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Mike Topp Papers

Call Number

MSS.188

Dates

1949-2008, inclusive
; 1980-2006, bulk

Creator

Topp, Mike

Extent

6.5 Linear Feet in 6 record cartons and one manuscript box
1 electronic discs (cd-rom)

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Abstract

Mike Topp is a poet, editor, and member of The Unbearables, a loosely organized group of Downtown writers and artists, known for protests against notions of "good" or "bad" literature and art. This collection consists of Topp's poem drafts and idea notes, plus published works he contributed to and edited.

Biographical Note

A poet and editor, Mike Topp is a member of The Unbearables, a loosely organized group of Downtown writers and artists, known for protests against notions of "good" or "bad" literature and art. He has worked closely with Ron Kolm and Sparrow, two other Unbearables. Online sources state that Topp was born in Washington, D.C., and currently lives in New York City "unless he has died or moved". He received a master's degree in English from New York University in 1983. Recent Topp books include Sasquatch Stories and 29 Mini-Essays.

Arrangement

Materials are arranged at the series level in three series: Series I: Notes, ideas, unpublished writing, web content; Series II: Printed published works and anthologies; Series III: Correspondence, photos, and ephemera.

Scope and Contents

The Mike Topp Papers consist of notes, writings, published poems, anthologies, and correspondence related to Topp's work. Materials document his creative process and professional relationships with other artists, publishers, and poetry organizations. Subjects covered include the Unbearables, poetry, creative writing, downtown artists, and sexuality. Document types include correspondence (handwritten notes and printed emails), photographs (printed and on CD-R), letterpress chapbooks, and ephemeral items, plus some original artwork.

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open without restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright and related rights to publicity and privacy for materials in this collection were not transferred to New York University. Permission to use materials must be secured from the copyright holder.

Preferred Citation

Published citations should take the following form: Identification of item, date (if known); Mike Topp Papers; MSS 188; box number; folder number; Fales Library and Special Collections, New York University Libraries.

Location of Materials

Some materials are stored offsite and advance notice is required for use. Please request materials at least two business days prior to your research visit to coordinate access.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

New York University purchased the collection from Mike Topp in 2005.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Born-digital materials have not been transferred and may not be available to researchers. Researchers may request access copies. To request that material be transferred, or if you are unsure if material has been transferred, please contact Fales Library with the collection name, collection number, and a description of the item(s) requested. A staff member will respond to you with further information.

Related Materials

For more information about the Unbearables, see the Ron Kolm Papers (MSS 079) and the Sparrow Papers (MSS 096) in the Fales Library and Special Collections.

Collection processed by

Jacqueline Rider

About this Guide

This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2023-08-20 17:02:22 -0400.
Using Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language: Finding aid written in English.

Processing Information

Materials were rehoused in archival folders and boxes, maintaining original order and labels when possible.

Repository

Fales Library and Special Collections
Fales Library and Special Collections
Elmer Holmes Bobst Library
70 Washington Square South
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10012