Guide to the Serpent's Tail/High Risk Archives ca. 1990-1997 MSS 86

High Risk Books was founded in New York City in 1993 by Ira Silverberg as an imprint of Serpent's Tail Press in London. Dedicated to publishing challenging, innovative, and progressive literature, High Risk Books transcended the traditional boundaries of publishing to provoke and inspire a new generation of writers and readers. While connected by a certain subversive impulse, authors as diverse as William Burroughs, Kathy Acker, Tim Dlugos, Diamanda Galas, Robert Glary Indiana, June Jordan, Cookie Mueller, Lynne Tillman, Pagan Kennedy, John Giorno, Sapphire and many others are published by High Risk. As a small press, High Risk played a crucial role in providing a space for writers, many just beginning their careers, who would otherwise have found it difficult to get published in mainstream houses. In January 1997, High Risk Books ceased operation due to disagreements with the Serpent's Tail office in London. Serpent's Tail Press continues to publish from the United Kingdom.

Guide to the Redtape Archive ca. 1972-1992 (Bulk 1982-1992) MSS 88

Redtape, edited and published by Michael Carter, was an East Village "zine" which throughout its run espoused innovative visual and literary expression while encouraging interplay between those two forms. The magazine, featuring comics, poetry, fiction, graphic art, and photography, provided a venue for both established and emerging writers and artists of the downtown scene. The collection includes a complete run of the magazine, mock-up copies and gallows, original art work, copies of art work, photographs, manuscripts and related correspondence, newspaper clippings, posters and flyers for readings, benefit parties and other events organized by Redtape participants.

Guide to the Bob Witz Papers/Appearances Magazine ca. 1980-1996 MSS 80

Appearances Magazine is a small arts magazine first published in the East Village during the 1980s. Bob Witz, the editor, is also an artist, writer and sculptor who lives in New York.