Scope and Content
The Sol Biderman Collection is comprised of Biderman's writings, research materials, and primary sources for his studies of folk literature including 326 Brazilian chapbooks published between 1958 and 2003, with related materials from other countries, including Mexico and Italy.
The collection includes material on performance, narratives, and Brazilian chapbook illustrating traditions. Three sound recordings, some of which were taped in Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, and Ceara in 1967-1968, capture the recitation of the cordel poems "Beira Mar" and "Galope a Beira Mar." Artifacts and xilogravuras in the collection include a selection of wooden boxes by Guilherme de Faria (a.k.a. Alma Welt); a series of fourteen woodblocks depicting the crucifixion of Christ by João Antonio de Barros; woodblock prints from the Via Sacra series by José Costa Leite; and selected photographs from Inocêncio da Costa Niquel's (Mestre Noza) woodblock Via Sacra series, plus other woodblock prints and posters advertising Biderman's plays. Chapbook authors include: João Martins de Athayde, Abraão Batista, J. (José) Borges, Rodolfo Coelho Cavalcante, Guilherme de Faria, Raimundo Santa Helena, Franklin de C. Machado, José Pacheco, Apolônio Alves dos Santos, and Minelvino Francisco Silva, among others.
Biderman's writings, including a play, poems, and articles form part of the Manuscripts series in the collection. Included are a selection of Chicano corridos and poems written by members of the Teatro Campesino and students of the Universidad Autonomia de Mexico in 1970-1972. Student poems were collected during the time Sol Biderman taught Chicano and English Literature at San Jose State University.