John J. Burns Library

The Irish and Irish Americans Manuscript Summaries


Summaries of manuscript collections in the Burns Library are provided below. For more detailed information about these same collections, consult the BC Libraries On-Line Catalog.

Manuscripts list Research Collections Burns Home Page


Abbey Theatre

Title: Abbey Theatre Collection, 1911-1988.
Description: .5 linear ft. (2 boxes). 5 microfilm reels.
Finding aids: Partial inventory available.
Notes: Scrapbooks and dissertation available on microfilm.
Summary: Consists of manuscripts of plays, novels and poems written by a number of modern Irish authors. Also includes theater programs of the Abbey Theatre and other playhouses in Ireland and programs for productions given by the Abbey Theatre Players. In addition, there are scrapbooks of Abbey Theatre tours, and a dissertation by Edward Abood on the theatre's influence in America from 1911-1914.

American Conference for Irish Studies

Title: American Conference for Irish Studies Records, 1961-[ongoing]
Description: 4 linear ft. (4 boxes)
Summary: Composed of the official records of ACIS, including correspondence of officers, meeting programs and minutes, reports, membership lists, reviews, articles, and publications. Much of the material concerns annual and regional meetings, and other activities of the organization. The records also include information on the various regional groups of ACIS.
Biog/Hist Note: American academic organization. The American Committee for Irish Studies held its first conference in December 1961. The Committee was formed to encourage research and writing in Irish Studies. In 1987 the name of the organization was changed to American Conference for Irish Studies.

Beckett, Samuel, 1906-1989

Title: Calvin Israel - Samuel Beckett Collection, 1929-1981 (bulk 1960-1980).
Description: 2 linear ft. (5 boxes).
Arrangement: Organized into five series: Manuscripts; Publications; Theatre Programs; Audio-visual; Ephemera.
Finding aids: Finding Aid available. Item level control.
Notes: Many items in French.
Summary: Comprised primarily of Beckett manuscripts, including originals, holographs, and xerox copies. Also includes theater programs and announcements, printed works of Beckett, and reviews and criticism. In addition, there are audio cassettes of Beckett plays, photographs, and some material relating to Beckett plays and festivals.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author, poet and playwright. Beckett was born in a suburb of Dublin and attended Trinity College. After a period of teaching and travelling he settled in Paris. After World War II he produced a number of plays and other literary works. Beckett became an important contributor to existentialist philosophy, and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969.

Beckett, Samuel, 1906-1989

Title: Robert Pinget - Samuel Beckett 1953-1988 (bulk 1955-1977)
Description: Ca. 2 linear ft. (3 boxes)
Notes: Preservation photocopies and typed transcriptions of the original materials are available for use in the repository. Access to the original letters is restricted.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Summary: The materials consist of handwritten and typed letters from Samuel Beckett to Robert Pinget. Most items are written in French.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author, poet and playwright. Beckett was born in a suburb of Dublin and attended Trinity College. After a period of teaching and travelling he settled in Paris. After World War II he produced a number of plays and other literary works. Beckett became an important contributor to existentialist philosophy, and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969.
Biog/Hist Note: Swiss-born French novelist and playwright. Robert Pinget was born on July 19, 1919 in Geneva Switzerland. In 1946, he moved to Paris and gradually discovered his interest in writing and became part of the NOUVEAU ROMAN literary movement. Pinget met Beckett in 1955 and they forged a friendship important to him both personally and professionally. Pinget died in 1997.

Beckett, Samuel, 1906-1989

Title: Barney Rosset - Samuel Beckett Collection, 1949-1989, (bulk 1970-1989)
Description: 5 linear Ft. (20 boxes)
Arrangement: Organized into three series: Manuscripts; Correspondence; Rosset/Grove Press Files. Four subseries in Rosset/Grove Press Files: Requests and Agreements; Subject Files; Royalty Statements; Copies of Manuscripts.
Notes: One manuscript, ELEUTHERIA, in French.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Folder level control.
Summary: Manuscripts represent three decades of Beckett's writing, and include plays, stories, and other works, many with annotations. Correspondence is made up of letters and cards from Beckett to Rosset, discussing the author's life and work. The Rosset/Grove Press files include business and financial records relating to Beckett's career. Among the subject files are reviews, articles, photographs, theater programs, and correspondence with various directors, writers, and actors.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author, poet, and playwright. Beckett was born in a suburb of Dublin and attended Trinity College. After a period of teaching and travelling he settled in Paris. After World War II he produced a number of plays and other literary works. Beckett became an important contributor to existentialist philosophy, and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969.

