File contains two leaf manuscript drafts of the poem "In name of all who were lost" written by John Herbert in 1995. The poem was an entry by Herbert for an AIDS Remembrance Plaque.

File contains a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Holding" written by John Herbert in 1995.

File contains a five leaf manuscript of the poem "The golden rat cage" written by John Herbert in 1995.

File contains a one leaf manuscript of the poem "The buried" written by John Herbert in 1995.

File contains a two leaf manuscript of the poem "The Wagner Ring cycle limerick contest" written by John Herbert in 1994.

File contains a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Twilight of the swan" written by John Herbert in 1994. There are also two drafts of the poem.

File contains a one leaf manuscript of the poem "In our time" written by John Herbert in 1994.

File contains a one leaf manuscript of the poem "I wait" written by John Herbert in 1994.

File contains a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Funeral" written by John Herbert in 1994. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box B - poems, stories, essays, articles, published letters not currently in University of Waterloo collection. B14: Enclosed: 13 poems (John Herbert) one set of first drafts and one set of photocopies. Title. Date. No. Pages: 1. Funeral, January, 1994, 1 [page]. 2. I Wait, June 13, 1994, 1 [page]. 3. In Our Time, July 10, 1994, 1 [page]. 4. Twilight of the Swan, October 15, 1994, 2 [pages] (first draft & second). 5. Amid Lights and Shadows. December 11, 1994, 1 [page]. 6. The Last Days of Dotty (a requiem), January 16, 1995, 4 [pages]. 7. The Buried, March 2, 1995, 1 [page]. 8. Holding, March 24, 1995, 1 [page]. 9. Mary and Monsters, 1996 13 [pages] (first & second drafts). 10. The First Time, Nov. 1996, 4 [pages] (first & second drafts). 11. War, Dec. 10/98, 1 page. 12. Somewhere, march 17/99, 1 page. 13. As I Listen and Watch, Dec. 2nd, 1999 (1 page). 1994-1999."

File contains a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Amid lights and shadows" written by John Herbert in 1994. There are also two manuscript drafts of the poem.

File contains a one leaf manuscript of the poem "My inheritance" written by John Herbert in 1993.

File contains manuscript 1 leaf (original).

File contain a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Waiting" written by John Herbert in 1992.

File contain a one leaf manuscript of the poem "They two" written by John Herbert in 1992.

File contain a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Talking to an old crock" written by John Herbert in 1992.

File contain a one leaf manuscript of the poem "leaf" written by John Herbert in 1992.

File contain a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Mike" written by John Herbert in 1992.

File contains four manuscript drafts of the poem "By Barrier Ridge" written by John Herbert in 1992.

File contain a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Rooms" written by John Herbert in 1991.

File contain a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Retreat to life" written by John Herbert in 1991.

File contain a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Restaurants" written by John Herbert in 1991.

File contain a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Picnic : Humber River, 1930" written by John Herbert in 1991. There are also two additional drafts of the poem.

File contain a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Ma belle Olive" written by John Herbert in 1991.

File contain a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Hermes and the cottage : 1930" written by John Herbert in 1991. There are also two additional drafts of the same poem.

File contain a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Christmas shopping : 1937" written by John Herbert in 1991. There are also three additional drafts on the same poem.

File contain a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Behind the house" written by John Herbert in 1991.

File contains a one leaf manuscript of the poem "The living room" written by John Herbert in 1990.

File contain a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Our century" written by John Herbert in 1988.

File contains a 1 leaf manuscript of the poem "My mother's house" written by John Herbert in 1988.

File contains a 2 leaf manuscript of the poem "His holiness, and hers" written by John Herbert in 1988.

File contain a 1 leaf manuscript of the poem "The house that Jack built" written by John Herbert in 1976.

File contains a 1 leaf manuscript of the poem "Lovelost at dawn" written by John Herbert in 1964. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box B - Poems, stories, essays, articles, published letters. Note: B5a: Envelope holds only items that belong to the earlier section of the collection (John Herbert papers) and have been discovered or found since 1982. That is to say, writing done between 1926 and 1982. Enclosed: one poem. Title: Lovelost at Dawn. Date: August, 1964. Draft: probably second. No. pages: one. Signed: J. Brundage.

