Mike Topp Papers
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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Materials are arranged at the series level in three series: Series I: Notes, ideas, unpublished writing, web content; Series II: Printed published works and anthologies; Series III: Correspondence, photos, and ephemera.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.
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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
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.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Materials were rehoused in archival folders and boxes, maintaining original order and labels when possible.
