Materials relate primarily to the professional life of John Herbert, from 1940 to 1981, such as his literary works; theatre advertising, programs, and photographs; correspondences to critics, fans, his agent, and others; and reviews on his works. The literary works include drafts of his plays as well as manuscripts of his short stories and poetry.

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.

File contains correspondence to and from John Herbert, regarding researchers' questions. Includes photocopied ms. letters from John Herbert to Brandi Stocks, Patrick DuWors, and Amanda Lewis as well as email printouts to John Herbert from Amanda Lewis, and Amanda Lewis's completed paper "The Garret Theatre- a Dream Denied". There is also a coloured photograph of John Herbert posing next to a computer. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box B: (cont'd). Additional items for John Herbert archives, Porter Library, The University of Waterloo. B7: J.H.'s answers to questions from three students from two Canadian Universities (York University, Toronto and the University of Victoria, B.C.). March & April, 2000. Enclosed: are five separate manuscripts, one including an essay on 'The Garret Theatre' (A Dream Denied) by Amanda Lewis (student of drama at York University) These contacts were made and maintained over the internet. J.H. has a web-site. Picture enclosed: one photo of J.H. at his computer."

File contains Two manuscripts (originals), each with five poems on the recto and verso of a single sheet, described by John Herbert as copies made for readings.

File contains 1 snapshot of David Rothenberg and actress Fay Wray, with a letter from David Rothenberg to John Herbert. 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). B13: letter and photograph of David Rothenberg (original producer of 'Fortune and Men's Eyes' in 1967) with movie star Fay Wray - 1999. Note: David R. and John H. remain friends for 33 years."

File contains manuscript 1 p. (original and holograph copy; photocopy of latter).

File contains correspondence from Iris Turcott, The Canadian Stage Company, May 26, 1997 to John Herbert, regarding his play “The biographers. Includes author’s note on the envelope: “Box D: John Herbert archives: D2: a letter from The Canadian Stage Company, Iris Turcott, Dramaturge, re. ‘The Biographers’, a 3 act play by J.H. Date: May 28, 1997. Enclosed: one page.”

File contains manuscript 1 p. (original and holgraph copy).

File contains manuscript four poems on the recto and verso of one sheet; holograph copy of "Night on Young [sic] Street; photocopy of the latter.

File contains one letter to John Herbert from Tony Kelly, the Literary Manager of the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, in response to John Herbert's submission of his play "The biographers". Includes author's note on 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). B12: Letter from Berkeley Repertory Theatre in California, U.S.A., in reply to J.H.'s submission of a play 'The Biographers'

File contains manuscript 1 p. (original "second or third draft" and holograph copy).

File contains correspondence between John Herbert and the Artistic Director of the Harbourfront Reading Series, Greg Gatenby, concerning biographical information for "Toronto, a literary guide". Includes 2 letters to John Herbert from Greg Gatenby, dated June 19, 1997 and Aug. 24, 1997 and one letter from John Herbert, June 26, 1997. Includes author’s notes on the envelope: “Box D: John Herbert archives. D5: correspondence: 2 letters from Greg Gatenby, Canadian writer and artistic director of Reading Series at Harbourfront Centre: 1st - June 19, 1997: G.G.’s request for some J.H. history for G.G.’s book, ‘The Literary Guide to Toronto’ (published by McArthur and Company in 1999). 2nd - August 24, 1997: a thankyou letter to J.H. for his biographical contribution to G.G.’s collection of information on writers.”

File contains manuscript 1 p.: one handwritten copy of the original; one photocopy.

File contains a draft manuscript letter of a letter to the editor of Now Weekly magazine. It was written by John Herbert in December 28, 1996. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box D: John Herbert archives. D8: letter to the Toronto Star regarding the lack of an invitation to a Shakespeare international Festival, hosted by the British Royal Shakespeare Company, for our Stratford Festival Company - 1994. 2nd: letter to Now Weekly on the subject of failure of both the American and Canadain Dreams for the majority of North Americans - 1996. Enclosed: original 5 page draft."

Manuscript of an article published in Onion (Jan. 1978): 10. Features reviews of two plays: The Club performed at Toronto Workshop Productions and Ken Gass' Winter Offensive at Factory Theatre Lab.

File contains one letter to John Herbert from Elliott Hayes, Literary Manager at the Stratford Festival of Canada, regarding John Herbert's play "Broken antique dolls," dated July 14, 1993. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box D - Correspondence and other papers for John Herbert archives, The Porter Library, University of Waterloo. D17: (one item). Letter: To- John Herbert From- Elliott Hayes Literary Manager Stratford Festival, Stratford, Ontario. Subject- John Herbert's play 'Broken Antique Dolls' (a second-draft copy was sent by the author to Stratford Festival in June of 1993). Enclosed - original letter only. No. pages - one (plus mailed envelope). Date: July 14, 1993."

