for Larry, undated

Box 1, Folder 54

Astrology clippings, 1976

Box 1, Folder 55

Atlas computer macro materials, undated

Box 1, Folder 56

Birthday party invitation (34th), [1977?]

Box 1, Folder 57

CFDP White Paper #2 [Campus Freedom Democratic Party], [1966?]

Box 1, Folder 58, Box 5, Oversize-folder 1

Clippings and newspapers, 1951-1993, undated

General note

Includes clippings in Abbott's election to student government at Emory University, the draft, Abbott's trial for refusing to be inducted into the armed forces, Allen Ginsberg, Sam D'Allesandro, and gay liberation. The oversized folder contains: "Gay Implies Change and Openness" ( Asbury Park Press), August 22, 1971; San Francisco Odalisque (San Francisco), vol. 1, no. 10 (December 16, 1976); Gay Sunshine, no. 32 (Spring 1977); "Power Language and Gay Love" by Mark Schoofs ( San Francisco Sentinel), June 26, 1987; San Francisco Chronicle. Bay Area section, December 11, 1993
Box 1, Folder 59

Comic books, 1990-1991

General note

Includes: Spider-Man "Torment" (part 4 of 5); Keith Laumer's Retief #4 (Adventure Comics); and, GrimJack Casefiles, vol. 1 (no. 4) by John Ostrander and Timothy Truman.
Box 1, Folder 60

Conscientious Objector material, 1969-1970

Related materials

Researchers are encouraged to see also Box ? / Folder ? Clippings.

General note

Includes: Appeals regarding Stephen Eugene Abbott's conviction arising out of his refusal to submit to induction into the armed forces of the United States; and letters of support written to his parents.
Box 1, Folder 61

English Expository Writing 200 syllabus, 1986

Box 1, Folder 62

Mailing list for Steve Abbott, [1989], undated

General note

Includes list for announcements/readings for Holy Terror. Originally enclosed in a copy of The Lizard Club.
Box 1, Folder 63

Notes and publishers' addresses, [1975?, undated]

Box 1, Folder 64

Omicron Delta Kappa Society (Emory University Circle). Membership Certificate and The Circle, 1968, Winter 1970-1971

Box 1, Folder 65

[On movie-making, class exam?], undated

Box 1, Folder 66

OutWrite '91. National Lesbian & Gay Writers Conference. Includes notes that may not be on OutWrite, undated

Box 1, Folder 67

People of Color Resource List, undated

Box 5, Oversize-folder 2

Posters / Publicity, [1990], undated

General note

Includes: "For Parks, Improvements & Property...Elect Steve Abbott" and "Benefit reading for Maitri Hospice."
Box 1, Folder 68

Posters / Publicity for readings, etc., 1977-1980, undated

Box 1, Folder 69

Radiation and mutation articles, 1955, 1963

Box 1, Folder 70

Resume and bibliography, [1985-1986], undated

Box 1, Folder 71, Box 5, Oversize-folder 3

Reviews of Soup, Lives of the Poets, Skinny Trip to a Far Place, View Askew, and Holy Terror, 1983-1990

Box 1, Folder 72

Rubin, Michael (San Francisco State), 1989, undated

General note

Contains Abbott's stories with Rubin's comments: "Art and Life"; "No Trouble, No Story"; and "The Malcontent."
Box 1, Folder 73

San Francisco Poetry Festival (2nd annual) flyer, 1977

Box 1, Folder 74

Steve Abbott's Critical Writing Workshop bibliography, undated

Box 1, Folder 75

Sugar, undated

Box 1, Folder 76

Syllabus. Expository Writing 211, Fall 1987

Box 1, Folder 77

Theory workshop participants, undated

Box 1, Folder 78

University of Nebraska. Transcript, resume, 1966, undated

Box 1, Folder 79

Visa/Passport applications for trip to the Yucatan, October 1976

Box 1, Folder 80

Wilson, S. Clay, 1963, 1982, 1986

General note

Includes: Cover of Scrip, 1963, with illustration by Wilson; and, an exhibition catalog S. Clay Wilson: Selected Works (New York: Museum of the Surreal and Fantastique) inscribed to Abbott.
 