File contains one set of Valentine's day poems written by John Herbert in 1953 for a Carlton Club Valentine's day event, 2 leaves (original) of a manuscript. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box D: John Herbert archives at Porter Library, Univ. of Waterloo. Original drafts. D23: 2 Valentine poems of light verse for table favours (printed later) at Carlton Club party in February, 1953. Note: J.H. worked as a full-time waiter at the Carlton Badminton and Squash Club on Hayden St. (at Church St.) in Toronto, 1952 and 1953 (until leaving in '53 to join a travelling show 'Paris After Midnight' as a dancer). Ivan Peterson, Carlton's manager, a man from Denmark, discovered Herbert's artistic bent (drawing and writing) and paid J.H. extra to decorate dances at the Carlton Club and to arrange entertainment for the club's parties."

Series consists of manuscript and typescripts of poems written by John Herbert between 1953 and 2000. The series is divided into files for each individual poem and they are arranged chronologically.

File contains one spiral-bound manuscript, 26 leaves (photocopy), of an essay titled "Warriors are dogs" written by John Herbert in 1999. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box C: John Herbert archives. C11: a 2500 word essay. Warriors Are Dogs by John Herbert. Note: J.H. wrote this piece after hearing statistics revealing that more civilians, including women and children, are killed during wars than there are soldiers killed in battle. Enclosed: 1 bound copy of 26 pages."

File contains one spiral-bound manuscript, 26 leaves (photocopy), of an essay titled "Gawd is not my next door neighbour". It was written by John Herbert in 1999. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box C: John Herbert archives. C10: a 2500 word essay. Gawd Is Not My Next Door Neighbour by John Herbert. Note: This essay was read in its entirety by David Rothenberg on his morning radio call-in show in New York City in the autumn of 1999. The reading brought in more calls than any previous subject. Enclosed: 1 bound copy of 26 pages."

File contains one manuscript, 44 leaves (original), of "An O. Henry ending" written by John Herbert in 1994. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box C: John Herbert archives. C12: an essay by J.H., 'An O. Henry Ending' 1994. Enclosed: the original manuscript of 44 pages. Subject: the marginalisation of a writer in his own land. Note: J.H. considered using a 'nom de plume' for this piece, as 'Hildebrand Faux'."

File contains manuscript, 17 leaves (original), of an essay by John Herbert on the subject of Greta Garbo. Also includes a cover-page with a clipping about Garbo. Includes author's note on the envelope: "D Box: John Herbert archives, D19: an essay by J.H. 'The Forgotten Goddess' John Herbert contemplates the price of fame and of privacy as observed in the life of famous movie star, Greta Garbo, whose films he admires. Enclosed: 18 pages - newspaper photos of Garbo in 1941 and in 1989, when she was 74, plus original handwritten manuscript of essay (17 pgs.) - 1996."

File cotains a bi-monthly literary publication, Summer 1977: Special Women's Issue, which includes an essay by John Herbert on pages 26, 27, 28. The essay is titled "Writing For Ourselves and To Each Other". Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box D: John Herbert archives. D9: Intrinsic, bi-monthly literary publication: Issue #1, Summer 1977: Special Women's Issue, which includes an essay by John Herbert: pages 26, 27, 28. Title: Writing For Ourselves and To Each Other. Note: a copy of the original draft is listed and included in the UW Bibliography, UW Library, compiled by Susan Bellingham, (page 8, Essays.) - 1984."

File contains column by John Herbert in Glitter 1, no. 2 (March 1975): 10. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box E: John Herbert archives, Porter Library, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario. E21: two separate issues of GLITTER magazine, a show business publication (Canadian). Date: March, 1975 - article, by John Herbert, 'Theatre Seen' : buying a ticket, pages 10 and 11. Published photo of Karen Kain, ballerina. Date: June, 1975 - reviews by John Herbert of two plays in his column 'Theatre Seen' : 'Question Time' by Robertson Davies and 'Pauline Johnson' by Pauline Carey - pages 12 and 13. Published photographs of Pauline Carey, Philip Shepherd and Pauline Johnson."