File contains one issue of The Fortune Society newsletter, The Fortune Home News, September 1992. Includes quotations from an essay titled "What is crime?" by John Herbert on page 1, and correspondence to John Herbert from The Fortune Society signed "Sheila and g." Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box C - C5: The Fortune Society: The editor for Fortune Society's newsletter 'Home' uses a couple of quotes from J.H.'s essay 'What Is Crime?', on page 1 of the September, 1992 issue. Attached to the magazine is a letter to J.H. from the editor. Enclosed: 1 copy of newsletter Mag. and the letter from editor. September 1st, 1992."

Typescript (carbon) review article of Giselle at the National Ballet of Canada published in Onion (March 31, 1977): 4.

File contains correspondence relating to posible production of "Omphale and the hero." Includes one letter (carbon copy) to the Canada Council for the Arts from John Herbert, dated Nov. 2, 1973; one letter to the Canada Council for the Arts from F.J. Quinn in support of the application of Iain Ewing for funding to make a film of “Omphale and the hero” dated Sept. 25, 1973, two letters from Ted Rathé dated Sept. 23, 1974 and Jan. 6, 1975; and one letter to John Herbert from Lynn McFadgen dated Oct. 2, 1974. Includes author’s note on the envelope: “Box C: John Herbert archives: C21: Omphale and the Hero: a play by John Herbert. Early interest in a Paris, France production by Alain Brunet, which ended when the interested French actress, Jacquelaine Gauthier died. Plus, early interest in a Canadian film by film-maker Ian Ewing, ended when Canada Council denied a request for a grant to help fund the project’s beginnings. See enclosed letter draft by J.H. - 1973.”

Typescript of "Keepers of the Sacred Cows" with edits by Don Rubin, Canadian Theatre Review. Note from Herbert explains in an accompanying note: "This piece was accepted and paid for (to the author) by Canadian Theatre Review in 1977; but later the editors changed their minds about printing it in C.T.R. (Cold feet?)"

Manuscript (carbon) of "Writing for Ourselvs and to Each Other" published in "first issue of Intrinsic, a Canadian poetry quarterly (editor Michael Zizis) Autumn, 1977."

File contains the first draft manuscript, 10 leaves (carbon copy), with title "An open letter to Nathan Cohen as artist." Note by John Herbert: "Published in Guerrila[sic], the Toronto underground paper, 1970." Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box D: John Herbert archives. D7: Open letter to Nathan Cohen. First draft - 1970. At time of writing this piece, John Herbert was burning his bridges in Canada behind him, fed up with the treatment his Garret Theatre Company had received from Toronto critics, including Nathan Cohen. N.C. had asked J.H. to concentrate on writing and to work with director, George Luscombe of Toronto Workshop Productions, a company Cohen's good reviews had helped to gain audience and arts council respect. J.H. informed N.C. that he had tried to work with G.L. for several months in 1963 and found the director's disrespect for writers made an impossible situation. J.H. suspected Cohen's criticism of the Garret designed to close the theatre. J.H. planned to move to England in 1971."

File contains manuscript 34 p.; typescript photocopy 17 p.

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.”

Typescript (carbon) of a review of Pots of People : Ivan Sarossy Sculptures a the Kar Gallery in 1976 published in Onion (April 15, 1976): 5. It was published under the name J.H. Brundage.

File contains one letter from Jules Schwerin to John Herbert about the film version of "Fortune and men's eyes," written November 18, 1967. This letter is a copy made by John Herbert's mother, Gladys Brundage, on lined notebook pages. Includes author's note on the larger envelope: "Box C: John Herbert archives: C17: A copy of the first letter from Jules Schwerin, film director, to J.H. on November 18, 1967, copied in her own hand by J.H.'s mother, G.R.Brundage, who kept a record of the developments of both the play and the film, 'Fortune and Men's Eyes' for years. She was a writer and poet in her own right (published as 'Gladys Reba Kirk'). Enclosed: 6 hand-written pages.

File contains one clipping from Xtra, Sept. 24, 1998: advertisement for "Night at the Twisted Opera" with illustration by John Herbert; and circular mail-out for "Rose's Twisted Imperial State Dinner," Oct. 8, 1998, with an illustration by John Herbert. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box D: John Herbert archives. D25: two drawings for the Coronation Ball 1998 by Carol Desmond (a.k.a. John Herbert) : 1. one for an ad in XTRA (weekly gay community newspaper) 'a night at the twisted opera' (ad.) Sept. 24/98. Enclosed: 1 copy of page 20 (EXTRA). 2. One card mail ad circular for Imperial State Dinner at Gatsby's Restaurant, Church St. Toronto, Oct. 8, 1998, a charity event by TICOT social society. Enclosed: 1 copy of advertising card."