Series 3 Works by Abbott, 1960-1992

Physical Description: 2.5 cubic feet

Scope and Contents

The series contains draft, manuscript and final printed copies of works by Abbott. His poetry, stories, essays, and books account for the majority of the material. The several drafts of Lost Causes and The Lizard Club form the largest part of this series. His poetry, stories and essays cover a variety of subjects from the Watts riots in Los Angeles to the future of gay culture in the years following the AIDS crisis. Abbott's interviews with Judy Grahn and Robert Gluck appear in this series. Of note is "The Touching Ballad of Princess Lulu Magoo," a handmade book, illustrated and written by Abbott for his daughter Alysia. A handful of pieces concern Abbott and his family relationships. There is also some artwork in the form of cartoon/comics, drawings, and collage.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by folder title.
Box 1, Folder 81

About this book (introduction), undated

Box 1, Folder 82

Acrostic Sonnets, undated

 

Quittner, Jeremy

 

Art and Life. See Box 1 / Folder 72. Rubin, Michael.

Box 1, Folder 83

Atlanta People's Yellow Pages [2 copies, contains cartoons by Abbott], 1974

Box 5, Oversize-folder 4

Bars for Twilight People and Others ( Metro Magazine), December/January 1981

Box 1, Folder 84

Beware Strangers & Isolation (poem), undated

Box 1, Folder 85

The Big American Review, vol. 1, nos. 2, 5, 9 [some contain cartoons by Abbott], January 12, February 2, and March 8, 1968

Box 1, Folder 86

The Big Bang Theory, [1975?]

Box 1, Folder 87

The Big Trucker (Part 1: Chapters 1 and 2) by Dennis Dunn. Illustrated by Steve Abbott and Bill Sigfried, 1978

Box 1, Folder 88

A Bizarre Non-Valentine Card/Sci-Fi Novel for An Intriguing Guy, 1988

Box 1, Folder 89

Blood Brothers (poem), undated

Box 1, Folder 90

Cafe Society manuscript, 1982

Box 1, Folder 91

Cafe Society: a Serial Novel by Group 4 (San Francisco) ['zine, 2 copies], 1982

Box 1, Folder 92

California Journal, 1974-1975; notes on astrology; letters to John, Darlene; drafts of Big Bang Theory of the Universe, No Harm in Playing. 1974-1975, undated

Box 1, Folder 93

The Challenge: a Newspaper for Indians as well as for Chiefs, vol. 1, nos. 1, 4-6, March 28, April 10, April 12, April 16, 1968

General note

Published at Emory University. Abbott was an editor-in-chief.
Box 1, Folder 94

Changes In Sexuality [former title: "Is Gay Passe?"], [1989]

Box 1, Folder 95

[Childhood memories, also about Alysia's childhood, pages 2-4, 6], undated

Box 1, Folder 96

[Clipped newspaper pieces], undated

Box 1, Folder 97

Counting Streams in This Forest of Your Eyes, 1977

Box 1, Folder 98

Deadman's Song (poem), undated

Box 1, Folder 99

Diamanda Galas: Give Me Sodomy or Give Me Death, undated

Box 1, Folder 100

Drawings and collages, undated

General note

Includes: "Bad Dog The Holy / Fantastic Cat / Guardian & Protector / Of the Ubiquitous / Seed / Of Life"; "Kar-MI" collage; "Soup" collage; "Contest: What Do You Think The Characters in Thie Story Look Like?" cartoon; "Frankly Feaky Meets the Homoexual" cartoon; Farout Woman cartoon.
Box 1, Folder 101

