A. D. Winans collection (Ms. 2010.014)

Biographical note

A. D. (Allan Davis) Winans is a native San Francisco poet and writer. In 1958 he returned home from serving three years in the Air Force in Panama and became part of the North Beach Beat era. With a part-time job working at the post office, Winans attended day classes at City College of San Francisco, graduating in 1962 from San Francisco State College (now University). In 1972, he founded Second Coming Magazine and Press and served as publisher and editor until it ended in 1989. Winans has written 45 books of poetry of prose and notes that his "poetry largely addresses issues of concern to millions of Americans who spend the majority of their lives struggling to survive in a society bankrupt in spirit and moral fiber, where money is the only common denominator."