This collection consists of the unpublished and published manuscripts and correspondence of Russell Thorburn from 1978-2009. The collection also includes audio CDs of Thorburn's poems and plays and photographs from a book signing. Of particular note to the researcher are the published and unpublished manuscripts of Thornburn's literary work. The collection contains numerous drafts of edited poetry and the beginnings of Thorburn's works of art. "Driving the Lights Dirty" is Thorburn's edited anthology. Next is "Father, Tell Me I Have Not Aged," an edited version of the published compilation. The subseries, "Scenes from the Night of a Drunken Piano" I and II are mostly the same versions, yet in a different order, intended for deciding on which one for final publication. The play "Happy Birthday, James Joyce," is divided into acts and has been aired on the radio four times. Also there are the plays, "The Playback" and "Dylan Thomas in New York," divided into separate folders due to size. "The Whole Tree as Told to the Back Yard" is a draft of the published manuscript. The collection's series of correspondence offers the researcher insight into Thornburn's personal and professional life. Material includes personal letters from Thorburn to his friend, Ross Tharaud. The next subseries contains letters to Roberta Herter, both professional and personal. The publisher's correspondence is accepted or denied letters of Thorburn's submitted poetry. The postcards range from notes of friends overseas to clarification of receiving a poem. Personal correspondence includes letters and cards from family and close friends. Emails from Rodney Torreson include a lot of sharing and editing of Russell's poetry. Also, there are emails from Russell's various acquaintances, mostly about his works. Lastly, there are miscellaneous correspondences concerning different matters. The collection contains very little material from Thornburn's early life before his arrival in Marquette or of his relationship with his family.
