Gnauoa File [J:500]
Scope and Contents
This file contains three separate manuscripts which were published in slightly different textual versions by Ira Cohen in his literary journal Gnauoa in 1962. Also included in the file is a letter from Burroughs dated April 8, 1963 to Ira Cohen in which Burroughs offers these manuscripts for Cohen's magazine, signed in full, and folded for mailing. There is also a second shorter letter dated March 5, 1963 in which Burroughs mentions that Harold Norse suggested that he contact Cohen regarding Gnauoa.
The three manuscripts present in this file include:
Pry yourself loose and listen
: 2 legal-sized pages typed in red ribbon heavily corrected by Burroughs in blue ink. Published in Gnauoa, and later used in a radically different version in the novel Nova Express.
Ancient face gone out
: 4 legal-sized pages, typed, approximately 900 words, misnumbered by the author 2-5 although the text is complete as stands. Also published in Gnauoa and later rewritten for Nova Express.
Just so long and long enough
: 2 legal-sized pages typed with corrections. This prose poem is actually written by Billy Burroughs, Jr., William Burroughs' son, composed in Tangier, Morocco while he was visiting his father. This is the earliest known manuscript by Wm. Burroughs, Jr. and remains unpublished in the present manuscript version. The MS was later published in 1967 in Great Society Magazine (Maynard and Miles, C168) under William Burroughs' name in a cut up version by Burroughs Sr. Great Society Magazine was also edited by Ira Cohen, hence its presence in this file.
All manuscripts folded for mailing and showing some signs of wear.
Dates
- Creation: 1938-1997
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1959-1978
Language of Materials
Material in English
Access Restrictions
Manuscript materials in this collection are extremely fragile and subject to damage with use. Therefore, access will be restricted for use by scholars providing need to use them.
Those wishing to use these materials will be asked to observe the following regulations:
1. Obtain a letter of introduction from a faculty member or scholar who will vouch that you are engaged in serious research requiring use of this collection.
OR
Have a letter or signed contract from a publisher verifying that you are writing a work for publication that requires research based upon these manuscript materials.
2. Provide a copy of your documentation for departmental files.
3. You will be asked to meet with the Head of Archives and Special Collections or his Assistant to discuss your research project and to determine what materials you will need.
4. You will be restricted to using only ONE FILE FOLDER at a time. It is imperative that you observe and retain the same order of materials within the file folder as when you received it.
5. File folders will be collated as they are returned to the collection before a new one will be issued.
6. Failure to comply with these rules will result in loss of privileges to use the collection.
To view this collection, make an appointment at least five business days prior to your visit by contacting Ask an Archivist or calling (480) 965-4932. Appointments in the Wurzburger Reading Room at Hayden Library (rm. 138) on the Tempe campus are available Monday through Friday. Check the ASU Library Hours page for current availability.
Full extent
From the collection: 25 Box(es)
Full extent
From the collection: 12 Linear Feet
- Box: 4, Item: 3 (Mixed Materials)
Repository details
Part of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Repository
Contact
Arizona State UniversityP.O. Box 871006
Tempe AZ 85287-1006 United States
(480) 965-4932
archives@asu.edu