James Boyer May (Amsberry-May) papers

James Boyer May was a distinguished poet, editor, and publisher who played a pivotal role in the modern poetry movement of the mid-20th century. He served as the editor of Trace Magazine from 1952 onward, a publication dedicated to promoting contemporary poetry and literary discourse. May also edited Eight American Poets (An Anthology) in London in 1952 and Poetry Los Angeles in 1958, showcasing his commitment to advancing the visibility of American poets. His contributions extended to broadcasting, as he hosted Poetry & Talk and Reading Rail programs for the University of Southern California radio between 1957 and 1959. Additionally, May curated a taped series for the U.S. Library of Congress in 1959, featuring 24 American poets reading their own works. His influence was further amplified through lectures and radio broadcasts on modern writing, both in the United States and abroad. May occasionally served as guest editor for special issues of various periodicals, further cementing his legacy as a key figure in literary publishing and criticism.