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.

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.

9 manuscript boxes, 3 flat-boxes, 3 folders of photographs (7 Cubic Feet)

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.

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.