Finding Aid for the C. M. James papers

Repository: Kent State University. Special Collections and Archives

Title: C. M. James papers

Inclusive Dates: 1970-2018

Author: Cara Gilgenbach, February 2024

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

Extent: .16 cubic foot (1 slim document case)

Physical Location: 11th floor

Language of the Finding Aid: English

Language of the Materials: English

Revisions: Updated, May 2024; Updated, June 2024

Descriptive Rules: DACS, 2nd Edition

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. Within the Warren, Ohio, area he was also known as a former artist in residence at the Trumbull Art Gallery. James was born in 1947 at Somerset, Kentucky. His family later moved to Warren when his father was appointed as the lead production manager at the Tribune-Chronicle. James earned a two-year degree from Kent State University at Trumbull and studied at The Ohio State University and Youngstown State University prior to that. His artwork has been exhibited internationally in several countries, at the Butler Institute of American Art, 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 and from a 2018 biographical profile written by Mark Martof.]

Scope and Content: This collection includes artwork, a manuscript for a one-act play, correspondence (one piece), biographical information, and publicity materials created by and about 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 and Archives.

Related Material: The Department of Special Collections and Archives holds a number of Fantome Press publications that are cataloged and shelved in our LC-classified book collection. Additionally, the department holds a Kent State University Library Science Research Paper by Stephen A. Svecz entitled "Fantome Press: A History and Bibliography," 1994. 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 and Archives when James started his press. Keller encouraged James in his printing pursuits and purchased Fantome Press publications for the collections here. Small additions to the archive were made by James in 2024.

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: The Beast, 1978
   Physical Description: 6-1/2 inches X 8-1/2 inches. Red and black ink. Number 2 of 27, signed and titled in pencil by "C. M. James."
    
3. Artwork: Print: Kill Crop, undated
   Physical Description: 6 inches X 9 inches. Two prints in blue and yellow ink, labeled proof #1 and proof #2 and titled in pencil.  
    
4. Artwork: Print: Night, 1978
   Physical Description: 6-1/2 inches X 8-1/2 inches. Red and green ink. Number 28 of 28, signed and titled in pencil by "CMJ."
    
5. Artwork: Print: Opera Night, 1978
   Physical Description: 6-1/2 inches X 8-1/2 inches. Black ink. Number 15 of 15, signed and titled in pencil by "CMJ."
    
6. 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." 
    
7. Artwork: Print: Portrait of Dutch Schultz, 1978
   Physical Description: 4-1/2 inches X 6-1/2 inches. Red ink. Name "Dutch Schultz" is part of the print. Number 5 of 5. Initialed in pencil "CMJ."
    
8. 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." 
    
9. Artwork: Print: The Smile, 1978
   Physical Description: 6-1/2 inches X 8-1/2 inches. Black and red ink. Number 16 of 16, signed and titled in pencil by "CMJ."
    
10. Artwork: Print: Woman/Moon and Woman/Moon Variant, 1978
    Physical Description: 6-1/2 inches X 8-1/2 inches. Two variant prints, one in brown and black ink and the other in black and red ink. Number 1 of 15 and 1 of 1 (variant), signed and titled in pencil by "C. M. James."
     
11. Artwork: Print: Young Baudelaire, 1978
    Physical Description: 6 inches X 9 inches. Brown ink. Printed on rice paper or similar stock. Number 22 of 30, signed and titled in pencil by "C. M. James."
     
12. 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.
     
13. 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 moniker 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.
     
14. Publicity and Biographical Materials: Fantome Press and C. M. James, 1977-2018; undated
    Scope and Content: Includes The Fantome Press Collector, No. 1. Also included are biographical profiles of James, a bibliographical checklist of Fantome Press works, and a program from a twenty-year retrospective exhibition of the work of C. M. James.
     
15. Review and Proof Copies: Fantome Press Publications, 1977; undated
    Scope and Content: A variety of partial pages, covers, and illustrations from Fantome Press publications. Some proofs are numbered and signed by James.