Papers of an important editor who has had a significant impact on the development of post WWII American poetry. The Donald Allen Collection consists of four different groups or series of materials: materials pertaining to the editorial work at Grove Press, Four Seasons Foundation, Grey Fox Press, and to special projects Allen did for University of California, Penguin and St. James presses; materials produced by and regarding the poet Frank O'Hara; papers written by Allen at the universities of Iowa and California, Berkeley; and finally a substantial correspondence with many of the most important writers and editors in America during the last twenty five years. The addition processed in 1991 contains manuscript and typescript materials related to the Four Seasons Foundation publication of Interviews (1980) by Edward Dorn and The Graces (1983) by Aaron Shurin; and the Grey Fox Press publication of Enough Said (1980) by Philip Whalen and I Remain (1980), a collection of Lew Welch's letters. The addition processed in 2011 enhances the earlier accessions with additional press files, correspondence, as well as Allen's personal subject files.

Donald Allen, one of the most influential editors and publishers of contemporary American literature, was born in Iowa in 1912. During the Second World War he was a Japanese translator, and then became an editor at Grove Press, where he stayed for sixteen years. Allen devoted his career to making innovative writing available to the public. He has edited several important anthologies of contemporary American writing and has published the work of many important poets through his two presses.

47.9 Linear feet 105 archives boxes, 1 records carton, 1 card file box, 34 oversize folders

Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.