PETER ORLOVSKY PAPERS

Finding Aid

Size: 0.25 linear feet

Literary rights:
Literary rights were not granted to Wichita State University. When permission is granted to examine the manuscripts, it is not an authorization to publish them. Manuscripts cannot be used for publication without regard for common law literary rights, copyright laws and the laws of libel. It is the responsibility of the researcher and his/her publisher to obtain permission to publish. Scholars and students who eventually plan to have their work published are urged to make inquiry regarding overall restrictions on publication before initial research.

Restrictions: None

Content note:
This collection contains letters written by Peter Orlovsky to members of his family (1955-1974), while he was traveling in Europe and the Middle East. Peter Orlovsky was born July 8, 1933, in New York City to Kate and Oleg Orlovsky. He was one of five children in the family, Nicholas, Julius, Lafcadio (Laff), and Marie. Orlovsky, primarily a poet, worked at a variety of jobs, from ambulance attendant and postal clerk to owning and running an organic farm during the 1970s. He participated in anti-war protests and was interested in Buddhism, drawing and the guitar. He was involved with several other twentieth century poets throughout the 60s and 70s who are mentioned in his letters. These include Allen Ginsberg, who was a close friend and traveling companion, William Borroughs, Gregory Corso, and Alan Ansen.

The collection is arranged chronologically and by who the letter is addressed to.

Note: letters which are addressed to the entire family or to more than one member (i.e. to Kate, Marie, and Laff) are included with letters addressed to his mother.

Aquisition: Purchased from William E. White September 25, 1990

Processed by: KFS, 9-25-1990; JEF, 4-1-1998