Beckett, Samuel, 1906-1989

Title: Alan Schneider - Samuel Beckett Collection, 1955-1984
Description: 1 linear ft. (2 boxes)
Arrangement: Organized into two series: Correspondence; and Manuscripts.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Folder level control.
Summary: Composed mainly of correspondence between American stage director Alan Schneider and Beckett. There is additional correspondence between Schneider, Thornton Wilder, and others, as well as other notes and other correspondence of Beckett. The collection also includes manuscripts and other material relating to Beckett's FILM and a series of translations from WAITING FOR GODOT by Thornton Wilder.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author, poet and playwright. Beckett was born in a suburb of Dublin and attended Trinity College. After a period of teaching and travelling he settled in Paris. After World War II he produced a number of plays and other literary works. Beckett became and important contributor to existentialist philosophy, and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969.

Behan, Brendan

Title: Brendan Behan Letters, 1961-1962
Description: 2 letters (1 box).
Summary: Letters written by Brendan Behan to Sylvia and Leonard Lyons.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish playwright, author and poet.

Birmingham, George A., 1865-1950

Title: George A. Birmingham Papers, 1905-[not after 1949]
Description: .5 linear ft. (1 box)
Summary: Includes original manuscripts of two works: A SEA BATTLE (published 1948), and LAURA'S BISHOP (published 1949). Also includes correspondence to Alfred Perceval Graves.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish novelist, playwright, and humorist. George A. Birmingham is the pseudonym of Canon James Owen Hannay. Hannay was born in Belfast and attended Trinity College, Dublin. He was ordained a priest of the Church of Ireland in 1889. Birmingham began to publish political novels in 1905; many later novels were humorous in nature. He died in London.

Cahill, George D.

Title: George D. Cahill Papers, 1857-1920 (bulk 1870-1890)
Description: 2.5 linear ft. (6 boxes)
Arrangement: Organized into four series: Pamphlets; Financial Records; Meeting and Membership Information; and Letters.
Finding aids: Preliminary inventory available.
Summary: Composed of papers from the Irish National Land League and the Fenian Brotherhood. Includes material relating to Irish nationalist movements in America, especially Massachusetts. Many items concern the activities of particular nationalist societies. Cahill's correspondence with various individuals make up the bulk of the collection.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish nationalist. Cahill was active in Irish nationalist activities in America (especially greater Boston) during the late nineteenth century.

Cahill, Thomas P.

Title: Thomas P. Cahill Family Papers, 1901-1971
Description: 1 linear ft. (1 box)
Summary: Composed of manuscripts and publications of Cahill, as well as photographs, newspaper clippings, correspondence and related items. Much of the material relates to Irish history and the role of James Cahill in the Manchester rescue of 1867. Also includes an account of the Boer War by P. A. Cronje.
Biog/Hist Note: Journalist and historian. Cahill was born in England in 1862, and came to America five years later. He was active in the labor movement from 1882 to 1903, and later served as editor of local newspapers. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and other organizations. Before his death in 1942, Cahill lectured and published frequently on Irish topics.

Casement, Roger, Sir, 1864-1916

Title: Roger Casement Correspondence, 1905-1915
Description: 3 items (1 box)
Arrangement: Arranged chronologically.
Summary: Consists of correspondence of Casement including a letter to THE PILOT on English restrictions on Irish trade in 1914.
Biog/Hist Note: Civil servant and Irish nationalist. Casement served in the British Foreign Service from 1892 to 1913. He joined the Irish Volunteers and tried to secure arms for them. When the Easter Rising broke out he was charged with treason and sentenced to death.

Charitable Irish Society (Boston, Mass.)

Title: Charitable Irish Society Records, 1809-1991, (bulk 1930-1991)
Description: 27.5 linear ft. (66 boxes)
Arrangement: Arranged chronologically.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Folder level control.
Related Material: Charitable Irish Society records dated 1737-1937 located at Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston, MA.
Summary: Consists of business and personal correspondence, meeting minutes, memoranda, financial records, official pamphlets, programs, and newspaper clippings. The vast majority of correspondence concerns society business. Meeting flyers and dinner programs are informative of society activity, as are various clippings. A copy of the original act of incorporation, dated 1809, is included. There are also some photographs of society members.
Biog/Hist Note: Charity organization. The Charitable Irish Society was founded in 1737 by Irish Protestants in Boston. By mid-century, Catholics had joined the organization, and their presence increased in later years. Though originally organized for charitable purposes, the society also offered various social activities. The society continues to exist today.