Dreaming of the Big Name (poem), undated

Box 1, Folder 102

Early poems and essays,

Box 5, Oversize-folder 5

"Eros...is all, is lock and key" ( The Washington Blade), August 5, 1988

Box 1, Folder 103

Et (Tu) M-ology? (also titled: Alpha's Bet, or, The Revenge of the Rug), undated

Box 1, Folder 104

Eurygmous Lovers (poem) [folder title: Eurogymous Lovers], undated

Box 1, Folder 105

Eve (poem), undated

Box 1, Folder 106

The Everyday is Sunday Funnies, vol. 1, no. 2 (3 copies), December 4, 1970

General note

Published while at Emory University by Ron Ausburn and Steve Abbott.
Box 1, Folder 107

Evil Literature and a Forgotten Classic [book review]. Fyodor Sologub's The Petty Demon, 1983

Box 1, Folder 108

Famous Last Words ["Dear Mother"], undated

Box 1, Folder 109

The Fantastic Dreams of Sebastian Black, undated

Box 1, Folder 110

First-Person Perilous (in Metro), February/March 1981

General note

Review of Alaska by Jana Harris, My Life by Lyn Hejinian, and Century of Clouds by Bruce Boone.
Box 1, Folder 111

The Fix, [1966?]

Box 1, Folder 112

The Future, undated

Box 1, Folder 113

Gay Flames pamphlets (New York: Gay Liberation Front), nos. 1, 3-4, 6, undated

Box 1, Folder 114

Gay Lit's Bad Boy [profile of Dennis Cooper], undated

Box 1, Folder 115

Gay Men's Press profile (includes Abbott's interview notes of David Fernbach), undated

Box 5, Oversize-folder 5

Gay Voices: "Culture(s) = Life," undated

Box 1, Folder 116

Gazing Into This Queer Mirror Called Life (poem), 1979, undated

Box 1, Folder 117

Genealogies [of poetry, literature, arts], undated

Box 1, Folder 118

George Bataille article, 1988

Box 1, Folder 119

A Giant Passes (from The Advocate) [Robert Duncan obituary with draft fragments], [1988]

Box 1, Folder 120

Grandiose Delusions as a Form of Escape from Reality...(poem), May 16, 1986

 

Holy Terror

Box 1, Folder 121

[Typescript draft], undated

Box 1, Folder 122

Blood Brothers [draft with pencil notes], undated

Box 1, Folder 123

Blood Brothers: A Spiritual Autobiography, undated

Box 1, Folder 124

[Typescript draft of] chapters 23-26, undated

Box 1, Folder 125

[Typescript drafts with notes], undated

Box 1, Folder 126

Review ( Kirkus Reviews), August 15, 1989

Box 1, Folder 127

Holy Titclamps, no. 9 and supplement no. 3 [zine], Winter 91/92, February 1992

General note

Includes: "A Delicious Digression," an excerpt from The Lizard Club by Steve Abbott.

Related materials

Researchers are encouraged to see also the San Francisco Public Library's Little Maga/Zine Collection for additional issues.
Box 1, Folder 128

Hopeless Love (comic) "to David, by Steve," undated

Box 1, Folder 129

Housewarming, undated

Box 1, Folder 130

How To Forget (poem), undated

Box 2, Folder 1

The Ideology of Pac-Man (essay), undated

Box 2, Folder 2

In the Back of Your Mind, [1975?]

Box 2, Folder 3

Ins and Outs, issue no. 4/5, July 1980

Box 2, Folder 4

Interviews: Judy Grahn; Thom Gunn, 1984, undated

 

Bellamy, Dodie

Box 5, Oversize-folder 6

Jacob's Angel Seen at Cafe Flore [2 copies], 1977

Box 2, Folder 5

The James White Review, vol. 5, no. 1, Fall 1987

Box 2, Folder 6

Jigsaw Family, undated

Box 2, Folder 7

John Karr interview, December 1989

Box 2, Folder 8

Journal, 1988, undated

General note

Includes draft and typewritten version of "Three Poems for Paul Bacatista."
Box 2, Folder 9

Katzenjammer Whirliggigs Again, [1982?]

