Papers of June Oppen Degnan, writer, publisher, political activist, and sister of poet George Oppen (1908-1984). Most of the collection documents Degnan's activities as publisher of the San Francisco Review in the 1960s, and her association with New Directions Books. Included is correspondence and writings of many important members of the American literary community including Jack Anderson, Robert Bly, William Bronk, Basil Bunting, Hayden Carruth, Robert Creeley, Clayton Eshleman, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Erich Fromm, Allen Ginsberg, David Ignatow, Denise Levertov, George Oppen, Carl Rakosi, Jerome Rothenberg, C. P. Snow, Gary Snyder, Diane Wakoski, William Carlos Williams, and Louis Zukofsky. Virtually no references to Degnan's personal or political life can be found in the papers. Of special significance are letters from George Oppen. The collection is arranged in four series: 1) SAN FRANCISCO REVIEW AND NEW DIRECTIONS; 2) MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS; 3) FILES OF MAJOR WRITERS; and 4) SAN FRANCISCO REVIEW ANNUAL, 1963.

June Oppen Degnan was born in New York City on June 7, 1918, the daughter of George August and Seville Shainwald Oppen. June's brother was George Oppen (1908-1984), who became a well-known poet and exponent of the Objectivist school. For her higher education, Degnan attended the University of California at Berkeley, the Sorbonne, and the University of San Francisco Law School. She was married at least twice: once to a Mr. McKeen (a relationship which ended around 1959), and once to George Degnan, a marriage which took place around 1960. From her first marriage, June had one daughter, Aubrey, who subsequently married Orly Lindgren.

4.00 linear feet (8 archives boxes, 3 oversize folders)

Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.