Typescript (carbon) of a review of Ramona and the White Slaves, by George F. Walker, at the Factory Theatre Lab published in Onion (Feb. 1-14, 1976): 1-4, 5.

Typescript (carbon) of review about The Profit Picture: Mel and Smell on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation published in Onion (Jan. 15-31, 1976): 4.

File contains the April 2, 1992 issue of the magazine "Frank". There is a comic created by John Herbert published in the magazine on page 22. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box C - C6: FRANK Magazine: A comic strip by J.H. aka 'Nemesis', page 22 - 'The Club on Bay Street'. Note: John Herbert used the nom de plume 'Nemesis', as a cartoonist for Onion, the Toronto Paper on the Arts, from 1975 to 1982. (See collection of Onion issues in J.H. archives, the Porter Library, University of Waterloo)."

File contains 28 drawings (originals and photocopies) of draft cartoon drawings, unfinished drawings, and sketches. They also include notes regarding story development ideas. Includes a photocopy of a three page manuscript letter to the editor of Now Weekly. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box E: John Herbert archives , Porter Library, University of Waterloo. Enclosed: cartoons. E16: a variety of complete and incomplete cartoons and comic strips by John Herbert (under one or another of his 'noms de plume' as cartoonist) - plus some preliminary sketches and notes in planning the cartoons. Names (noms de plume) Nemesis, Hellican, Jan, R.U. Horny, Jacki Brun, No. of items: 31 pages - Dates: 1989 to 1994."

Manuscript (carbon) review of Pauline Carey as Anna Jameson published in Onion (Dec. 1-14, 1975): 7.

File contains 6 pen and ink drawings created by John Herbert in 1973 regarding his comic "The Slideshow". The drawings have captions written on them. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box D: John Herbert archives. D15: original drawings, 1973. The Sideshow (a comic book). The enclosed 6 pages were John Herbert's beginning of a comic-book project (under the name 'Jack Past') based on his memories of working with a carnival burlesque show (Model Shows' 'Paris After Midnight') in 1953, travelling through Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia (over a 6 months period)."

Typescript (carbon) of a review of Miska The Magnate, adapted by Sandor Kertesz, at the Hungariarn Art Theatre of Toronto at St. Lawrence Centre published in Onion (November, 1975).

Unpublished manuscript photocopy about television.

File contains one photograph of an oil portrait of Helen MacArthur, painted by John Herbert. Includes a cardboard frame with the author's note on it: "Photograph of oil portrait of Helen MacArthur, Head of Canadian Red Cross in the Nineteen-Fifties and Sixties, painted in 1964 by John H. Brundage. The painting hangs in School of Nursing of Edmonton, Alberta, willed to the Red Cross by Ms. MacArthur. She had served in Korea in the Nineteen-Fifties." Includes author's note on back of the envelope: "Note: The portrait was completed after 4 sittings at Ms. MacArthur's living room in her apartment on Grenville St. in Toronto in 1964. Over the subject's shoulder is seen the Jade vase, given Helen by Korean friends just before she left Korea, after setting up wartime Red Cross program there. Helen told friends over the last years of her life that the Jade vase and the oil portrait were her most prized possessions. J.H.B." Includes author's note on front of the envelope: "Box D: J.H. archives. D6: photograph of an oil portrait of Helen MacArthur, head of Canadian Red Cross in 1950s and '60s: painted by John Herbert Brundage in 1964. The original (18" x 24") hangs in the School of Nursing, Edmonton, Alberta, willed to her school by Helen MacArthur."

Typescript (carbon) of a review of Roy Austin and Charles Hilder at the Arts and Letters Club in 1975 that was published in Onion (November 1-14, 1975): 6. It was published under the name J.H. Brundage.

File contains a one leaf manuscript of the poem "The funeral of Pierre Trudeau" written by John Herbert, dated October 3, 2000. Includes author's note on the envelope: "Box E: John Herbert archives at the Porter Library, University of Waterloo. E13: one poem by John Herbert - Enclosed: one handwritten copy: 'The Funeral of Pierre Trudeau' October Third, 2000. Note: J.H.'s poem was written at the end of that long and moving day."

First draft manuscript (carbon) of a review of Graham Coughtry at the Isaacs Gallery in 1975 that was published in Onion 1, no. 1 (June 1975): 2. It was published under the name J.H. Brundage.

