Finding Aid for the C. M. James papers

Author: Cara Gilgenbach, February 2024
Language of the Finding Aid: English
Descriptive Rules: DACS, 2nd Edition

Origination: James, C. M. (Charles Michael)

Inclusive Dates: 1970-2011
Extent: .16 cubic foot (1 slim document case)
Physical Location: 11th floor

Language of the Materials: English

Abstract: This collection includes writings, original artwork, and other material by or about C. M. James, founder of the Fantome Press of Warren, Ohio.

Biography of C. M. James: Charles Michael James is the founder of the Fantome Press, based in Warren, Ohio, which he started in 1976 and operated until he suffered some health problems that made it difficult to continue his letterpress work. Fantome Press publications are held by multiple libraries including the Museum of Modern Art library and several university and college libraries. James earned a two-year degree at Kent State University Trumbull and attended The Ohio State University for one year. His artwork has been exhibited internationally and at the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus, Ohio. [Source: The information in this biographical note was provided by James via email in 2019.]

Scope and Content: This collection includes artwork, a manuscript for a one-act play, correspondence (one piece), and publicity materials created by C. M. James.

Statement of Arrangement: The collection is organized by material type.

Preferred Citation: C. M. James papers. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections & Archives.

Related Material: The Department of Special Collections & Archives holds a number of Fantome Press publications that are cataloged and shelved in our LC-classified book collection. A larger collection of C. M. James and Fantome Press archival materials is available at The Ohio State University Libraries.

Acquisition Information: This collection was donated by C. M. James in 2019 in honor of Dean H. Keller who was curator of Kent State Special Collections & Archives when James started his press. Keller encouraged James in his printing pursuits and purchased Fantome Press publications for the collections here.

Detailed Description of the Collection

Box 1
Folder -- Contents

1. Artwork: Ink Drawings for No Blues No More, 1970
   Physical Description: Two original ink drawings for No Blues No More. Each measures 8.5 X 11 inches. Each includes initials "CMJ." Accompanied by a hand-written note by James indicating these are for No Blues No More.
    
2. Artwork: Print: Portrait of Dashiell Hammett, undated
   Physical Description: 3-3/8 inches X 5.5 inches (postcard size). Blue and red ink. Name "Hammet [sic]" is part of the print. Initialed in pencil "CMJ." 
    
3. Artwork: Print: Portrait of Robert Louis Stevenson, undated
   Physical Description: 5 inches X 6 inches. Black ink. Printed on rice paper. "RLS" initials are part of the print. Initialed in pencil "CMJ." 
    
4. Correspondence: Brutus, Dennis to C. M. James, October 23, 1989.
   Scope and Content: A handwritten note to James from Brutus on a proof or photocopy of the title page for the work Still the Sirens by Brutus.
    
5. Manuscript: Carnival of Lost Souls: A One Act Play, undated (but likely 1980s)
   Scope and Content: An unpublished draft of a one act play. Included is a handwritten note by C. M. James describing the background behind his development of the idea for this play, which he indicates is "not fully realized." He was heavily involved in "cassette culture" in pre-Internet days. He eventually became part of a network of around 100 people from around the world exchanging then-rare audio and musical recordings under the nomiker of "The Underground Culture-Vulture." This one act play idea evolved and was recorded as part of that network and was eventually transcribed into the typescript present in the collection. Also included with this file are two mini-CDs labeled "Popa/UCV Holland Radio 80s" and Popa/UCV Amsterdam Radio Late 80s." Content on each CD is identical.
   Alternate Format Available: The files on the mini CD have been digitally captured. For access, please contact Special Collections & Archives staff. 
   Restrictions on Use: Some of the content on the mini CD is copyrighted music.
    
6. Publicity Materials: Fantome Press and C. M. James, 1977-2011; undated
   Scope and Content: Includes The Fantome Press Collector, No. 1.