File contains a column by John Herbert reviewing "Question time" by Robertson Davies and "Pauline Johnson" with Pauline Carey. The column is in Glitter 1, no. 3 (May-June 1975): 12-13. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box E: John Herbert archives, Porter Library, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario. E21: two separate issues of GLITTER magazine, a show business publication (Canadian). Date: March, 1975 - article, by John Herbert, 'Theatre Seen' : buying a ticket, pages 10 and 11. Published photo of Karen Kain, ballerina. Date: June, 1975 - reviews by John Herbert of two plays in his column 'Theatre Seen' : 'Question Time' by Robertson Davies and 'Pauline Johnson' by Pauline Carey - pages 12 and 13. Published photographs of Pauline Carey, Philip Shepherd and Pauline Johnson."

Series consists of manuscript and typescript essays written by John Herbert regarding topics such as theatre and the actress, Greta Garbo.

File contains a manuscript, 7 leaves (original), of a short story. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box D: John Herbert archives, the Porter Library, Univ. of Waterloo: D13: 6 recently found pieces from 1976 to 1995: 5 poems plus the opening pages of a short story. Enclosed: (a) Variations on the nursery rhyme, 'The House That Jack Built' for the opening page of J.H.'s novel of the same name. (one version) - 1976. (b) Fatso: first 7 pages of a short story by J.H. Brundage (John Herbert) - 1994. (c) 2 Limericks on 'Wagner's Ring' written for C.B.C. Radio contest (J.H.) - 1994. (d) Entry by J.H. for AIDS Remembrance Plaque: Toronto (for a public park) - 1995. (e) Poem: Me and America: by J.H. - 1995. (f) Poem: The Golden Rat Cage: by John Herbert, a look at the island city of Hong Kong - 5 pages: 1995."

File contains one typescript, 12 leaves (original), of draft pages for an unfinished novel by "Ariel Ash" (John Herbert). Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box C: John Herbert archives at the University of Waterloo: C9: 'My Last Pimp', the opening for a novel, unfinished, by Ariel Ash, another 'nom de plume' used by John Herbert. Enclosed: 12 pages of typed manuscript, 1963."

File contains one manuscript, 7 leaves (original), of a short story. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box D: John Herbert Archives. D22: unfinsihed short story. Joseph and Kafka : a short story by John Herbert 1957, 7 pages of unfinished short story, begun in 1957. Note: 25 years later, John Herbert would write a play titled 'Magda', based on the same experience in life of one of J.H.'s friends who survived the Nazi holocaust against the Jews of Europe. 'Magda' was performed by the Autumn Leaf Theatre Company, directed by Thom Sokoloski, at the Adelaide Court Theatre, Toronto, in March and April of 1985."

File contains draft pages for an "unfinished novel" manuscript, ca. 10 leaves (original).

File contains one manuscript, 46 p. (original), of an "unfinished novel." Includes author's note on the envelope: "To go to John Herbert archives the Porter Library at UW. Box C, C7: Stories 1953: found when sorting contents of family house in 1982. Enclosed: 2 handwritten scripts, ideas for 2 novels (unfinished), both started in 1953. (1) Not My Soul to Sell - 46 pages. (2) World of Twilight - 11 pages. Note: J.H. often jotted down plans for novels."

Series consists of typescripts and manuscripts of short stories and novels written by John Herbert.

FIle contains one photocopied sketch of a scene from the filming of John Herbert's play "Fortune and men's eyes", drawn by Michael Greer, and signed "For Dr. Frankenstien from 'your monster'. Peace & Love [peace sign] Michael Greer." Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box C: John Herbert archives: C18: Autographed Caricature: by Michael Greer, the brilliant young actor who played 'Queenie' in the M.G.M. movie 'Fortune and Men's Eyes'. The drawing was mailed to John Herbert from the set of the film in Québec City, where Harvey Hart was directing, 1970. Enclosed: one page copy of Michael’s self-portrait.”

File contains five pen and watercolour drawings of sets, costumes, and characters for "World of Woyzeck" adapted by John Herbert. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box B, set and costume designs, B3b. Title: World of Woyzeck: a play in two acts by John Herbert, adapted from Georg Büchner's unfinished play 'Woyzeck'. Enclosed: set, costume and prop designs for Garret Theatre. No. of drawings: 5 (water colour and pen) (the originals) Plus: 1 copy of original newspaper advertisement for the production and 1 photocopy of ad. Production ran from May to October, 1969."

