The Robinson Jeffers Collection highlights the early literary life and enduring legacy of one of America’s most prominent poets of the natural world. Jeffers attended Oxy from 1903–1904, during which time he published numerous early poems in the student newspaper (The Aurora), joined the Stevenson literary society, and immersed himself in campus theater.
This collection documents Jeffers’ time at Occidental and includes materials that reflect both his student work and his later national influence. It offers valuable insight into the formation of his voice as a poet and dramatist, as well as his continued relationship with the College throughout his life.
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Robinson Jeffers (1887–1962) was a poet and playwright best known for his vivid depictions of the California coastline, his philosophy of “inhumanism,” and his narrative verse. His time at Occidental marked the beginning of his literary journey, and his connection to the College remained strong throughout his life.
In a 1955 letter to Oxy students, Jeffers reflected on those formative years, recalling the joy of seeing his early verses in print and his drive to improve through writing. His experience at Occidental shaped both his literary ambitions and his deep connection to the outdoors — two themes that remained central throughout his career. Jeffers went on to write acclaimed narrative poems, as well as a successful Broadway adaptation of Medea.
Graduated from Occidental College in 1904 after entering as a junior at age 16
Published his earliest poems in The Aurora, Oxy’s student newspaper
Active in the Stevenson Literary Society and campus theater
Later became one of America’s most celebrated poets of the natural world
Authored a popular Broadway adaptation of Euripides’ Medea
Early publications and printed poems by Jeffers, including pieces from The Aurora
Correspondence, including Jeffers’ 1955 letter to Oxy students about his literary beginnings
Biographical materials, clippings, and scholarly writings on Jeffers
Books by and about Jeffers, including later editions of his published works
The materials offer insight into Jeffers’ development as a writer and his lasting relationship with Occidental College.
Remsen Bird, arguably Occidental’s most charismatic president, shared a close friendship with Robinson and Una Jeffers. Known for cultivating relationships with influential artists and writers, Bird maintained regular correspondence with the couple, frequently visited them at Tor House, and eventually moved to Carmel himself. A portrait and caricature of Una, both drawn by Bird, reflect the warmth and ease of their bond, while also showcasing Bird’s playful creativity and artistic flair.
Robinson Jeffers was a rare human subject for renowned nature photographer Ansel Adams, a fellow Carmel resident. With his rugged features and solitary presence, Jeffers seemed to embody the very landscape he wrote about. His distinct appearance, shaped by his life as an individualist and outdoorsman, caught the attention of many major photographers of the American West. In addition to Adams, Jeffers was photographed at his home by Edward Weston, Morley Baer, and Life magazine photojournalist Leigh Weiner.
Edgar Lee Masters, the famous poet, was a friend of Robinson and was one of the most notable contemporary admirers of his poetry.
Haig was an English bulldog that was a beloved member of the Jeffers family. One of Jeffers saddest, most beautiful poems was written after the dog's death, entitled "House Dog's Grave."
Una Jeffers, Robinson’s wife, was a vital force behind his creative and public life. Their marriage was deeply passionate and enduring, lasting until their deaths. Fiercely independent and intellectually driven, Una served as Jeffers’ manager, editor, and muse — while also being a compelling figure in her own right.
During a trip to Ireland, she authored Visits to Ireland, a richly written travel narrative published by Ward Ritchie Press and illustrated by renowned woodblock artist Paul Landacre. Una’s life inspired stories of adventure and defiance; before her marriage, she was reportedly a well-known racecar driver in Southern California. A biography titled Of Una Jeffers, written by Edith Greenan in 1939, was reissued by Story Line Press in 1998.
Nationally recognized librarian and writer Lawrence Clark Powell was a classmate of Ward Ritchie at Occidental College. As a graduate student in Dijon (where, incidentally, he was good friends with Henry Miller and M. F. K. Fisher) Powell took up the study of Jeffers' work which resulted in the first definitive study of Jeffers' life and poetry. Dr. Powell's book on Jeffers, Robinson Jeffers: The Man and his Work, was his Ph.D. thesis at Dijon University in France.
Early in his career, Robinson Jeffers was a favorite subject of this unique, well-known, photographer (Edward Weston), who lived near Jeffers in the Carmel area.
William Everson was an influential and unconventional Beat poet whose life and work were deeply shaped by the poetry of Robinson Jeffers. From adolescence, Everson’s admiration for Jeffers bordered on the devotional — inspiring both his own creative output and a number of critical studies. He later taught fine printing at his own press at UC Santa Cruz, blending poetic expression with craftsmanship.
Everson’s life was as striking as his work: he spent years as a Dominican brother before leaving the order to live a freer, contemplative life near the ocean in Santa Cruz. He corresponded regularly with the Jefferses in his later years and made frequent visits to Tor House. A strong introduction to his poetry is Dark God of Eros (Heyday Books, 2003), a selection that reflects both his creative power and the lasting influence of Jeffers.
Milay and Jeffers were acquaintances and, as noted in the picture, she came to visit him at Tor House.
Ward Ritchie, a prominent Los Angeles fine printer and Occidental College graduate, developed a close professional relationship with Robinson Jeffers. Ritchie printed a number of beautifully crafted limited editions of Jeffers’ work, helping to elevate the poet’s presence in the world of fine press publishing. His first solo printing project was Jeffers’ poem Stars, produced shortly after his graduation from Oxy — a fitting choice that reflected the shared admiration Ritchie and his friend Lawrence Clark Powell held for Jeffers’ writing.
Ritchie began his early printing work in the basement of Clyde Browne’s Abbey San Encino in Garvanza, Los Angeles, after receiving permission to use Browne’s press. His Ward Ritchie Press would go on to set the standard for finely printed volumes in Southern California during the mid-20th century.
Before Jeffers, George Sterling was considered California’s unofficial poet laureate. A celebrated literary figure in his own right, Sterling played a pivotal role in launching Jeffers’ career — writing both the first biography and a critical review that brought national attention to Jeffers’ poetry. The two shared a deep friendship until Sterling’s death in 1926, which Jeffers later honored in verse.
A fascinating figure in the history of Southern California, Jacob (Jake) Zeitlin came to the region from Texas as a travelling bookseller. He settled down and eventually became a renowned bookseller in the area. He dabbled in fine printing, and was a promoter of western arts and literature. He formed friendships with Jeffers and other writers and artists in the region, including American photographer Edward Weston.
Zeitlin wrote a small book of poems published by Ward Ritchie. Jeffers was an influence in this endeavor, as this poem from the book indicates.
Mark Jarman is a contemporary poet whose work was influenced by Jeffers. His narrative style reflects this as well as does much of his subject matter. For example, in his book, Iris (Storyline Press, 1992), Jeffers poetry and the Carmel coast are focal points for the ambition and imagination of the protagonist. Jarman has won numerous national poetry awards and fellowships and has published many interesting works in the New Formalism style that he champions.