The contents of the Ana Castillo Collection represent the beginnings of a prolific Chicana writer and teacher, whose body of work is expected to grow significantly as her career continues to develop. The material in this collection provides much insight into the formative processes in the evolution of a writer. The writings in the collection date back to Castillo's college years; at the time, Castillo was active in organizing Latino artists, the Association of Latino Brotherhood of Artists was one such group. Her first major work, Otro Canto (1977), reflects the socio-political themes of oppression of Third World men and women. With the publication of The Invitation (1979), the thematic emphasis in her poetry is on feminist and Latina sexuality. The Castillo Papers consist of daily journals, personal and professional correspondence, files documenting Castillo's professional activities, a few photographs, silkscreen drawings, and manuscripts to her published and unpublished writings. The records date from 1973 to 1990 and are housed in sixteen archival boxes spanning seven linear feet. The collection will be augmented on a continuing basis.

Ana Castillo (June 15, 1953-) is a celebrated poet, novelist, short story writer, and esaayist. Castillo was born and raised in Chicago. She has one son, Marcel Ramón Herrera, born in Evanston, Illinois, on September 21, 1983. In 1993, Castillo married George R. Esenwein, an associate professor of history at the University of Florida, Gainesville.

Copyright resides with donor

Three subseries designated confidential at request of donor