Joseph Colin Murphey papers, 1939-1993 (inclusive), 1950-1992 (bulk).

The papers document Joseph Colin Murphey's career as a writer, teacher and publisher. He wrote poetry, plays and prose, the manuscripts of which are featured here in their various evolutions and stages in Series I. Personal journals, containing mostly poetry and some photographs, dated from 1948 to 1992, are also part of this first series. Series II contains correspondence between Murphey and other writers, friends and family members. He corresponded with many well-known poets, particularly Texas poets, and exchanged constructive criticism and inspiration with them. Series III contains drafts, mock-ups and published copies of journals that detail Murphey's editing, publishing and faculty advising work for several different poetry magazines. Most of the materials are related to the production of Stone Drum. There is limited biographical and personal information in Series IV.

The papers of Dave Oliphant, another manuscript collection housed in TCU Special Collections, is also a resource for information regarding Murphey and his career. It contains correspondence from 1972-1994 between Oliphant and Murphey as well as materials regarding Murphey's work that Oliphant published through Prickly Pear Press. Also included in this collection is an audio recording of Murphey reading some of his own poetry. For more information, see the finding aid for the Oliphant collection. http://www.library.tcu.edu/spcoll/finding%20aid_files/Oliphant%20-%20MS15.pdf.