The Camden Benares Files

Writing Career

Common Sense Tarot: The Complete Guide to Tarot Reading

Zen without Zen Masters

Handful of Zen

It's All in Your Head: Remarkable Facts About the Human Mind, co-written with Jean Stine

Works Written with John F. Carr:

Crying Clown Celebration: The First Book of Phillip
(unpublished)

Eastern Passage
(unpublished)

Surface Disturbance
(unpublished)

Our Lady Marilyn
(unpublished)

Rainbow Run
(2012)

Archival Holdings

Camden Benares Files [loose paper + typescript]

Carr-05-01

15 leaves

Physical Description:

These files all relate to the writer Camden Benares.  There are several different items grouped together in this file

            - Open Letter to Clarence Kelly, F.B.I. Director by Camden Benares .

- Open Letter to the staff and management of Publishers Services by Camden Benares .

- Open Letter to Jimmy Carter by Camden Benares .

- Photocopy of Forthcoming Titles from an unknown source, featuring Zen Without Zen Masters by Camden Benares

- One page newsletter or flyer titled Zenarchy by Kerry Thornley

- Photocopy of a biographical form filled out by Camden Benares for the 1976-1977 Edition of Community Leaders and Noteworthy Americans.

- Photocopied three page guide for conspiracies titled The Conspiracy Directory

- Photocopied picture of a man that might be Camden Benares and shows his name and address at the bottom right corner of the picture.

- Four yellow page copies of a flier relating to eastern religions.

- Photocopy of a page from an unknown book featuring a picture of Adam Weishaupt, with text underneath that says “Adam Weishaupt, chief of the German Illuminati.

- One page typescript essay on Computers for the National Association for the Advancement of Computerized Intelligence NAACI.  Camden ’s name is handwritten at the top of the page.

- One page flier from the DNA Society scheming out marketing ideas for the new novel Illuminatus! By Robert Anton Wilson and Robert Shea.  Camden ’s name is stamped on the top left corner of the page.

Crying Clown Celebration [typescript]

Carr-05-02

362 leaves

Physical Description:

Edited draft by John F. Carr and Camden Benares.  The story starts on page 1 and ends on page 362.  The editor of this draft is unknown while the editor’s marks appear in black ink and pencil.  The heading of each page features “ Benares and Carr – Phillip 1,” and then is followed by the page number.  There is damage to each page in this draft, presumably from smoke.  The top, right and bottom edges are crumpled and have a brown stain to them. 

Crying Clown Celebration [typescript]

Carr-05-03

363 leaves

Physical Description:

Edited draft by John F. Carr and Camden Benares.  The story starts on page 1 and ends on page 362.  However there is an extra page after 362 that is numbered page 357, this page does not correspond with the first page 357 in the draft.   The editor of this draft is unknown while the editor’s marks appear in black ink. The heading of each page features “ Benares and Carr – Phillip 1,” and then is followed by the page number.  On page 1, written in blue ink at the top left of the page is “Bio-wars.”  Few pages but not the entire draft features some smoke damage to the outlying edges, overall not as significant as the damage to Carr-05-01.

Eastern Passage [typescript]

Carr-05-04

Unusual Pagination

Physical Description:

This draft of “Eastern Passage” by John F. Carr and Camden Benares is unfinished.  The heading on the title page is “Camden Benares and John F. Carr – 10512 Yarmouth Ave. – Granada Hills , Cal. 91344 – (213) 360-9211,” and “Projected 55,000 words – Usual rights, usual rates.” The draft starts on page 1 and goes to page 63. Then another copy of pages 40 through 52 comes after page 63.  After the repeat of page 52 the draft starts on chapter 12, which is numbered 12-1 through 12-10.  There is smoke damage visible throughout the draft, most noticeably on the cover page. 

