Caliban records, 1977-1997, bulk 1986-1997

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Summary

Title:
Caliban records
Dates:
1977-1997, bulk 1986-1997
Creators:
Caliban
Abstract:
The Caliban records including correspondence, clippings, broadsides, photographs, publications, writings and proofs.
Extent:
8 cartons, 1 oversize box, 1 oversize folder (8.5 linear feet)
Language:
Collection materials are in English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Caliban records, BANC MSS 97/126 c, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley

Background

Scope and content:

The Caliban records lend researchers insight into the administrative history of the journal, its editorial process and the evolution of Lawrence R. Smith's relationships to its many contributors. In addition, they feature the work of numerous writers and artists, as well as some writings by Smith.

Containing correspondence, broadsides, writings, clippings, proofs, monographs and photographs, highlights of the collection include materials on all fifteen issues produced, copious communiqués between Smith and the journal's numerous contributors, and chapbooks featuring the work of contemporary poets.

The collection spans the years 1977 to 1997, with the bulk concentrating on the years 1986 to 1997. It is divided into three series: I. Correspondence, II. Issues, and III. Subject Files.

Biographical / historical:

Founded in 1986 in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Lawrence R. Smith, Caliban was a literary journal that fostered the talents of some of the most innovative, diverse and experimental writers and poets in the U.S. Among the individuals published in its pages were Amiri Baraka, Raymond Carver, Wanda Coleman, Robert Bly, Colette Inez, Louise Erdrich, Gary Soto, W.S. Merwin, Maxine Hong Kingston, Robert Creely, Gerald Vizenor and William S. Burroughs. In addition, it featured the work of such international writers as Aimé Césaire, Robert Desnos, Massimo Mori, and Susana Thénon, and highlighted the work of several visual artists, including Joseph Nechvetal, Emmi Whitehorse, Diane Gamboa and Robert Longo.

Although Caliban ceased to publish in 1997, after several years in Laguna Beach, California, Smith launched an online version of the journal in 2010 which features new issues, sales of original issues and the newsletter "Caliban Chronicles."

Acquisition information:
The Caliban records were purchased from Lawrence R. Smith in 1997.
Processing information:

Processed by Mario H. Ramirez in 2012.

Accruals:

No additions are expected.

Physical location:
Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Finding Aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Mario H. Ramirez
Date Prepared:
© 2012
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid generated by GenX; markup validated by The Bancroft Library using CDL validation tools; Date of source: August 2012

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, 94720-6000. Consent is given on behalf of The Bancroft Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner. See: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/reference/permissions.html.

Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.Materials in this collection may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Caliban records, BANC MSS 97/126 c, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley

Location of this collection:
University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US
Contact:
510-642-6481
bancref-library@berkeley.edu
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