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Lysander Kemp (1920-1992) worked as a writer, professor, translator, and head editor
of the
University of Texas Press from 1966 to 1975. During this time, he collaborated on
numerous
translations with Mexican poet and essayist Octavio Paz (1914-1998). Kemp also oversaw
the
publication of two collections of Paz's essays and criticism. |
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Much of the Lysander Kemp collection, containing materials gathered by Kemp, documents
his
collaborations with Octavio Paz. The collection consists of correspondence between
Kemp and
Paz and manuscripts associated with the translation and publication of a number of
Paz's
poems and essays (1965-1979). The materials are arranged in three series: I. Correspondence,
II. Translations, and III. Other Kemp Manuscripts. The materials are written in both
Spanish
and English. |
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The correspondence in Series I. is arranged in alphabetical order by the name of the
correspondent. Three folders contain correspondence between Kemp and Paz, written
between
March 1965 and February 1978. Most of the letters concern translated works and note
quibbles
over diction and syntax, discussion of the intended effect of various poems, and suggestions
for revision. Most of the works located in Series II. Translations are discussed in
this
correspondence. Other correspondence concerns business matters, such as publication
timelines and book marketing. Some personal correspondence is also present, as Kemp
and Paz
were longtime friends. Also included is correspondence from other individuals involved
with
the publication of Kemp's translations of Paz, including professors and translators
from
numerous universities, publishers and editors from three small publishing presses,
and other
contemporary poets and authors, including poet Muriel Rukeyser. |
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Series II. contains both poetry and essay manuscripts, arranged in alphabetical order
by
title. Included are poems and essays by Octavio Paz, with accompanying translations
by
Lysander Kemp and Margaret Peden. Also present are several typescripts of "The Bow and the Lyre" and "The Siren and the Seashell," galley proofs for "The Bow and the Lyre,""Conjunciones" and "The Siren and the Seashell,"
and a number of essays and poems authored by Lysander Kemp. Much of this work is discussed
in the correspondence in Series I. |
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Series III, Other Kemp Manuscripts, contains poetry and essays, arranged in alphabetical
order by title, and a folder of clippings and articles on Octavio Paz, arranged in
chronological order. |