Eastern Passage [typescript]

Carr-05-05

Unusual Pagination

Physical Description:

This edited draft of “Eastern Passage” by John F. Carr and Camden Benares is unfinished.  Chapters 7, 9, 10, 13, 14 and 17 are in this file.  The editor for these sections is unknown, while the editor’s marks are in black pen.  The heading on each page is “ Benares and Carr – page number.”   

Eastern Passage [typescript]

Carr-05-06

Unusual Pagination

Physical Description:

This file holds edited drafts of several chapters from “Eastern Passage” and an unfinished chapter plot summary.  The edited chapters are chapter 6, 8, 11, 12, 15 and 16.  The chapter summaries start with chapter 4 and end on the epilogue.

Eastern Passage [typescript + note card]

Carr-05-07

Unusual Pagination

Physical Description:

These files were originally bound with a blue cover that was titled “Clerical Kit” for the “Eastern Passage” story.  The files are split into three sections.  First is a typed three page Prologue for the draft.  The second section is a six-page edited draft of chapter two for the story.  The paper used for the six pages is recycled paper; with the story text typed on the backside of old paper.  The edits for this chapter have been corrected with a typewriter.  The third section is a full chapter-by-chapter summary for the story.  It features handwritten edits and notes from either John F. Carr and or Camden Benares.  In the chapter summary section is a note card which features handwritten notes about the storyline, the author of this note card is unclear.   

Surface Disturbance [typescript]

Carr-05-08

224 leaves

Physical Description:

Edited draft by John F. Carr and Camden Benares.  There are two items in this folder, first a four page glossary of terms, then the title page + draft.  The glossary of terms is on brown stained paper.  The heading on each page is “ Benares and Carr – page number.”  The draft starts with the title page.  There is a sticker on the top left corner of the title page that reads “JOHN F. CARR – Editor, SFWA Bulletin – 10512 Yarmouth Avenue – Granada Hills , CA 91344 .”  The heading on the top right of the title page reads “Approximately 56,000 words.”  The draft starts on page 1 to page 219.  The editor is unknown, while the editor’s marks appear in pencil.

Camden Benares’ Notebook [handwritten note and typescript]

Carr-06-12

Physical Description:

The contents of a maroon binder labeled “The Gentle Folk” in worn letters. Note written and signed on first page by John F. Carr reads, “Camden Benares’ original notebook for the novel Surface Disturbance, with notes and text… Novel sold to Laser books, but never published as Laser went out of business before book was published. 1/8/08” A note written on yellow legal pad paper was found in the front pocket of the binder. It bears a label from John F. Carr that reads, “ Camden ’s notes in his hand.”

Surface Disturbance manuscript [typescript]

Carr-06-13

219 leaves

Physical Description:

The contents of a blue plastic file folder with the label torn off. Appears to be a manuscript for the unpublished novel Surface Disturbance, by Carr and Benares . Approximately 219 pages discolored from smoke damage.

Our Lady Marilyn [typescript]

Carr-06-14

32 leaves

Physical Description:

The contents of a file folder labeled “Our Lady Marilyn.” Seems to be a manuscript for a short story of the same name by Carr and Benares . Approximately 32 pages, 8,000 words. The pages bear some minor smoke damage.

Ice Age [typescript]

Carr-06-15

71 leaves

Physical Description:

The contents of a file folder labeled “Ice Age.” Approximately 71 pages bearing water and smoke damage. Appears to be a manuscript for a story by Carr and Benares , however, the title is unclear. Two title pages appear at the beginning: Eastward Passage: A Science Fiction Adventure, and The Kalin Chase. Both title pages list Carr and Benares as the authors.

Published Books by Camden Benares

Carr-07-03

Physical Description:

A collection of published books by Camden Benares, John F. Carr’s close friend and colleague. These books are shelved with the other John F. Carr titles in the collection. A list of titles is filed in the main collection.