File contains a one leaf manuscript of the poem "As I listen and watch" written by John Herbert in 1999.

Unpublished and unfinished manuscript regarding the direction of Canadian theatre companies by British directors. It was drafted shortly after Robin Phillips was named artistic director of the Stratford Festival.

File contains a one leaf manuscript of the poem "War" written by John Herbert in 1998.

Unpublished photocopy manuscript about seeing the Rolling Stones at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1974.

File contains a one leaf manuscript of the poem "Somewhere" written by John Herbert in 1998.

File contains manuscript 22 p.; Letter to Ray Lawler, 2 drafts.; ts. (1 carbon).
Date and Place From: Feb. 26,1963 To Lawlor, Roy, Theatre-in-the -Dell From Herbert, John

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."

Series consists of publications published by John Herbert or by his Coutyard Studio Press.

Unpublished manuscript regarding Herbert's 1974 visit to the Banff Centre to watch the outcome of "six weeks work on several plays by their guest authors and a company of equity actors."

File contains two seven leaf manuscript drafts of the poem "Mary and monsters" written by John Herbert in 1996.

First draft manuscript of a review of Michel Tremblay's Hosanna at the Global Village.

File contains a two one leaf draft manuscripts of the poem "The first time" written by John Herbert in 1996.

File contains a two leaf manuscript of the poem "Me and America" written by John Herbert in 1995.

Unpublished manuscript review of Thornhill Theatre's 1973 production of Guys and Dolls.

File contains a four leaf manuscript of the poem "The last days of Dotty : a requiem" written by John Herbert in 1995.

Manuscript photocopy of an unpublished review of Lothar Spree's 1973 film Sarah's War.

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.

Full edition of Saturday Night no. 12 (1971) featuring an essay by Herbert titled "My life and hard times in cold, bitter, suspicious Toronto " (pages 21-24). Includes a photo of Herbert by Michel Lambeth. Notes in file indicate that the article was originally titled "How I found My Marbles," but that it was changed by Saturday Night editor R. Fulford.

First draft manuscript of an unpublished essay regarding "struggles with the United States Immigration Dept."

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.

Unpublished manuscript (10 p.) and carbon typescript (3 p.).

Unpublished typescript of a review of a 1969 production of George Ryga's The Ecstasy of Rita Joe at the Central Library Theatre in Toronto.

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.

Unpublished typescript. Note on p.1: "A comment on Canadian arts scene: film, theatre."

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.

Typescript (carbon) of "The Cuban Sailor" first published in Onion 1 (Oct. 15-31, 1975): 1-2 and later in Stage Voices, ed. Geraldine Anthony, 1977.

Series consists of biographical materials relating to John Herbert.

File contains manuscript photocopy, 10 p.

Series consists of biographical information on John Herbert.

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."

Unpublished typescript (carbon).

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.

Typescript photocopy.

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."

Manuscript (14 p.) of "On the desire of a prisoner to have his own identity" first published in Fortune Newsletter and a second time in Stage Voices ed. Geraldine Anthony, 1977. Alternate title: "The Sissy." Published in Fortune Newsletter and in Stage Voices, ed. Geraldine Anthony, 1977.

First draft manuscript (7 p.) and second draft manuscript (10 p.) titled "Save the great whooping crane" with cover letter dated January 21, 1965 to Village Voice, where it was published under the title "Tepid theatre in a cold climate" in 1967.
Date and Place From: 1965 January 21 To Village Voice From Herbert, John

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.

Manuscript first draft (11 p.) with cover letter, 1966, to Village Voice and a manuscripts second draft (13 p.). Note by John Herbert: "Later published in Onion."
Date and Place From: 1966 To Village Voice From Herbert, John

File contains manuscript 1 leaf (original).

Unfinished and unpublished manuscript.

Typescript photocopy (4 p.) of the short story "The Good City" and a copy of Fortune News, (Nov. 1974): 12, 23, in which the piece appeared.

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.

Manuscript 34 p. (in various numberings) in spiral-bound notebook 4 p. loose notes. Includes notes for and drafts of the review and a draft of letter to Nathan Cohen, drama critic for the Toronto Star.

Unpublished manuscript that was considered for publication in Atlantic Monthly. Includes a photocopy of the rejection letter from the editors.
Date and Place From: 1960 To Herbert, John From Atlantic Monthly editors

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

Unfinished and unpublished manuscript.

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

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.”

File contains manuscript 6 p. (original and photocopy).

Series consists of materials relating to John Herbert's Garret Theatre.

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

Unfinished and unpublished typescript.

File contains typescript photocopy, 13 p.

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

File contains typescript photocopy, 4 p. Original title: "Goodbye, beauty."