Childers, Erskine, 1870-1922

Title: Erskine and Mary Childers Collection, 1922-1998, (bulk 1956- 1961)
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Summary: Composed of articles, publications, and other works written about Erskine Childers. Also includes correspondence of Mary Childers with Terence Connolly, S.J., Librarian at Boston College.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish politician and author. Childers was born in London and educated at Cambridge. After World War I he became a fervent Irish nationalist; he was executed in 1922. Childers wrote THE RIDDLE OF THE SANDS, and several works on military history.

Clarke, Thomas James, 1858-1916

Title: Thomas J. Clarke and Kathleen Daly Clarke collection, 1897-1972.
Description: Ca. 3 linear ft. (9 boxes).
Arrangement: Arranged into three units: I. Kathleen Daly Clarke Collection; II. General Irish History Collection; and, III. Thomas J. Clarke Collection.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Summary: Contains correspondence, photographs, original art, publications and ephemera related to the lives of Thomas and Kathleen Clarke.
Biog/Hist Note: Thomas Clarke (1857-1916) was a central figure in Fenian activities in Ireland and the United States during the 1880s and 1890s and in the 1916 Easter Rising.
Biog/Hist Note: Kathleen Clarke (1878-1972) was an active participant in Irish politics from the reemergence of militant Irish nationalism in the early twentieth century until her death in 1972.

Collins, Patrick Andrew, 1844-1905

Title: Patrick A. Collins Papers, 1868-1908, (bulk 1880-1890)
Description: 1.5 linear ft. (6 boxes).
Arrangement: Organized into six series: Correspondence; Manuscripts; Publications; Visual Materials; Official Documents; Photocopies.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Summary: Contains copies of correspondence between Collins and several prominent Irish figures, mainly dealing with the activities of the Irish Land League. Also includes original letters to Collins relating to other matters. There are some letters of Peter W. Collins as well as photographs and other materials about Patrick Collins.
Biog/Hist Note: Lawyer and politician. Born near Fermoy, Ireland, Collins immigrated to America in 1848. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1871 and practiced law in Boston. He served in the Massachusetts State Legislature and was a member of Congress from 1883-1889. He was mayor of Boston from 1902 to 1905. Collins was very involved in the Irish Land League and Irish affairs in general.

Colum, Padraic, 1881-1972.

Title: Padraic Colum Papers, [1927]-1966.
Description: 25 linear ft. (1 box).
Arrangement: Organized into two series: I. Correspondence; and, II. Typescripts.
Finding Aids: Finding aid available. Item Level Control.
Summary: The collection contains typescripts of his plays TIMBUKTU (1953) and KILMORE (1966) and a single letter dated from 1927.
Biog/Hist: Irish dramatist, poet and children's writer. Padraic Colum was born in 1881 in Longford, Ireland.Many of his early plays were performed by the Abbey Theatre. He migrated to the United States in 1914 where he became known as an author of children's literature. Colum died in 1972.

Connolly, James Brendan, (1868-1957)

Title: James Brendan Connolly Papers, 1896-1957, (bulk 1930-1957)
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Summary: Mainly consists of correspondence, articles, and clippings about Connolly. Also includes copies of the magazine LIMELIGHT, which Connolly edited in the 1930s.
Biog/Hist Note: Athlete, journalist, and author. Born to Irish immigrant parents, Connolly attended Harvard, and won an Olympic medal in 1896. He later settled in Gloucester, MA and wrote many stories of the sea.

Connolly, Myles

Title: O'Brien Family - Myles Connolly Correspondence, 1928-1961, (bulk 1961)
Description: 4 items (1 box)
Summary: Composed of correspondence of Connolly with Frederick O'Brien and his son, Richard.
Biog/Hist Note: Author and producer. Born in Boston and educated at Boston College, Connolly pursued a career in journalism after World War I. In 1928 he went to Hollywood, where he produced many motion pictures. He also wrote several books.

Conway, Katherine E. 1853-1927

Title: Katherine E. Conway Papers, 1874-1926
Description: 2 linear ft. (6 boxes)
Arrangement: Organized into five series: Diaries; Photographs and Small Paintings; Scrapbooks; Poetry and Commonplace Books; and Manuscripts and Articles.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Folder level control.
Summary: The diaries (1907-1925) discuss daily activities and personal thoughts. Subjects of photographs include Church, literary, and historical figures, as well as South American landscapes. Scrapbooks include articles by and about Conway (1874, 1889-93). Poems date from the 1880's and often concern religious themes. Manuscripts and speeches also treat religious and literary themes.
Biog/Hist Note: Journalist and poet. Conway was born of Irish parents in Rochester, New York. She was educated in Rochester and Buffalo. After working as an editor and journalist in New York State, she joined the staff of THE PILOT in Boston in 1883. In 1904 she became the paper's first female editor. In 1908 she became editor of THE REPUBLIC.