File contains one draft screenplay dated May 1969, typescript 115 leaves (photocopy) with annotations and corrections. Includes author's note on envelope: "Box C: C15: Altered film script with notes by the author. Film Title Fortune and Men's Eyes by John Herbert. Enclosed: The final draft, radically altered from J.H. original by Jules Schwerin's added material, later deleted by J.H. and new director Harvey Hart. (Schwerin was bought out by producers, in order to remove J.S. from the film.) No. of pages - 115. Year - 1969."

File contains a photocopy of a script for Sal Mineo’s New York production of John Herbert’s play “Fortune and men’s eyes,” identified as "Property of Waissman & Fox, Inc." Includes author’s notes on the envelope: “Box C: John Herbert archives: C19: Fortune and Men’s Eyes: the playscript used in the second New York production of the play, directed by Sal Mineo, who altered some small areas of the dialogue against J.H.’s wishes. Note: Sal Mineo tried to usurp the rights to the play from the author, the original producers (1967-’68) and from the film people already interested in 1969, but was stopped by John Herbert and the legal copyright protections. Mineo threatened Herbert by telephone in 1969, saying, “Don’t mess with a New York Italian.” J.H.’s reply was, “Don’t mess with a Toronto Queer!” J.H. denied S.M. any involvement in a film.”

Files contains manuscripts and typescripts of rehearsal notes regarding the play "Fortune and men's eyes". Includes a letter from John Hebert to director Mitchell Nestor, Nov. 11, 1966 and an article from the Star Weekly, July 24, 1965 about St. Leonard's House in Windsor, described by John Herbert as "reference material." Includes author’s note on the envelope: “Important items. Box C: John Herbert archives: C20: ‘Fortune and Men’s Eyes’: Two early scripts of the play, as typed by Nana Brundage, J.H.’s sister, involved throughout from the beginning of their theatre careers. Enclosed here are also: -Rehersal notes -(carbon) A letter from J.H. to director (N.Y.) -Reference material used by J.H. -Early N.Y. newspaper ads -A program (2 copies) from the performance at ‘The Little Room’ for prospective backers (New York City). Note: The typed scripts enclosed are the same as submitted to the Stratford Festival (1965), to Nathan Cohen (1966) and to David Rothenberg (N.Y.) in 1966.”

File contains one draft typescript of the play "Fortune and men's eyes". It is a 34 leaf mimeograph with holograph annotations and corrections. Includes author’s note on the envelope: “Important items. Box C: John Herbert archives: C20: ‘Fortune and Men’s Eyes’: Two early scripts of the play, as typed by Nana Brundage, J.H.’s sister, involved throughout from the beginning of their theatre careers. Enclosed here are also: -Rehersal notes -(carbon) A letter from J.H. to director (N.Y.) -Reference material used by J.H. -Early N.Y. newspaper ads -A program (2 copies) from the performance at ‘The Little Room’ for prospective backers (New York City). Note: The typed scripts enclosed are the same as submitted to the Stratford Festival (1965), to Nathan Cohen (1966) and to David Rothenberg (N.Y.) in 1966.”

File contains an unfinished storyboard, ca. 34 leaves (original), for a film version of John Herbert's play "The biographers." Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box C: C14: 'The Biographers' a story board for film by John Herbert. Enclosed: original manuscript of 34 pages

File contains one draft typescript of the play "Fortune and men's eyes". It is a 34 leaf mimeograph with holograph corrections. Includes author’s note on the envelope: “Important items. Box C: John Herbert archives: C20: ‘Fortune and Men’s Eyes’: Two early scripts of the play, as typed by Nana Brundage, J.H.’s sister, involved throughout from the beginning of their theatre careers. Enclosed here are also: -Rehersal notes -(carbon) A letter from J.H. to director (N.Y.) -Reference material used by J.H. -Early N.Y. newspaper ads -A program (2 copies) from the performance at ‘The Little Room’ for prospective backers (New York City).

Note: The typed scripts enclosed are the same as submitted to the Stratford Festival (1965), to Nathan Cohen (1966) and to David Rothenberg (N.Y.) in 1966.”

