This collection contains biographical material, correspondence, manuscripts, bound first editions, rare silkscreen and painted book editions, painted poems, works of art including illustrations, paintings, papier-mâché sculptures and decorated furniture, scrapbooks, photographs, slides, recordings, musical scores, and clippings documenting the creative work and literary spirit of Kenneth Patchen, as well as personal triumphs and struggles shared with his wife Miriam Patchen.

Kenneth Patchen lived in "the era of the are-nothings who have it all". "From my high love I look at that poor world there;

I know that murder is the first prince in that tribe." "Every man is me, I am his brother.

No man is my enemy. I am everyman and he is in and of me.

This is my faith, my strength, my deepest hope, and my only belief." "Who'll that be,

Your little sleepy wren?

Feathers as pretty as a snowfall's shirt...

O, airfolk at their courtin',

Angelwalkin' on th' sea,

O my little honey, you wonder me." "23rd Street Runs into Heaven"

35 linear feet and 151 painted poems

Property rights reside with the University of California. For literary rights and permission to publish or to reproduce the material, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.