                        Titles by Camden Benares

·        Common Sense Tarot: The Complete Guide to Tarot Reading

·        A Handful of Zen

·        Zen ohne Zen-Meister (German translation of Zen without Zen Masters)

Crying Clown Celebration outline [typescript]

79 leaves

Carr-07-17

Physical Description:

This file contains two sets of loose sheets. The first set is titled, “The Crying Clown Celebration: a novel of the future.” This set is signed and dated 4/25/08 by John F. Carr, with a note that reads: “Original for agent outline and story done in 1978 or ’79, for proposal book (octet) The Crying Clown Celebration. This was to be our breakout series and we worked on the background/setting/future history starting 1975/76 and we were still working on it until Camden ’s fatal heart attack in 2000…” The outline is 44 pages long and covers the plots of all eight planned books. The second set of loose sheets is a short story by Camden Benares titled “A Legacy of Sex, Charisma and Death.” The story is 25 pages long and appears to be a predecessor of one of the planned Crying Clown Celebration novels.

The Crying Clown Saga [typescript]

5 leaves

Carr-07-18

Physical Description:

A set of two short articles written by John F. Carr. The first, titled “The Crying Clown Saga or Publish or Perish,” is two pages long and deals with Carr’s annoyance at the books that publishers choose to buy and publish. Edits are made to this draft with blue pen. The second article, titled “The Crying Clown Saga: So you want to be a SF Star,” is 3 pages long and deals with the same theme. Carr signs it at the top with the note “false start.” Edits are made on this draft by Carr in black pen.

The First Book of Phillip character descriptions [photocopied typescript]

2 leaves

Carr-07-19

Physical Description:

A photocopy of a 2-page list of characters in The First Book of Phillip, the first of eight novels in The Crying Clown Celebration. The list includes a physical description of each of the major characters and some of the minor characters in the novel, organized by order of appearance in the novel.

Crying Clown Celebration Draft [typescript]

362 leaves

Carr-07-20

Physical Description:

A set of loose sheets titled “The Crying Clown Celebration: The First Book of Phillip.” On top of the sheets is a smaller piece of paper with a penciled note that reads: “CCC, Geneaology Chart, Fitz’s grandfather is Fitzgerald Baker.” Below this note, in pen, is a note signed and dated 4/26/08 by John F. Carr that reads: “4^th or 5^th draft from approx. 1997-1998, when we went back to work on the ‘Clown Cycle’ after Camden ’s wife died unexpectedly…”

Rainbow Run [miscellaneous]

103 leaves

Carr-07-21

Physical Description:

The contents of a file folder labeled “Rainbow Run.” Includes:

·        loose sheets signed and dated 4/29/08 by John F. Carr with a note: “Original chpt. #1 written by JFC with editorial corrections by Camden Benares. Written by alternating chapters from eachother.”

·        some diagrams and loose spiral notebook sheets that appear to correspond with chapter 1.

·        a green notebook labeled “Affinity Factor” on the cover. Page 1 is signed and dated 4/27/08 by Carr with a note: “Original 1979/80 JFC notes for Rainbow Run, original title The Affinity Factor.”

·        paper-clipped loose sheets labeled “Rainbow Run—Terms and concepts in no particular order.” They are signed by Carr and labeled: “Notes taken and written by JFC.”

·        a set of 9 loose sheets dated 4/27/08 by Carr with a note: “Original proposal outline of first 4 chapters.”

·        a group of loose sheets signed and dated 4/27/08 by Carr with a note: “Photocopy of the first 5 chapters and remaining chapter outline of Rainbow Run finally finished in 1996 by C.B. and rewritten by JFC in 2002. Never sold.”

Rainbow Run draft [typescript]

280 leaves

Carr-07-22

Physical Description:

A stapled packet and a set of approximately 280 loose sheets. The packet is signed and dated 4/26/08 by John F. Carr with a note: “ Camden finished first (third actually) draft of Rainbow Run… which we first outlined and did a proposal for in the late 70s. PS—shorter and significantly (?) different from final.” The packet’s heading reads, “12/3/96 Rainbow Run Report from Camden Benares.” The loose sheets are titled “Rainbow Run: copyright 1996 by John F. Carr and Camden Benares.” They appear to be a draft of the unpublished novel.