File contains materials relating to a 1995 benefit production of John Herbert's play "Merchants of Bay Street" for the community organization "Pass it on". Includes the stage manager's script: typescript ,ca. 68 leaves (photocopy), with corrections. There are also other materials regarding a closing speech, song lists, costume listing sheets, and a a scene list. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Merchants of Bay Street - script, programs, etc. Benefit Performance, 1995."

File contains contains one spiral-bound manuscript 41 leaves (photocopy) draft, unfinished. Includes author’s note on the envelope: “Box D: additional material for John Herbert archives, University of Waterloo Library. D1b: Family of a Monster Act Two (unfinished) by John Herbert. Enclosed: 2 of 5 scenes, bound, 40 pages within covers. Note: J.H. will send a manuscript of the last 3 scenes when they are completed. July, 2000.”

File contains one spiral-bound manuscript, 80 leaves (photocopy), labelled "First draft, April, 1995. Includes author’s note on the envelope: “Box D: John Herbert Archives, the Porter Library, Univ. of Waterloo: D1a: a playscript - 1995. ‘Family of a Monster’ by John Herbert. Act one: 80 pages (bound). Note: J.H. is currently reworking the second act of this play and will send it to the J.H. archives to complete the play at a later date. See envelope D1b (July, 2000).”

File contains a manuscript of about 333 leaves (original). for the play "Merchants of Bay Street, or, Pursuit of power" by John Herbert. Includes original sketches in black ink of costume designs with written annotations. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box A - Playscripts - A-5. Title: 'Merchants of Bay Street' by John Herbert: adapted from Wm. Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice'. First draft, three acts - 319 pages (handwritten), 1994-'95."

File contains one type script with manuscript insertions (original) and corrections. It is the second draft of the play "Broken Antique Dolls". Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box A - Playscripts, 2 items, A-4. Title: 'Broken Antique Dolls': a play in two acts by John Herbert. Enclosed: two playscripts (different). Second drafts: with various changes. No. 1 (blue cover): 74 pages, No. 2 (yellow cover): 74 pages."

File contains one typescript with manuscript insertions (original) and corrections, second draft number one of the play, "Broken Antique Dolls". Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box A - Playscripts, 2 items, A-4. Title: 'Broken Antique Dolls': a play in two acts by John Herbert. Enclosed: two playscripts (different). Second drafts: with various changes. No. 1 (blue cover): 74 pages, No. 2 (yellow cover): 74 pages."

File contains one script, 74 leaves (photocopy), first draft with insertions(original) and corrections. The draft is for the play "Broken antique dolls" by John Herbert. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box A- A-4. Playscripts - John Herbert. Title: Broken Antique Dolls in two acts. Draft: First Draft - 2 copies. Description: (1) Handwritten copy (2) Photocopy. Some notes and additional writing attached. No. of pages - 74 (both copies - each 74), total: 148. Date: 1992-'93."

File contains one script for John Herbert's play "The butterfly and the nightingale," written in 1985 which was later revised and edited by Suzanne Charlton in 1992. Includes a letter from Suzanne Charlton to the Playwrights Union of Canada (photocopy). The letter is dated August 17, 1992. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box A Playscripts. Note: this play was written in 1985. Title: The Butterfly and The Nightingale: a play for children by John Herbert (based on an old Spanish fairy tale). Enclosed: photocopy of the play (typed). No. of pages: 28 (includes a letter by director, Suzanne Charlton). Year: 1992 (revised version of original script which was written in 1985 and first performed in 1986). Note: the changes consist primarily of written actions, introduced by director Suzanne Charlton, whose vision of the performance helped to shape and define the play. The original playscript (1985) had little written action as part of the printed script. S.C. made some cuts, too, in dialogue. At both productions' several performances, both children and adults (some parents, some recreation leaders) enjoyed the play, and said so to the actors. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 years seemed especially captured by the play, which had colourful period costumes and an imaginative setting. J.H., 1992."

File contains a manuscript, 74 leaves (original), first draft. Includes a newspaper clipping about homes for the aged. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box A- A-4. Playscripts - John Herbert. Title: Broken Antique Dolls in two acts. Draft: First Draft - 2 copies. Description: (1) Handwritten copy (2) Photocopy. Some notes and additional writing attached. No. of pages - 74 (both copies - each 74), total: 148. Date: 1992-'93."