De Valera, Eamonn, 1882-1975

Title: Eamonn De Valera Collection, 1918-1975
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Summary: Composed of published speeches of De Valera, some of which date from the World War II era. There are also visual images of him, including photographs taken during his visit to Boston in 1947. In addition the collection includes obituaries of De Valera from Irish newspapers, and two letters of De Valera's wife, Sinead.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish statesman. De Valera participated in revolutionary politics as a young man and after the Easter Rising became national president of Sinn Fein. In 1919 he became President of Ireland. At various intervals between 1932 and 1959 he was Prime Minister; he ended his public career by serving two terms as President.

De Vere, Aubrey, 1814-1902

Title: Aubrey De Vere Papers, 1885-1905.
Description: 2 v.
Finding Aids: Finding aid available.
Summary: Consists of a manuscript titled LEGEND OF ST. PANCRATIUS and a bound volume titled LETTERS OF AUBREY DE VERE, which includes letters of De Vere, Stephen De Vere, Walter George Smith and C. E. Norton, as well as an photograph of Aubrey De Vere.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish poet. De Vere was born at the family estate of Curragh Chase in Limerick and educated at Trinity College. He published essays, poetry, travel literature and other works, a portion of which concerned Ireland and the Irish. A convert to Catholicism, De Vere corresponded with many of the important writers of his day.

Eire Society of Boston

Title: Eire Society of Boston Records, [18--]-[ongoing]
Description: ca. 21 linear ft. (44 boxes)
Arrangement: Organized into seven series: Administrative Files; Publications; Meeting Minutes; Financial Records; Photographs; Scrapbooks; Artifacts.
Finding aids: Finding aid available.
Summary: Composed of official records of the society, such as meeting minutes, correspondence, programs, publications, and financial records. In addition there are clippings, scrapbooks, and some photographs which relate to the society and its activities. Some of the material concerns Irish and Irish American political figures. While most of the material dates from the period after 1937, there are also some other collected items from the 19th Century pertaining to the Irish and Irish Americans.
Biog/Hist Note: Cultural organization. The Eire Society of Boston was founded in 1937 primarily for the purpose of promoting interest in Irish culture and civilization. The organization sponsors various events and programs, including lectures, publication of a bulletin, an annual dinner, and the presentation of awards and donations.

Fields, Rona M.

Title: Rona M. Fields Typescripts, [1973?] - [1977?]
Description: 1 linear ft. (1 box).
Summary: Composed of manuscripts (typescripts) of three books written by Fields, which deal with Portugal and Northern Ireland.
Biog/Hist. Note: Social psychologist. During the 1970s Fields taught at Clark University in Worcester, MA.

Fitzgerald, Margaret M. (Margaret Mary) 1891-1990.

Title: Margaret M. Fitzgerald Papers, 1901-1980.
Description: .ca 1.5 linear ft. (2 boxes).
Finding aids: Finding aid available.
Arrangement:Organized into eight series: I. Journals; II. Correspondence; III. Speeches; IV. Education Materials; V. Work-Related Documents; VI. Financial Records; VII. Printed Materials; VIII. Photographs
Notes: Some items may be restricted
Summary: Composed primarily of diaries (1940-1974), correspondence, speeches, notebooks and newspaper clippings. The papers document the life and work of Margaret Fitzgerald.
Biog/Hist Note: Social reformer and suffragist. Margaret Fitzgerald was born in 1891 in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1906, Fitzgerald began work as a cashier at Filene's Department Store and later became a buyer for several departments. During this period, she agitated for women's rights and for a livable minimum wage. During the Great Depression, Fitzgerald was a regional director of the National Youth Administration and during World War Two worked for the National Catholic Community Service. After the war, she opened a Boston-based chain of maternity shops. Fitzgerald died in 1990.

