Bannon (Ann) Papers, 1956-2010

Collection context

Summary

Title:
Ann Bannon Papers
Dates:
1956-2010
Creators:
Bannon, Ann.
Abstract:
Extent:
2.5 cubic feet (in 3 boxes) + 1 oversized box
Language:
Preferred citation:

Ann Bannon Papers. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

Background

Scope and content:

The collection is roughly grouped into five series: Manuscripts; Books; Subject Files (correspondence, reviews, interviews, publicity, writings and theatrical productions based on Beebo Brinker); Photographs; and, Audio-Visual Materials. The papers contain the final typescripts for: "Odd Girl Out;" "I Am A Woman;" "Women in the Shadows;" "Journey To a Woman;" "The Marriage;" and, "Beebo Brinker." It also includes contracts and correspondence with Fawcett Publications and Naiad Press, and their royalty and financial statements. Published material includes more recently issued copies of her books including some Dutch translations, and "Twilight Tales," a Ph.D. dissertation by Melissa Sky. The collection contains personal correspondence with Barbara Grier, many published and recorded interviews with Bannon, essays, reviews, photographs, and audiovisual materials.

Biographical / historical:

Ann Bannon wrote the Beebo Brinker novels, a series of five influential lesbian pulp paperbacks, which were published by Gold Medal Books between 1957-1962. The books tell the stories of young lesbians in pre-Stonewall Greenwich Village. "Odd Girl Out," Bannon's first novel, was the second best selling original paperback of 1957. Following the publication of her novels, Bannon returned to college. She earned a master's degree and later a Ph.D. in linguistics from Stanford. She has worked as a professor and later associate dean at California University, Sacramento. Ann Bannon is the pseudonym of Ann Weldy (also known as Ann Holmquist).

Acquisition information:
Donated by Ann Weldy, August 5, 2010.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center staff.
Date Prepared:
1956-2010
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

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:

Copyright and literary rights retained by donor.

Preferred citation:

Ann Bannon Papers. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567