File contains a pen and ink sketch (original) for John Herbert's monologue play "Prima Donna." Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box E: John Herbert archives. E17: one page, original set design by John Herbert for his one-character (monologue) play 'Prima Donna'. Black and white pen and ink sketch, showing stage props and costuming for the play. - 1990."

File contains nine watercolour paintings and four pen and ink sketches depicting sets, characters, and costumes from the play, "The lady of the camellias". The watercolour paintings have captions along the top describing the set for the scene. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box B, set and costume designs, B3a. Title: 'The Lady of the Camellias': translated from the play by Alexandre Dumas fils (later adapted by John Herbert under the title 'A Lady of Camellias'). Enclosed: set and costume designs for the 1964 production by Adventure Theatre (New Venture Players). No. of drawings - 9 (watercolour and pen), plus pen and ink - 4, total 13 (the originals)."

Includes author's notes on a smaller envelope: "Pen and Ink, 4 preliminary sketches for production 'The Lady of the Camellias', 1963-64."

Includes author's notes on the back of a sketch book: "1963-'64: Enclosed: 9 pen and water-colour drawings by John Herbert: costume and set designs for the 1964 production, New Venture Players, of 'The Lady of the Camellias', performed at the Victoria Auditorium, Queen and Victoria Stypescript permission of Celia Franca and the National Ballet, whose rehearsal hall it was then."

File contains one spiral-bound manuscript 28 leaves (photocopy) of a final draft of John Herbert's play "Blanche and Rose's dream song." Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box E: John Herbert archives, the Porter Library, University of Waterloo. E19: one bound copy of a one-act play by John Herbert, 'Blanche and Rose's Dream Song', a light homage to Tennessee Williams. Final Draft - 1986. No. of pages: 30 (including title and theme pages)."

File contains one script, ca. 70 leaves (photocopy) with ms. insertions and corrections, of John Herbert's play "The biographers." Includes author's note on the folder: "The Biographers: a play in three acts, 70 pages, by John Herbert. Note: Title Page removed temporarily (drawing), 1986." Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box A, A-2 Playscripts. Title: The Biographers: a play in three acts by John Herbert. Enclosed: one copy. Draft - second. No. pages - 70. Theme - the play is a light comedy on the ups and downs of a life in the theatre. History - rehearsed in workshop by the Maverick Theatre Company at St. Paul's Community Centre, 1985-1986."

File contains one spiral-bound typescript, 73 leaves (photocopy), of the "third draft" of John Herbert's play "Magda." Includes a note on the cover: "Magda was produced by the Autumn Leaf Theatre Company under the direction of Thom Sokoloski at the Adelaide Court Theatre in Toronto, March and April, 1985." Includes author's note on the envelope: "A-1 Playscript. Title: Magda: a play in two acts by John Herbert. Enclosed: one bound copy. Draft: third (the one performed by Autumn Leaf Company). No. of pages: 73, year: 1985. Note: this copy contains a comment on the play made by Basya Hunter, the first person to read the work."

File contains one spiral-bound manuscript, ca. 102 leaves (photocopy), of the director Thom Sokoloski's script of John Herbert's play "Magda," with corrections and insertions. Includes one portrait of Basya Hunter, with a note on the verso: "My dear and good friend, Basya Hunter, actor, director, teacher and playwright. This photograph would date from the era of the Group Theatre in New York City, of which Basya was a founding member. J.H.B." Includes author's note on the envelope: "A-1 playscripts. Note: This play was recommended to its first director, Thom Sokoloski, by Basya Hunter (action director, playwright) who was the first person to read Magda - J.H. Title: Magda: a play in two acts by John Herbert. Enclosed: one copy, draft - third. Note: the final cuts, inserts and additions are on this copy of the script, (this is the version that was played by Autumn Leaf Theatre, at the Adelaide Court Theatre in Toronto). No. of pages - 73. Year

File contains one spiral-bound manuscript 169 leaves (photocopy), third draft: "revised version following the first playwrights' workshop and public readings at the Smile Company Studio." Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box B: one manuscript - 171 pages. B2: a play in 3 acts 'The Power of Paper Dolls' by John Herbert, 1984. The play was workshopped by the Maverick Theatre and presented in public performances at St. Paul's Community Centre in 1984, for the first time (directed by John Herbert). The second production was by the Smile company, performed at the University Alumni Theatre, Toronto, using members from the Autmn Leaf Company, 1984 (directed by Thom Sokoloski)."

