Carl V. Corley papers, 1930s-2002 21.75 Linear Feet — 34 boxes
The Carl V. Corley papers contain the writings, drawings, scrapbooks, notebooks, and published materials that document the career and artistic output of the novelist and illustrator. The collection also includes typescripts and manuscripts of published and unpublished works of gay fiction, southern history, and heterosexual and homosexual erotica, some of which is in the form of comic books or graphic novels.
Corley's pulp novels were set primarily in early twentieth century Mississippi and Louisiana, though several were set in the South Pacific, where Corley served during World War II, and reflect varying degrees of autobiographical content. Corley's later works also show his interest in historical subject matter as well as utopian science fiction. Many of Corley's published and unpublished works include cover and textual illustrations produced by Corley.
The collection further includes photographs of the artist and friends, works by related authors and artists, correspondence with publishers, and some work-related notes and materials.
The Sabina Allred Allen Collection of Carl Corley papers consists of love letters written from Corley to Sabina during World War II, as well as artwork that Corley produced for Sabina during the war. Also extant is correspondence from Corley to Sabina dated 1999 through 2002, during which time Corley was working on an illustrated autobiography. Many of the letters from this later time period contain racist diatribes against Black Americans, as well as offensive language and stereotypes.