General note

Originally enclosed in Tabloid (Winter 1982).
Box 2, Folder 10

Left Write! Edited transcripts of 1981 Left Write Conference. Edited by Steve Abbott, 1982

Box 2, Folder 11

[Letter to Daily Nebraskan regarding CFDP (Campus Freedom Democratic Party)], [1966?]

Box 2, Folder 12

The Little English Game to See How Much You Know, undated

General note

Mimeographed test of English grammar and usage. Includes comic: "Episode of the Unnecessary Shifts. Starring Mr. Abbott & his modifiers."
Box 2, Folder 13

A Little Night Music [clipped newspaper piece], undated

Box 2, Folder 14

Lives of the Poets [typescript and published versions], 1987

Box 5, Oversize-folder 7

Lives of the Poets [maquette, includes 3 photographs by John B. Davis], 1987

 

The Lizard Club

Box 2, Folder 15

[Drawing?], undated

Box 2, Folder 16

Fragments, [1986?]

Box 2, Folder 17

Synopsis, undated

Box 2, Folder 18

Draft with two loose credits pages, undated

Box 2, Folder 19

Lost Causes (unpublished novel), 1991

Box 2, Folders 20-25

[Lost Causes]. Drafts and notes, undated

Box 2, Folder 26

[Lost Causes]. Photocopied draft, undated

Box 2, Folder 27

[Lost Causes]. Photcopies of pages 5, 7, 70, undated

Box 2, Folders 28-29

[Lost Causes]. Typescript draft with edits, undated

Box 2, Folder 30

[Lost Causes]. I Corinna's Question, version #2, undated

Box 2, Folder 31

Major Make-Believe Comics (Atlanta: Stephen Abbott), 1970

Box 2, Folder 32

The Malcontent (4 drafts), 1989, undated

See also:

Box 1 / Folder 72 Rubin, Michael.
Box 2, Folder 33

The Modern Relationship (poem), undated

Box 2, Folder 34

the music of love [by] Steve and Alysia Abbott, undated

Box 2, Folder 35

My family is composed of five...[photocopy], March 25, 1960

Box 2, Folder 36

My Kid (essay), undated

Box 2, Folder 37

NAMES Project essay, [1989?]

Box 2, Folder 38

Nayland Blake profile, undated

Box 2, Folder 39

New and Selected Comicbook Poems [outline]; Afterword; Phoney/Funny (for Eddie Woods INS & OUTS benefit reading), 1980-1981

General note

Phoney/Funny includes photo.
Box 2, Folder 40

No Harm In Playing, [1975?]

Box 2, Folder 41

No Trouble, No Story, undated

See also:

Box 1 / Folder 72 Rubin, Michael.
Box 2, Folder 42

Notebook with clipped images, story fragment "Locked Out," letter to John (May 1, 1975), School notes, Christmas tea invitation to Satya, Charlie, et al.; and letter to Helga, 1975, undated

Box 2, Folder 43

Notebook with drafts of work ( Lives of the Poets), undated

Box 2, Folder 44

Notes "after Dr. Bouwsma tea party;" on Buber's I and Thou, undated

Box 2, Folder 45

Notes and fragments, undated

Box 3, Folder 1

[On childrearing and Alysia Abbott], 1976

Box 5, Oversize-folder 8

On the Significance of Significant Others (in San Francisco Sentinel), May 29, 1987

General note

Abbott's review of Armistead Maupin's book.
Box 3, Folder 2

[On writing first novel], [1970]

Box 3, Folder 3

[Paper for Emory University class], November 5, 1962

Box 3, Folder 4

Passing Strangers (story), undated

Box 3, Folder 5

"The Peaceful Snatch" [column in The Daily Nebraskan], undated

Box 3, Folder 6

Poem for Joe Mauser, undated

Box 3, Folder 7

Poem in St. Paul, July 2, 1986

Box 3, Folder 8

Poem to Watts District, L.A.; Poem of an epileptic student caught in Watts riot, 1965