Camden [miscellaneous]

Carr-07-23

Physical Description:

From a file folder labeled “ CAMDEN .” The contents appear to be various letters and articles concerning Camden Benares. The date range on these items is 1972-77.

Dream Lover [typescript]

120 leaves

Carr-07-24

Physical Description:

A light blue manuscript folder containing a document labeled, “An original screenplay copyright 1991 by Camden Benares.” The screenplay is titled “Dream Lover.”

Crying Clown Celebration Outline [typescript]

44 leaves

Carr-08-06

Physical Description:

An outline written by John F. Carr and Camden Benares for their planned series of novels known collectively as The Crying Clown Celebration. The outline contains plot summaries for the eight planned books in the series. On the title page, Carr has written and signed a note that reads: “Very early (late 70s) book outline of the Crying Clown octet.”

Crying Clown Celebration Draft: a Legacy of Sex, Death, and Charisma [typescript]

approx. 215 leaves

Carr-08-07

Physical Description:

A set of typed loose sheets bearing the heading “ONE.” The first sheet is signed by John F. Carr with a note that reads: “Draft of Crying Clown Celebration: A Legacy of Sex, Death, and Charisma (incomplete).” It is difficult to tell the exact number of pages in the document, for the pages are out of order. No editing marks are present on the draft.

The First Book of Phillip original first draft manuscript [typescript]

266 leaves

Carr-08-08

Physical Description:

A 266-page document with a title page that reads: “The First Book of Phillip, by Camden Benares and John F. Carr.” Two notations appear on the title page in red pen. The first reads, “First draft 11/80,” and the second reads, “Original.” In black pen, John F. Carr has signed and dated a note that reads: “5/22/08. Corrections by Camden Benares .” Extensive corrections are made to the draft in black pen in Benares ’ hand. The pages of the document are slightly discolored from smoke damage.

Rainbow Run excerpts [typescript]

Carr-08-09

Physical Description:

A set of loose sheets bearing the heading “CHAPTER NINE” on the first page. John F. Carr has also written and signed a note on the first page that reads: “Rainbow Run excerpts,” referring to a novel written by himself and Camden Benares that was completed but never sold or published. The document begins with chapter nine on what is labeled page 96, and it ends at page 255, but there are many sections of pages out of order, so it is difficult to tell the exact length of the document. No editing marks appear in the draft.

Bedlam Aboard the Belos [typescript]

30 leaves

Carr-13-05

Physical Description:

A proposal by Carr and his friend, Camden Benares, for a novel entitled Bedlam Aboard the Belos. The document is signed and annotated by Carr. The annotation dates this proposal to about 1977. The proposal includes a complete chapter outline, and is bound in a cardboard and plastic cover. The document bears some smoke damage from Carr’s office fire.

Crying Clown Celebration, original proposal [typescript]

92 leaves

Carr-13-06

Physical Description:

Two copies of the original proposal for a series of novels by Carr and Benares, collectively titled The Crying Clown Celebration. The proposal contains an outline for each of the series’ proposed eight books. The proposals bear some discoloration due to smoke damage from Carr’s office fire. The document is signed and annotated by Carr, who dates it to about 1979.

Rainbow Run manuscript [typescript]

Approx. 300 leaves

Carr-13-07

Physical Description:

Camden Correspondence [Miscellaneous]

Carr-15-36

Physical Description:

A collection of correspondence regarding Carr’s late friend and colleague, Camden Benares. The file contains a number of emails between Carr and other individuals regarding Benares, as well as letters written to Benares and letters written by Benares. The material covers a wide range of dates.

Clown Cycle Notes [Miscellaneous]

Carr-15-37

Physical Description:

The contents of a file folder labeled “Clown Cycle folder.” The material is signed and annotated by Carr, who identifies the material as Benares’ original notes for the Crying Clown Cycle. The file contains a legal pad which contains Benares’ notes, as well as miscellaneous typescripts and plot summaries related to the Crying Clown Cycle.

