Scope and arrangement
The papers (1974-84) consist of editorial correspondence, miscellaneous papers, printed ephemera and photographs. The editorial correspondence which relates to all three publications of MP with an emphasis on Mandate consists of an alphabetical file of correspondence received and a file of outgoing correspondence arranged alphabetically by year. The correspondence is mainly with freelance writers, photographers and illustrators, editors of gay magazines, literary agents, publishers, public officials and readers. The correspondence received, which is mainly that of John Devere as editor-in-chief, contains several authors' scripts including the script of an interview with Christopher Isherwood conducted by Victor Bockris. The outgoing correspondence is in the form of carbon copies and is mainly that of Sam Staggs as editor-in-chief. Since the outgoing correspondence contains a large proportion of correspondence with freelance writers, the original carbons have been replaced by photocopies on permalife paper on which the addresses of the freelance correspondents have been blotted out in order to preserve their privacy. The originals have been restricted until 2055. The outgoing correspondence is especially revealing of Staggs' editorial philosophy and of his working relationships with his writers. Included is correspondence sent to public officials and others protesting specific instances of persecution and oppression of gays.
In order to protect the privacy of individual persons correspondence from readers and some correspondence from other persons have been restricted.
The miscellaneous papers consist of incomplete and unsorted make-up sheets for unidentified issues of magazines published by MP; a few records of classified advertisements for several issues of Playguy magazine; and a script of erotic fiction and of erotic poetry. The printed ephemera consists of tear sheets from magazines published by MP and miscellaneous ephemera.
The photographs consist of a topical file arranged by name of photographer and/or subject followed by unsorted photos. Included are glossy prints, motion picture stills, and publicity photos of nude male models, and of personalities in television, dance, theater, and motion pictures. There are also a few contact prints, 35mm slides and Ektachrome color slides.
The Sam Staggs papers are arranged in four series: