John Preston papers (Ms.2011.032)

The John Preston papers include correspondence, manuscripts, and research materials collected by John Preston, a notable gay writer, self-identified pornographer and LGBTQ activist of the 1970s and 80s, as well as several of his close friends and business partners. The materials in the collection date from roughly 1973 to 1995, spanning the last 21 years of Preston's life. The collection is organized into eight series.

Series I, Correspondence and subject files, circa 1979-1994, is comprised of incoming and limited outgoing correspondence and topical files related to Preston's research. The materials are arranged in two subseries: A. General correspondence and subject files, and B. Other correspondence. Significant correspondents include: Eric Garber (Andrew Holleran), Gail Hinand, Michael Lowenthal, Anne Rice, Sam Steward, and T.R. Witomski. Additional correspondence can be found throughout the collection, including the Writings, Media, and Additions series.

Series II, Writings, circa 1982-1995, is organized in two subseries: A. Writings of John Preston, and B. Writings of Others. The writings of John Preston are arranged broadly into fiction, nonfiction, and short manuscripts, while the writings of others are arranged largely by author. Included in Preston's writings are drafts of Franny, the Queen of Provincetown, the Flesh and the Word series, a number of titles from the Alex Kane series, and numerous short works and essays. Manuscripts frequently include computer printouts of multiple drafts, many edited by Preston friends and colleagues, page proofs, and related correspondence.

Series III, Media, 1983-1994, includes computer files and audio and video recordings (as well as accompanying hardware) containing correspondence, writings, interviews and addresses by or about John Preston and his work. Video and audiocassettes include interviews by and with John Preston as well as recordings of programs related to gay rights and AIDS activism.

Series IV, Visual Materials, circa 1980-1991, includes mostly photographs and negatives, many of which feature the author and some of which were taken by Preston himself.

Series V, Printed Materials, circa 1979-1994, include research materials, publications and other ephemera.

Series VI, Realia, circa 1992, the smallest series in the collection, is comprised of a box of Preston's personal items, including a Lambda literary award and several other objects relating to Preston's writing career.

Series VII, Subject Files, circa 1976-1994, contains research, correspondence, and personal records.

Series VIII, Additions, 1973-1994, includes materials donated to the John Hay Library by friends and associates of Preston, many of whom wrote to him frequently during his lifetime and collected materials related to his personal and professional life, including his letters, photographs, clippings, and miscellaneous printed ephemera.