Dream Lover [Typescript]

120 leaves

Carr-15-38

Physical Description:

A copy of “Dream Lover,” an original screenplay written by Camden Benares.

Gone Missing [Typescript]

15 leaves

Carr-15-39

Physical Description:

A plot synopsis of a screenplay by Camden Benares titled “Gone Missing.”

Dream Lover Novel [Typescript]

48 leaves

Carr-15-40

Physical Description:

The first four chapters of a novel titled Dream Lover, by Camden Benares. In the document’s header, Benares identifies this novel as being based upon his original screenplay of the same name. The manuscript is dated 1991.

Candle and Censer [Typescript]

12 leaves

Carr-15-41

Physical Description:

A short work titled “Candle and Censer,” by Camden Benares. This piece was sent to Carr by Paul Waddell in California. The document includes a printout of an emailed note to Carr from Waddell.

The Good Fellow Who Found Happiness [Typescript]

35 leaves

Carr-15-42

Physical Description:

The beginning of an original novel by Camden Benares titled “The Good Fellow Who Found Happiness.” The document includes the first three completed chapters, in addition to plot summaries of the remaining ten chapters. The document is dated 1992.

Camden Photos [photographs]

30 photos

Carr-15-43

Physical Description:

The contents of a file labeled “SFM letters ’98.” The file contains about 30 photographs of Camden Benares at various ages. Some of the photographs include Carr. All of the images have been scanned and can also be found in the Archives’ digital collections.

Three Wishes [Typescript]

30 leaves

Carr-15-44

Physical Description:

A Legacy of Sex, Death and Charisma [typescript]

Carr-23-04

Physical Description:

The third version of "A Legacy of Sex, Death and Charisma" a sort story written by Camden Benares and John F Carr.

Discordia [Assorted]

Carr-23-05

Physical Description:

Various pages of Carr and Benares's work on Discordian philosophy. Also included is a CD entitled "Beyond Discordia" containing stories and other elements of the work on Discordia

Camden's Songs [Assorted]

Carr- 23-06

Physical Description:

Typed and hand written songs by Camden Benares dealing with different topics and ideas.

Rainbow Run: Early Version [typescript]

Carr-23-07

Physical Description:

Miscellaneous pages of Rainbow Run with both blue and black edit marks shown. These pages are in very rough form as shown by the numerous corrections present on many pages.

Rainbow Run: Galley [typescript]

Carr-23-08

Physical Description:

A galley of Rainbow Run by John F. Carr and Camden Benares with corrections in blue and red made by Victoria Carr while the black ones are made by John Carr.

Rainbow Run : First Draft Dust Jacket [typescript]

Carr-23-09

Physical Description:

The first draft of the text to appear on the dust jacket of Rainbow Run.

Rainbow Run: Edits and Comments [typescript]

Carr-23-10

Physical Description:

A list of edits for continuity and comments made on Rainbow Run and sent by email on September 7th 2012.

Rainbow Run: Dennis Frank Comments [typescript]

Carr-23-11

Physical Description:

Further comments made on Rainbow Run with pages from the story printed out and marked up for correction. Corrections are made in blue by Dennis Frank.

Rainbow Run: Copyedited Manuscript [typescript]

Approx 226 Leaves

Carr-23-12

Physical Description:

This is the copyedited manuscript of Rainbow Run by John F Carr and Camden Benares. Corrections can be seen in red and  blue. The red marks are Victoria Carr's edits while the blue belong to John Carr.

Terminal Affairs: Camden Benares [typescript]

Carr-23-13

Physical Description:

A corrected version of Terminal Affairs which was submitted and accepted by Wings Magazine. Enclosed is the note of payment along with the submitted story. 

