Albert M. Bender collection of George Sterling papers, circa 1880-1998, bulk 1880-1926

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Summary

Creators:
Bender, Albert M. (Albert Maurice), 1866-1941
Abstract:
This collection contains correspondence; manuscripts, typescripts, printed material, and photographs created by George Sterling and others. The bulk of this collection is made up of George Sterling's manuscripts and typescripts, many with handwritten notes by George Sterling and Ambrose Bierce.
Extent:
9 manuscript boxes, 3 flat-boxes, 3 folders of photographs (7 Cubic Feet)
Language:
Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], The Albert M. Bender collection of George Sterling papers. (BASC 16), Book Arts & Special Collections, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains correspondence; manuscripts, typescripts, printed material, and photographs created by George Sterling and others. The bulk of this collection is made up of George Sterling's manuscripts and typescripts, many with handwritten notes by George Sterling and Ambrose Bierce. Of note are the original papers and manuscripts that appeared in the Overland Monthly, November-December, 1927, In Memoriam to George Sterling, edited by Albert M. Bender and including work from Edwin Markham, Gertrude Atherton, Ina Coolbrith, and Upton Sinclair among others. This collection also contains the Sterling family bible which has recorded marriages, deaths, births, and other important dates of George Sterling and his family.

Biographical / historical:

George Sterling was born in Sag Harbor, Long Island, New York, in 1869. He became exposed to poetry while studying for the priesthood at St. Charles College, a Catholic college in Maryland. Sterling moved to Oakland, California in on September 30, 1890, and there met and became a pupil to Ambrose Bierce. Sterling's poetry was first published through the aid of Bierce, who included some of Sterling's verse in his San Francisco Examiner column. Sterling was a member of the Bohemian Club and had friendships with many literary figures including Jack London and Clark Ashton Smith. In 1905 Sterling moved to Carmel-by-the-Sea and many authors and artists followed him there. Sterling died by his own hand in San Francisco in 1926.

Albert M. Bender was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1866 and died in San Francisco, California in 1941. He was a major patron of artists, museums, libraries, and performing arts organizations. He frequently commissioned limited edition books and pamphlets, co-founded the Book Club of California, chaired its publications committee for years, and donated rare books and fine printing to Stanford, UC Berkeley, Mills College, the University of San Francisco, the San Francisco Public Library, and Trinity College Library, Dublin.

In 1934, Bender headed a committee that selected books, manuscripts, and ephemera for the San Francisco Public Library through a bequest made by James D. Phelan.

Acquisition information:

In 1934, Albert M. Bender headed a committee that selected books, manuscripts, and ephemera for the San Francisco Public Library through a bequest made by James D. Phelan. Items collected through this effort include many first editions and manuscripts by California authors and was first called the Phelan Collection and subsequently the California Authors Collection. Some items were collected through purchases from book dealers or other sources. Some items have been donated by Albert. M. Bender or other donors, and some Sterling material has been moved from other San Francisco Public Library collections.

Material Specific Details notes contain information found on original library documentation.

Processing information:

During processing, the entire collection was re-foldered and re-housed in acid-free folders and boxes. Some metal staples remain.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in four series: Series 1: Correspondence; Series 2: Writings; Series 3: Printed material; Series 4: Miscellanea and photographs. Series 2: Writings is further subdivided into three subseries, 2.1: Writings by George Sterling; 2.2: Writings by others; 2.3: In memoriam.

Physical location:
The collection is stored on site.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research and is available for use during Book Arts & Special Collections hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.

Terms of access:

Some materials are fragile and may not be photocopied. Copyright has not been assigned to the San Francisco Public Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from materials must be submitted in writing to Book Arts & Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], The Albert M. Bender collection of George Sterling papers. (BASC 16), Book Arts & Special Collections, San Francisco Public Library.

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