James Oppenheim papers
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Abstract
James Oppenheim (1882-1932), an American poet, novelist and editor, was a member of the bohemian circle of poets, artists and intellectuals that flourished in Greenwich Village, New York, during the 1910s. He began his career writing short stories and poetry for popular magazines and established himself as one of the leading younger poets with the publication of his verse collection Songs for the New Age (1914). In 1916 he founded the literary magazine The Seven Arts with Waldo Frank and Paul Rosenfeld; the magazine folded the next year because of the editorial policy attacking U.S. participation in World War I. Oppenheim became an adherent of psychoanalysis, in particular the theories of Carl Jung, and devoted most of his later poetic work to psychoanalytic investigations. Collection consists of correspondence, writings, editorial materials, financial and legal papers, drawings, photographs, and ephemera documenting Oppenheim's literary career and personal life. Correspondence, 1899-1932, with family friends and literary associates concerns literary, personal and business matters. Writings, 1898-1932, include poetry, dramatic works, novels, stories, articles, and notes as well as his "Dream Diaries" in which he recorded his dreams and self-analysis. Seven Arts materials, 1916-1917, consist of drafts of letters, fiscal and legal records, and printed matter. Also, Oppenheim's financial and legal papers, 1922-1932; personal ephemera; and ink drawings, ca. 1920-1925, by Oppenheim and his companion Gertrude Smith.
Dates / Origin
Date created: 1898