The collection consists of eight series spanning 19 archival boxes. The collection contains important papers pertaining to Alurista's academic work, (his dissertation, and his class curriculum). It also contains material detailing his interest and work with other Chicano scholars and organizations. The collection helps to illuminate Alurista's interests in poetry and spiritualism. It contains videos Alurista owned, research sources into Chicano issues, as well as correspondence and biographical information including photographs, correspondence, essays and diplomas. For his earlier literary manuscripts researchers will want to consult the Benson Latin-American Collection at the University of Texas, Austin. Alurista's literary manuscripts up to the year 1972 are located there. It is important to note here that there are a number of publications (mostly books) that were a part of Alurista's private library which have been signed by the author with a personal message to Alurista (or to Alurista and Xelina, his wife). These publications have been catalogued separately and can be searched using the library's online catalog, Pegasus.

Alurista is one of the leading literary figures during the Chicano Movement era. He is most well known for his support of the Chicano Movement through his literature and poetry. Alurista was an early Chicano activist, credited in helping to establish the Centro Cultural de la Raza in San Diego. During the Chicano Movement Alurista authored significant manifestos of the movement. He was one of the first poets to establish the concept of Aztlán in his writings, a concept that envisions a return to the praises of the Aztec civilization. He is also the co-founder of El Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA) which when translated, means Chicano student movement of Aztlán, that helped organize the Chicano Studies Program at San Diego State College.

10.0 linear feet 20 archival boxes and 1 oversize box

Copyright has not been assigned to the Department of Special Collections, UCSB. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Department of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained.