City Lights Books Records: Additions, 1947-[on-going], bulk (bulk 1970-1994)
Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- City Lights Books
- Abstract:
- Correspondence, editorial files, publicity, clippings, of and pertaining to City Lights Books, and papers of owner-publisher Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Correspondents include: Allen Ginsberg, Charles Bukowski, William S. Burroughs, Sam Shepard, and Richard Brautigan.
- Extent:
- Number of containers: 85 boxes, 3 oversize boxes, 13 oversize folders Linear feet: ca. 36
- Language:
- English
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Additions to the records of City Lights Books continue documentation of this first all-paperback bookstore in the United States, started in 1953 on Columbus Avenue at Broadway in San Francisco. In 1955, Lawrence Ferlinghetti became sole owner; the shop continues today in its original location. These additions span the years from 1947 to the present, but chiefly cover 1970 to 1994. The records relate to both Ferlinghetti's book shop and publishing company, and include correspondence, information files, editorial files, publicity materials, and clippings.
During processing of these additions and review of the initial collection of City Lights Books Records, some materials identified as personal rather than business-related were incorporated into the Lawrence Ferlinghetti Papers (BANC MSS 90/30 c).
- Acquisition information:
- Additions to the records of City Lights Books were purchased by The Bancroft Library in 1976 and 1981. A subsequent addition was purchased as a gift from the Friends of The Bancroft Library in 1987, and another purchase was made in 1994.
- Physical location:
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Access and use
- Location of this collection:
-
University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft LibraryBerkeley, CA 94720-6000, US
- Contact:
- 510-642-6481