Box 3, Folder 9

Poem written with a gold pen stolen from..., undated

Box 3, Folder 10

Poems, 1983, undated

Box 3, Folder 11

Poetry and letters to Jim, John, Vincent, and Dennis, undated

Box 5, Oversize-folder 9

Poetry Flash, no. 173, August 1987

Box 3, Folder 12

[Poetry, notes on Stephen Clay Wilson, etc.], undated

Box 3, Folder 13

A Psychological Basis of Prayer, March 8

Box 3, Folder 14

Revenge of the Barbies [film script], undated

Box 3, Folder 15

Reviews by Abbott, 1989, undated

General note

Includes: Shy (1989) by Kevin Killian; and, Men On Men 2: Best New Gay Fiction edited by George Stambolian.
Box 3, Folder 16

The Runes (Lincoln Southeast High School), 1962, undated

General note

High school literary / arts magazine. Includes some pieces by Abbott.
Box 3, Folder 17

Saint Jerome in his Study, undated

Box 3, Folder 18

San Francisco's Defiant New Gay Writers (unfinished essay), undated

Box 3, Folder 19

The Scandalous Sex Life of Wild Bill Hickock [script. Also titled: Who Killed Wild Bill Hickock & Why], undated

Box 3, Folder 20

The Scandalous Sex Life of Wild Bill Hickock [script], undated

General note

"Dead Wood" written above title on title page. Includes editorial notes by Abbott in pencil and ink.
Box 3, Folder 21

The Scandalous Sex Life of Wild Bill Hickock [script with music and note to "Bob"], undated

Box 3, Folder 22

Scrip (University of Nebraska English Department), October-November 1965, Spring

General note

Abbott was the editor. Most issues also include his writing and/or his drawings.
Box 3, Folder 23

Second Glance: Spiritual Shit, undated

Box 3, Folder 24

Selected poetry (previously published), undated

General note

Includes: The Reunion; It's A Strange Day Alysia Says, A Green; Hit By A Space Station; Elegy; Conversations With Aliens: a sonnet sequence for Jack Spicer; and, pieces from Acrostic Sonnet Series.
Box 3, Folder 25

Sitting with My Friend (essay), undated

Box 5, Oversize-folder 10

Sketchbook, 1973, undated

General note

Includes Includes: "a Bad man's memories trail him wherever he goes" [cartoon]; "wart face McMurtry smokes a stogie" [cartoon]; sketches of guns and knives; "Jim Bowie In Action" [cartoon]; "Steve Abbott's Bellylaugh Comix: an American fantasy of truely epic proportions" [cartoon]; sketch of nude; Illustrated story (pen and pastel) "Once in the Kingdom..." about a prince and magician (similar in appearance to "The Touching Ballad of Princess Lulu Magoo").
Box 3, Folder 26

Skinny Trip to a Far Place (2 drafts), undated

Box 3, Folder 27

Skinny Trip to a Far Place (San Francisco: e.g.) [2 copies], 1988

Box 3, Folder 28

Soup (San Francisco) [no. 1] (2 copies), 1980

Box 3, Folder 29

Soup (San Francisco) [no. 2] and no. 3 (2 copies of each), 1981, 1983

Box 3, Folder 30

Soup rejection letter [illustrated], undated

 

Spirituality and Gay Poetry; miscellaneous poetry; letters to Poetry Factory, Laura, Paul; enrollment form for Alysia to French American Bilingual School, 1977, undated

Box 3, Folder 32

Stamp Art, no. 2 (San Francisco: William Gaglione), [1981?]

