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Finding Aid for the Margaret A. Porter papers, 1900-1989
1906  
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Description
Margaret A. Porter was a distinguished poet and translator of French poetry, best known for her work under the pen name, Gabrielle L'Autre. The Margaret A. Porter Papers contain drafts of her published and unpublished original poetry from 1928 to1989, with the majority produced from the 1950s to the 1970s. Porter avidly researched and translated the work of Renée Vivien (1877-1909), Natalie Clifford Barney (1876-1972), and other women from their expatriate literary circle in Paris. The collection includes drafts of Porter's translations of French poetry as well as Porter's most acclaimed published works, White Heron: a collection of poems (1974) and Muse of the Violets (1977). Also among the papers are photographs, correspondence, research files, materials related to Porter's participation in lesbian and feminist organizations in the San Diego area, over six decades of personal diaries, and an extensive collection of rare books related to Porter's interests, including 19th and 20th century French literature and poetry, lesbian history, feminism, and women in France.
Background
Margaret A. Porter (1911-1989), distinguished poet, dedicated her life to writing and translating verse and prose. She began writing poetry at the age of 12. At the same age, Porter observed that she was different, but did not yet know words to describe herself as a lesbian. Born on April 11, 1911 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Porter was raised in the Midwest and attended Marquette University. While in college, Porter first published under the nom de plume, Pierre E. Renet. Porter used the name Pierre to write poetry from the perspective of a man writing to his female muse, Alys. After receiving a B.A. in Journalism in 1934, Porter travelled out west to California as a vagabond. She began to write about her experiences in personal diaries, a practice she maintained throughout her adult life.
Extent
37 boxes (21 linear ft.)
Restrictions
Property rights to the physical object belong to the UC Regents. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
Availability
Open for research. STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact UCLA Library Special Collections for paging information.