File contains one spiral-bound manuscript, ca. 135 leaves (photocopy) with corrections, of the script for “Magda. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box A- A-1 'Magda' (1981). Enclosed: original hand written script with notes and marked changes (125 pages), plus 4 pages of preface and 3 pages of character description and 2 pages of Rivoli Theatre program. Note: there are two other copies of 'Magda' in this box - envelopes A-2 and A-3."

File contains one manuscript, 27 leaves (originals and photocopies) with corrections, of a draft script for John Herbert's play "Blanche and Rose's dream song." Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box E: John Herbert archives, the Porter Library, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario. E18: original first draft of a one-act play by J.H. : 'Blanche and Rose's Dream Song' (a light homage to Tennessee Williams). No. of pages: 27, Date: 1978. Note: see final draft in envelope E-19 (30 pages) (1986)."

File contains one black and white photograph of the set design for the Paris production John Herbert's play "Fortune and men's eyes." Includes the original mailing envelope, stamped, and addressed to John Herbert's mother, with the return address of John Herbert in London England. Includes author's note on the envelope [envelope contained files B-11, 12, and 13]: "Box B - additions to John Herbert archives, University of Waterloo: Items enclosed: B11, B12 and B13 - correspondence: 1972, 1997, 1999 (pieces related to theatre). B11: photo of Paris set design for Fortune and Men's Eyes ('Hommes') mailed to G.R.Brundage from J.H.B. in London, U.K. - 1972."

File contains contains one draft screenplay, typescript 122 leaves (photocopy), identified as copy number D-4, "Property of Elgin Films Ltd." Author's note indicates that this is the script used by Harvey Hart, director of the M.G.M. film version of "Fortune and men's eyes." Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box C: John Herbert archives, The Porter Library, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario. C16: Fortune and Men's Eyes: An early draft of the filmscript by John Herbert, the one used by Harvey Hart, final director of the M.G.M. film (1971). Note: The first director, Jules Schwerin, was bought out and removed from the film project, after too much altering of the author's original filmscript. See item C15."

File contains drafts of John Herbert’s collection of plays “Some angry summer songs, published by Talonbooks in 1975. Includes drafts of an introduction to the collection by Alex Grigeroff , ts. (photocopy) and ts. (carbon), 7 and 6 pages respectively, drafts of “The pearl divers,” typescript 5 leaves, (photocopy) with corrections; "Beer room," typescript 13 leaves (photocopy) with corrections; "Close friends," typescript 15 leaves (carbon) with corrections; The dinosaurs,” typescript 7 and 6 leaves (carbons and photocopy). Includes an announcement of the book's publication. Includes author’s note on the envelope: “Box C: John Herbert archives: C22: Some Angry Summer Songs. Early drafts of 4 one-act plays: Pearl Divers, Beer Room, Close Friends and Dinosaurs (published by Talonbooks) plus an introduction to the plays by Alex Gigeroff, Lawyer, criminologist and painter. Plus the first announcement of the coming publication of the plays by Talonbooks of Canada. - 1975.”

File contains photocopy of a manuscript of the play "Felice" by John Herbert.The play was originally created in 1955, with the final draft created in the 1980s. Includes author's note on the envelope: "B1 'Felice' : a one-act, four scene play written in 1955 and never performed. There is a first draft in the earlier part of the collection (1926 to 1980). This final draft was not found until 1982 when J.H. and his sister cleared the family house after the death of their mother. Enclosed: one copy of the final draft, 56 pages."

Series consists of typescripts and manuscripts of plays written by John Herbert between 1964 to 1997, many of them with notes and corrections. There are also unfinished and first drafts of plays.

Materials relate primarily to the professional life of John Herbert, between 1953 and 2001, including manuscript and typescript poems, plays, works and essays, as well as ephemera relating to his works. The ephemera covers publicity, advertising and programs of his theatre productions. Outside of his theatre career, there are also materials pertaining to his personal life. Newspaper clippings document his opinions on social issues such as homelessness, unemployment, and the rights of gays and lesbians. Herbert also wrote biographies and photographic histories of his own personal life from childhood to early adulthood. Other textual materials include published works mentioning Herbert in reviews of his works and life.