General note

Includes signed stamp art page by Abbott.
Box 3, Folder 33

"Steve Abbott's Agenbite of Inwit" [column in The Daily Nebraskan], 1966

Box 3, Folder 34

Stevens' Concern in 'The Course of a Particular,' October 13, 1988

Box 3, Folder 35

Stretching the Agape Bra: poems by Steve Abbott (San Francisco: Androgyne Press), 1980

Box 3, Folder 36

A Timely Question, November 24, 1976

Box 3, Folder 37

The Touching Ballad of Princess Lulu Magoo, undated

Box 3, Folder 38

Transmuting Gold (San Francisco: Dancing Rock Press) [2 copies], 1978

Box 3, Folder 39

Les Tres Riches Heures de Artur Rimbaud (photostat of cartoon), undated

Box 3, Folder 40

Trying to Hold the Fort (story), undated

Box 3, Folder 41

TV's Kiss of Death (essay), undated

Box 3, Folder 42

An Unedited Home Movie About John by Major Make-Believe, undated

Box 3, Folder 43

Untitled radical story (main character Paul Buell), undated

Box 3, Folder 44

View Askew back cover text by Bruce Boone, undated

Box 3, Folder 45

View Askew draft with editing notes, undated

Box 3, Folder 46, Box 5, Oversize-folder 11

View Askew materials, 1982-1988, undated

General note

Includes articles by Abbott used and/or considered for the book View Askew. The articles are photocopies, clippings, or entire periodical issues. "Rev. Moon, Watch Out! I'm Taking Over" ( Poetry Flash, October 1982); "Rubber Stamp Art: Making Lasting Impressions"; "Ego Conciousness" [review of Egozine]; "Second Glance: Beyond Fashion"; "Second Glance: Odd Mags"; "Second Glance: Virtue's Path"; "Toxic Shlock" (from Soup); "Second Glance: Writing Blind"; "Second Glance: On the Streets" ( San Francisco Sentinel, October 30, 1987); "Second Glance: Robert Gluck, the Modernist" ( San Francisco Sentinel, April 17, 1987); "Second Glance: Dracula Simulacra" ( San Francisco Sentinel, February 5, 1988); "Second Glance: Spiritual Shit" ( San Francisco Sentinel, January 22, 1988); "Television & You: Flirting with the Kiss of Death" ( San Francisco Sentinel, March 20, 1987); The Street Newspaper: A View from the Haight, issue no. 2 (June 1987); San Francisco Sentinel, (June 5, 1987) includes "Second Glance: Screwed at the Wharf"; San Francisco Sentinel, (June 24, 1988) includes "At Ease: Will We Survive? The Challenge of Gay Culture Today."
Box 3, Folder 47

View Askew notes, undated

Box 3, Folder 48

View Askew: Postmodern Investigations (San Francisco: Androgyne Books), 1989

Box 3, Folder 49

View Askew. Review by Andrew Rasanen (Boston: Bay Windows), November 15-21, 1990

Box 5, Oversize-folder 6

We All Decay...We All Die [drawing], undated

Box 3, Folder 50

What is Correctionism (or) Sweeping our Body/Minds Clean (multiple copies), 1977

Box 3, Folder 51

World's Apart, undated

Box 3, Folder 52

Wrecked Hearts (San Francisco: Dancing Rock Press) [poems], 1978

 

Series 4 Publications and Writing by others, 1963-1991

Physical Description: 18.0 folders 8.0 oversized folders

Scope and Contents

The series contains publications and work by others. The earliest materials were produced by students of the University of Nebraska, Emory University, and the Immaculate Conception Seminary (Conception, Missouri). Abbott's articles appear in several of these student publications. Other notable works are by Kathy Acker, Dodie Bellamy, Bruce Boone, Robert Gluck, Jack Kerouac, Bryan Monte, John Norton, and Robert Patrick.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by folder title.
Box 4, Folder 1

Acker, Kathy. By Cesar Vallejo (rewritten), 1978

Box 5, Oversize-folder 12

The Atlanta Journal and Constitution Magazine, October 27, 1968

General note

Includes interview with Abbott: "College Politics and the New Left" by Margaret Shannon.
Box 4, Folder 2

Bellamy, Dodie. Days Without Someone, undated

Box 4, Folder 3

Boone, Bruce. Toward a Gay Theory for the '80s, 1979, 1981

Box 5, Oversize-folder 13

The Daily Nebraskan, vol. 81 (no. 93), April 7, 1966

General note

Article on Campus Freedom Democratic Party, mentions Abbott.
Box 5, Oversize-folder 13

