George Bogin papers, 1938-1997, bulk 1953-1988

Collection context

Creator:
Bogin, George
Abstract:
The papers of George Bogin consist primarily of drafts and typescripts of his poetry and translations. Also included is correspondence, biographical material, and a copy of the musical score for Lloyd Ultan's Pitchipoi, The Children of Drancy, which incorporated Bogin's poem, "Pitchipoi."
Extent:
4.62 linear feet 11 boxes 1 oversized musical score
Language:
English , Italian , French .
Scope and content:

Bogin's papers consist primarily of drafts and typescripts of his poetry and translations, but also include correspondence, biographical materials, and a copy of the musical score for Lloyd Ultan's "Pitchipoi, The Children of Drancy", which incorporated Bogin's poem "Pitchipoi.".

The strength of the papers is in their documentation of Bogin's work on poetry and translations. Bogin was well-organized in his creative process; most of his individual drafts are labeled with titles, dates, and a place of composition. Multiple drafts are also numbered in sequence. Most of the drafts are filed by title, although there are a few typescripts for larger collections. Bogin planned to publish a second book, and although there is no typescript, there is a list of the poems meant for this work filed in Box 11. There are a few published items from his time at Columbia University (1938-1939), otherwise, there is no documentation of his early work in his papers.

There is some correspondence related to Bogin's published material, as well as a few items of correspondence with Alain Bosquet, Robert Bly, Malcolm Cowley, and Lloyd Ultan.

Biographical / historical:

George Bogin, a poet and translator, was born on April 28, 1920 in New York City. A lifelong New Yorker; he was raised in Queens and graduated from Columbia College in 1939. He served in World War II, and ultimately settled in Great Neck on Long Island, where he remained for the rest of his life. He was a passionate supporter of human rights and civil liberties, and was a founder of the Great Neck Peace Forum in the early 1950s. He married Ruth Fleischer (1920-1999), with whom he had two daughters, Nina and Magda Bogin.

He was widely published in literary magazines and anthologies, including The Paris Review, The American Poetry Review, The Nation, Chicago Review, Columbia Forum, New Letters, Massachusetts Review, Kansas Quarterly, and Ploughshares. He also held residencies at the MacDowell Colony, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and the Tyrone Guthrie Center in Annaghmekerrig, Ireland. One of Bogin's poems , "Pitchipoi," was set to music for orchestra and soloists by Lloyd Ultan in Pitchipoi, The Children of Drancy" (1983). His translation work was primarily from the French, and included Bosquet and Supervielle. He published two books, a translation of Jules Supervielle's works, Selected Poems and Reflections on the Art of Poetry (1985), and his own book of poetry, In a Surf of Strangers (1981).

During the last few years of his life, Bogin struggled with lymphoma, and ultimately succumbed to the disease on October 7, 1988. After his death, Bogin's friends and family established the George Bogin Memorial Award. This is awarded for "a selection of four or five poems that reflects the encounter of the ordinary and the extraordinary, uses language in an original way, and takes a stand against oppression in all its forms."

Access and use

Restrictions:

Flat Box # 739 is located on-site

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); George Bogin papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu