Skip to main content

E. A. Mares Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-368-BC

Scope and Content

The collection consists of the original donation (processed April 1981) and two subsequent additions. Included in the collection are typed and hand written manuscripts of plays, poems, essays and reviews. Newspaper articles document Mares' life as poet, playwright, social critic and historian. Also included are pamphlets and posters mostly relating to appearances by Dr. Mares. Published materials in the collection include single page poems as well as journals and books. The collection contains a small assortment of correspondence and miscellaneous papers and memorabilia. Dr. Mares writes in English and Spanish and works as a translator.

The first addition (October 1987), a newspaper article and publicity flyer, are incorporated into relevant folders of the second addition (February 1995). A subsequent addition containing varied correspondence, publications, lectures and notes, was processed in November 1996.

Dates

  • 1971-1988

Language of Materials

English Spanish

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Biographical Information

Dr. Ernesto Antonio Mares, was born May 17, 1938 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mares attended the San Felipe de Neri School in Old Town Albuquerque and St. Mary's parochial high school. He completed a bachelor's degree in Spanish in 1960 from the University of New Mexico, were he studied with the exiled Spanish novelist Ramón Sender and the New Mexican author Sabine Ulibarrí. In 1962 Mares obtained a master's degree in Spanish from Florida State University, with a thesis entitled, The Philosophy of José Ortega y Gassett: Towards an Ultra-Utopian Society.

Two years of teaching Spanish at North Texas State University in Denton dampened Mares' enthusiasm as a language teacher but awakened his professional interest in history and political activism. He returned to the University of New Mexico in 1965 as a doctoral student in history and helped organize the UNM chapter of Students for a Democratic Society. His 1974 dissertation is entitled, Elements of Myth in Spanish Thought and in the Writings of the Generation of 1898.

While at the University of Arkansas from 1967 through 1969, Mares participated in workshops conducted by Jim Whitehead, James Seay, James Dickey, Allen Ginsberg and Miller Williams. It was at this time that Mares honed his poetic craft.

Dr. Mares has taught at several institutions including New Mexico Highlands University, the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, North Texas State University and was curator of education at the Albuquerque Museum. He is also a frequent contributor to the review pages of local newspapers and journals including the Albuquerque Journal and Santa Fe Reporter.

Mares' most significant early publications as a poet and essayist were with the Academia de la Nueva Raza and its journal Cuaderno. His career as a dramatist began in 1979 with the Compañia de Teatro de Albuquerque's production of his play Lola's Last Dance. Mares' most recent essays deal with issues of science and ethics in New Mexico. His works include: Myth and Reality: Observations on American Myths and the Myth of Aztlan,1973; The Unicorn Poem, 1980; Padre Antonio José Martínez de Taos, 1983; Las Vegas, New Mexico: a Portrait, 1983; El Corrido de Joaquín Murieta, 1984; Los Alamos: From Where the Zig-Zag Lightning Strikes, 1985; Padre Martínez: New Perspectives from Taos, 1988; and The Shepherd of Pan Duro, 1989.

Extent

1 box (1 cu. ft.) & 1 oversize folder

Related Material

Vertical file: Mares, E.A. Center for Southwest Research. University of New Mexico.

Hector Torres Papers, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico Hispanic Writers Collection Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico

Processing Information

Inquire with reference staff for access to unprocessed addition, March 2015 (Research files, correspondence, draft poetry, posters, original photos for book,info on organizations and DVDs and CDs of poetry performances.), 19 boxes, B3-7B.
Title
Finding Aid of the E. A. Mares Papers, 1971-1988
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by D. Trujillo
Date
©2000
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//University of New Mexico::Center for Southwest Research//TEXT (US::NmU::MSS 368 BC::E. A. Mares Papers)//EN" "nmu1mss368bc.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451