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Finding Aid to the Gwendolyn Brooks Papers, 1917-2000, (bulk
1950-1989)
BANC MSS 2001/83 z
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Description
The Gwendolyn Brooks Papers, 1917-2000 (bulk 1950-1989), document
her personal life and career as a distinguished poet, Pulitzer Prize winner, and Poet
Laureate of Illinois. The papers are divided into seven series: Correspondence, Writings,
Professional Papers, Personal Papers, Clippings, Writings by Others, and Miscellaneous and
consist of correspondence, manuscripts, flyers, announcements, scrapbooks, family papers,
clippings, writings by others, and miscellaneous materials.
Background
At the age of thirty-three, Gwendolyn Brooks became the first African American to win the
Pulitzer Prize for poetry. Her legacy as one of the most influential poets of the Twentieth
Century endures. Richard Wright, an early advocate of Brooks, once said that her poetry
captured "the pathos of petty destinies, the whimper of the wounded, the tiny
incidents that plague the lives of the desperately poor, and the problems of common
prejudice" (Watkins, 2000, The New York Times).
Extent
Number of containers: 15 cartons, 1 box, 3 oversize boxes
Linear feet: 23.75 linear ft.
Restrictions
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.
Availability
Collection is open for research.