John R. (Jack) Collins Papers, 1698, 1962-2015 (bulk 1970s-1990s)
Online content
Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Collins, John R. (Jack). Collins, Jack. Purdy, James, 1914-2009.
- Abstract:
- Extent:
- 5 cartons (5 cubic feet) + 1 oversized framed broadside
- Language:
- Preferred citation:
-
John R. (Jack) Collins Papers. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The collection documents the courses Collins taught at City College of San Francisco, and the establishment of the gay and lesbian studies department there. There are also catalogs from his work at John Howell Books, an antiquarian book dealer. The papers also includes his thesis and academic journal articles. A significant portion of the collection is the correspondence between Collins and writer James Purdy, and copies of Purdy's books and original writing. A poignant journal details the care that Collins tendered to his partner who died of AIDS. The oldest item is a broadside from 1698 that documents a sodomy case in England.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Jack Collins was a literature professor at City College of San Francisco, the department chair of the gay and lesbian studies program at CCSF, and an antiquarian book cataloger with John Howell Books (San Francisco). He also wrote many journal articles on literature and teaching. For several years he was the caregiver to a partner dying of AIDS.
- Acquisition information:
- Donated by John R. (Jack) Collins, November 3, 2015.
Indexed terms
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Open for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit. The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours.
- Terms of access:
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Copyright and literary rights are retained by Collins.
- Preferred citation:
-
John R. (Jack) Collins Papers. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
- Location of this collection:
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San Francisco Public Library100 Larkin StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102, US
- Contact:
- (415) 557-4567