 The Worshippers of Arabella: Camden Benares [typescript]

Carr-23-14

Physical Description:

Included is the original copy of the Worshippers of Arabella submitted to Maxim Jakubowski for publication in a British anthology along with letters about correcting the story to make it fit for publication. Also included is a version sent to Fantasy Book which was rejected.

A Zen Story: Camden Benares [typescript]

One leaf

Carr-23-15

Physical Description:

A single page Zen Story written by Camden Benares with a latter to the editor on the back of the sheet.

Candle and Censor: Camden Benares [photocopy]

6 leaves

Carr-23-16

Physical Description:

A photocopy of the short story Candle and Censor written by Camden Benares.

A Legacy of Sex, Death, and Charisma Emails [typescript]

Carr-23-31

Physical Description:

Emails regarding the book, A Legacy of Sex, Death, and Charisma and possible publication of other Camden Benares material in the future.

Zen without Zen Masters (Camden Benares) Contracts [typescript]

Carr-23-44

Physical Description:

A contract between Camden Benares and And/Or Press to publish Zen Without Zen Masters. This folder also contains contracts to publish the book in multiple languages including Dutch and finally a statement of debits and credits regarding the book.

SFWA Bulletin, Vol 13 No 1. [pamphlet]

Carr-25-07

Physical Description:

Volume 13 No 1 of the SFWA (Winter 1978) edited by John F. Carr also featuring an article entitled "Future Unlimited" by Camden Benares.

SFWA Bulletin, Vol 13 No 2. [pamphlet]

Carr-25-08

Physical Description:

Volume 13 No 2 (Spring 1978) of the SFWA edited by John F. Carr featuring another segment of "Future Unlimited" by Camden Benares.

SFWA Bulletin, Vol 13 No 3. [pamphlet]

Carr-25-09

Physical Description:

Volume 13 No 3 (Summer 1978) of the SFWA Bulletin edited by John F. Carr with a section of "Future Unlimited: Solving Tomorrow's Problems" by Camden Benares.

SFWA Bulletin, Vol 13 No 4. [pamphlet]

Carr-25-10

Physical Description:

Volume 13 No 4 (Fall 1978) of the SFWA edited by John F. Carr. "Future Unlimited: The New Physics as a Psychological Field Unifier" is written by Camden Benares.

SFWA Bulletin, Vol 14 No 1. [pamphlet]

Carr-25-11

Physical Description:

Volume 14 No 1 (Spring 1979) of the SFWA edited by John F. Carr. Camden Benares is featured  and wrote, "Future Unlimited: Future Facts for Future Fiction."

SFWA Bulletin, Vol 14 No 2. [pamphlet]

Carr-25-12

Physical Description:

Volume 14 No 2 of the SFWA Edited by John F. Carr; included is a piece of "Future Unlimited: Forecasting the Future with Delphi Method."

Zen Zonder Meester [Paperback]

Carr-25-16 (located on the bookshelf)

Physical Description:

Camden Benares's book Zen: Zonder Meester which is the Dutch translation of Camden's work Zen Zen Masters this version was published in 1979 in Rijwijk by Uitgeverj Elmar.

Zen Ohne Zen-Meister 1979 [Paperback]

Carr-25-18 (located on the bookshelf)

Physical Description:

Camden Benares's book Zen Ohne Zen-Meister which is the German translation of Camden's work published in 1990 by Sphinx.

Zen Ohne Zen-Meister 1990 [Paperback]

Carr-25-19 (located on the bookshelf) 2 copies

Physical Description:

Camden Benares's book Zen Ohne Zen-Meister which is the German translation of Camden's work published in 1979 by Volksverlag.

Common Sense Tarot: The Complete Guide to Tarot Reading [Paperback]

Carr-25-20 (3 copies located on the bookshelf)

Physical Description:

Camden Benares's book Common Sense Tarot: The Complete Guide to Tarot Reading published in 1992 by Newcastle books.

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Page created by Ellen Winger Fall 2008.
Last updated: 04/26/2013