Description
The Barry Gifford Papers comprise more than forty-eight boxes of archival material, the vast majority of which related to
the publication process of Gifford's many books. The largest subseries is composed of manuscript material, including correspondence
with publishers and editors, typewritten and handwritten drafts of books, and research materials. As well, there are fifteen
boxes of Gifford's notebooks, which contain partial drafts of books as well as individual poems, journal entries, and memoranda.
There is also a significant file of correspondence, notable primarily for the six boxes of letters Gifford wrote to his longtime
friend and associate, bookseller Marshall Clements. Finally, the collection contains copies of books and other published material
used in his research.
Background
Poet, biographer, novelist, memoirist, and essayist, Barry Gifford was born October 18, 1946 in Chicago to Adolph, a pharmacist,
and Dorothy Colby Gifford, a model. He was raised in Chicago and in Key West and Tampa, Florida. Gifford attended the University
of Missouri where he played baseball. After leaving college, Gifford served in the Air Force Reserves, and worked variously
as a merchant seaman, musician, journalist, editor, and truck driver.
Extent
63 Linear Feet
(75 boxes, 1 flat box, 1 map folder)
Restrictions
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not
an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission
or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.
Availability
Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. Audiovisual and born-digital
materials are not available in original format and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.