The Daily Nebraskan, vol. 81 (no. 97), April 22, 1966

General note

Includes ASUN candidate statement by Abbott. 2 copies.
Box 5, Oversize-folder 13

The Daily Nebraskan, vol. 81 (no. 98), April 25, 1966

General note

Includes letter: "Abbott Backed." 2 copies.
Box 5, Oversize-folder 13

The Daily Nebraskan, vol. 90 (no. 97), May 1, 1967

General note

Includes article: "Drath, Abbott Dispute Merits of the Draft."
Box 5, Oversize-folder 13

The Daily Nebraskan, vol. 91 (no. 21), October 18, 1967

General note

Front page headline: "Conscientious Objector...Abbott Fights Induction Into Army."
Box 5, Oversize-folder 13

The Daily Nebraskan, vol. 91 (no. 22), October 19, 1967

General note

Article: "Rev. Stephen--Denying CO Status 'Violation of Religious Freedom.'"
Box 5, Oversize-folder 13

The Daily Nebraskan, pages 3-4, April 16, 1969

General note

Includes article: "Abbott to serve indefinite term for violation of draft laws."
Box 4, Folder 4

The Debbies I Have Known [story with comments by Abbott], undated

Box 5, Oversize-folder 17

The Emory Wheel, vol. 49 (no. 9), November 16, 1967

General note

Includes Abbott's article: "CIA Should Conduct Open Dialogue."
Box 5, Oversize-folder 17

The Emory Wheel, vol. 49 (no. 26), May 9, 1968

General note

Includes Abbott's article: "SGA Effect Hinges on Students."
Box 5, Oversize-folder 17

The Emory Wheel, vol. 49 (no. 27), May 16, 1968

General note

Includes articles on Abbott's initial tenure as SGA president, and article by Abbott: "Student Code Needs Affirmative Outlook."
Box 5, Oversize-folder 17

The Emory Wheel, vol. 49 (no. 28), May 23, 1968

General note

Includes Abbott's article: "College Demands Student Center."
Box 5, Oversize-folder 17

The Emory Wheel, vol. 49 (no. 29), May 30, 1968

General note

Includes photo of Abbott.
Box 5, Oversize-folder 17

The Emory Wheel, [vol. 50], October 3, 1968

General note

Single page of issue includes Abbott's article: "University Awaits SDS Impact."
Box 5, Oversize-folder 17

The Emory Wheel, vol. 50 (no. 13), January 16, 1969

General note

Includes headline: "Lincoln Jury Convicts Abbott."
Box 5, Oversize-folder 17

The Emory Wheel, vol. 50 (no. 15), January 30, 1969

General note

Includes article on SGA and Abbott's article: "Times Require Renewed Idealism."
Box 5, Oversize-folder 17

The Emory Wheel, vol. 50 (no. 20), March 6, 1969

General note

Includes article on SGA and Abbott's article: "Abbott Opposes Misguided Revolt."
Box 5, Oversize-folder 17

The Emory Wheel, vol. 50 (no. 22), April 10, 1969

General note

Includes Abbott's article: "Students Tell SGA to 'Get Tough.'"
Box 5, Oversize-folder 17

The Emory Wheel, vol. 50 (no. 23), April 17, 1969

General note

Includes article: "Abbott Determines to Appeal Court Sentence of 3 Years."
Box 5, Oversize-folder 18

The Emory Wheel, vol. 50 (nos. 1-30), September 19, 1968-May 30, 1969

General note

Student newspaper of Emory University during the academic year that Abbott was president of the student council.
Box 4, Folder 5

A Gay Manifesto (Atlanta: Georgia Gay Liberation Front), undated

General note

Includes: "Free At Last" (take-off on Nancy and Sluggo comic strip by "Ernest Bushwacker" [Abbott?]).
Box 4, Folder 6

Gluck, Robert. From Paths of Pain to Jewels of Glory [essay on Nayland Blake], undated

Box 4, Folder 7

Kerouac, Jack. Dear Carolyn: Letters to Carolyn Cassady edited by Arthur and Kit Knight (California, PA: Estate of Jack Kerouac and Carolyn Cassady), 1983

Box 5, Oversize-folder 14

Metro Magazine (San Francisco), no. 16, October/November 1982

Box 4, Folder 8

Monte, Bryan R. The Gay Poet as Shaman: the Poetry of Robert Duncan, Aaron Shurin and Steve Abbott, March 10, 1983

Box 4, Folder 9

Newsweek [cover story: "How Safe is Nuclear Energy?"], April 12, 1976

Box 4, Folder 10

Norton, John. The Greening of Ireland; The Light at the End of the Bog; Vertical In Colma; Tyranny of the Masters; The Argument in the Carpet; Meditating Nothing; The Family at Christmas; The Land of No; Mr. Love, undated

Box 4, Folder 11

Patrick, Robert. The Golden Circle: a Fantastic Farce (New York, London: Samuel French, 1970), 1970, 1991

General note

Inscribed by Robert Patrick to Steve Abbott, March 1, 1991.
Box 5, Oversize-folder 15

Poetry Flash, no. 173, August 1987

Box 5, Oversize-folder 7

Poetry Flash, no. 194, May 1989

Box 5, Oversize-folder 9

The Poetry Project Newsletter (New York), no. 119, February 1986

Box 4, Folder 12

Processed World (San Francisco), nos. 1-10, 1981-[1984?]

Box 4, Folder 13

Roy, Camille. "Bye-Bye Brunhilde" [play], undated

Box 4, Folder 14

San Francisco Review of Books, vol. 4, no. 5, January 1979

General note

Cover photo shows participants (Abbott included) at the San Francisco Poetry Festival (November 1978). There is a short article about the North Beach scene under "Strictly San Francisco."
Box 4, Folder 15

The Spirit (Published monthly by the students of Immaculate Conception Seminary, Conception, Missouri), vol.2, nos. 3, 5-7; vol. 3, no. 4, November 1964-January 1966

Box 4, Folder 16

Stories from an Eastern Coffeehouse. Adapted by Elizabeth Retivov. (New York: Doric Publishing Co., Printed by Hedgehog Press), 1963

Box 4, Folder 17

Tabloid: a Review of Mass Culture and Everyday Life (San Francisco), nos. 5-7, Winter 1982-Winter 1983

Box 4, Folder 18

Time [cover story: "The Bugs Are Coming"], July 12, 1976

Box 5, Oversize-folder 16

Yellow Dog, vol. 1, no. 5, [1968?]

General note

Cartoon newspaper with many strips by R. Crumb, et al.
 

Series 5 Photographs, 1980-1989, undated

Physical Description: 2.0 folders

Scope and Contents

The series includes several photographs of Abbott. It also contains photos of Irwin [Richard] Irwin, Judy Grahn, and Tobias Sneebaum, Thom, Gunn, Bob Gluck, Dennis Cooper, Michael Hossner, and Allen Ginsberg.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by folder title.
Box 4, Folder 19

Photographs, 1980-1988, undated

General note

Includes some photos of Abbott as a young man, Abbott in front of the San Francisco Public Library's Park Branch, Thom, Gunn, Bob Gluck, Dennis Cooper, Judy Grahn, Tobias Sneebaum, Michael Hossner, and Allen Ginsberg. Photographers include: Robert Pruzan, Jeff Hunter, Tom Alleman, Sheree Levin, John Benedict Davis, and Stan J. Maletic. Also includes color photocopies of four snapshots: two of Abbott, one of two children decorating a Christmas tree, one of a woman holding a baby.
Box 4, Folder 20

Photographs for View Askew, 1988-1989, undated

General note

Includes Irwin [Richard] Irwin, Judy Grahn, and Tobias Sneebaum. One photo by Robert Pruzan, one by Robert Alleman. Also includes a photograph of Odilon Redon's painting: Astral Head.
Box 4, Folder 21

Series 6 5-1/4-inch computer disks (5), undated