Galvin, Patrick, 1927-

Title: Patrick Galvin Papers, 1973-1985
Description:1 linear ft. (2 boxes)
Finding aids: Finding aid available.
Summary: Consists primarily of manuscript copies of several plays by Galvin. Also includes manuscripts of a radio play, as well as a number of poems. There are also theater programs and notices relating to Galvin's plays, and a piece of artwork.
Biog/Hist Note:Irish poet, playwright, and balladeer. Galvin was born in Cork City, Ireland. In the early 1970's he was attached to the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. Some of his work concerns "the troubles" in Northern Ireland. He is also known for his interest in Irish folk music.

Gibbon, Monk, 1896-

Title: Monk Gibbon Collection, 1929-1990, (bulk 1951-1975)
Description: .5 linear ft., (2 boxes)
Arrangement: Organized into six series: I. Correspondence; II. Manuscripts; III. Publications by Gibbon; IV. Publications about Gibbon; V. Correspondence about Gibbon; and, VI. Photographs.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Notes: Includes material collected by Gibbon, Alan Denson, and Alan Steele.
Summary: Composed mainly of correspondence from Gibbon to Alan Denson. Also includes clippings, drawings, publications, and manuscripts of Gibbon, as well as correspondence of Gibbon to Alan Steele. There is some correspondence to Denson from the composer Christopher le Fleming, and copies of articles by Denson.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author and poet. Gibbon was born in Dublin and educated in Ireland and at Oxford. He wrote poetry, travel books, criticism, novels and biography, and became a member of the Irish Academy of Letters and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Gogarty, Oliver St. John, 1878-1957

Title: Oliver St. John Gogarty Collection, 1923-1951
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Summary: Composed of corrected typescript of chapters 2-12 of Gogarty's book on Saint Patrick and the early history of Ireland, and correspondence of Gogarty, including a letter from Joseph P. Kennedy.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish poet and author: Gogarty was born in Dublin and attended the medical school of Trinity College and Oxford. He published several novels, collections of poems, and other works. He left Ireland in 1939 and lived in America for the remainder of his life.

Gregory, Lady 1852-1932

Title: Lady Gregory Collection, 1932-1970
Description: .1 linear ft. (1 box)
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Summary: Includes an autographed typescript of Lady Gregory entitled "THE OLD WOMAN REMEMBERS" and a letter written by Lady Gregory to Miss Morse. The collection also includes published articles by others on Coole Park which mention Lady Gregory.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish playwright and author. Lady Gregory's literary career began in the 1880s. She became especially interested in folklore and the Irish theatre and collaborated with such figures as Yeats, Moore and Synge of the Abbey Theatre movement.

Guiney, Louise Imogen, 1861-1920

Title: Louise Imogen Guiney Papers, [1893?] -[1916?]
Description: .l linear ft. (1 box)
Summary: Consists of manuscripts of poems, transcriptions of poems by others and correspondence. Some of the letters are to W. R. Castle of Cambridge.
Biog/Hist Note:Poet. Guiney was born in Boston. Her poems appeared in several periodicals and she also published several books of verse. After 1901 she lived in England.

Gwynn, Edward

Title: Edward Gwynn Letters, 1939.
Description: 2 items (1 box).
Arrangement: Arranged chronologically.
Summary: Made up of two letters to Colm O Lochlainn.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish scholar and college administrator. Gwynn published many books and articles on Irish literature. He served as Provost of Trinity College in Dublin.

Heaney, Seamus

Title: Seamus Heaney Collection, 1961-1996
Description: ca. 2 linear ft. (8 boxes)
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Summary: Composed largely of clippings relating to Heaney and his work. Also includes correspondence, original manuscripts of poems, articles, programs, and pamphlets. There are broadsides of poems, audio cassettes and phonograph records.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish poet. Heaney was born in County Derry in 1939 and attended St. Columb's College and Queens University, Belfast. He has lectured at several universities, including Harvard and Oxford. In 1995 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Hoult, Norah, 1901-1984

Title: Norah Hoult Correspondence, 1934-1954
Description: .1 linear ft. (1 box)
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Arrangement: Arranged chronologically.
Summary: Consists of correspondence of Hoult with various Irish literary figures.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author and novelist. Hoult was born in Ireland and educated in England. Her first book, a collection of short stories, appeared in 1928.

Hughes, John T., 1871-1945

Title: John T. Hughes Papers, 1921-1945
Description: .2 linear ft., (1 box)
Finding aids: Finding aid available.
Summary: Composed of letters, telegrams, newspaper clippings, and photographs. Most items deal with Irish politics, and Hughes' involvement in them. There is some correspondence between Hughes and Irish political leaders like Eamonn De Valera, Sean T. O'Kelly, and Douglas Hyde.
Biog/Hist Note: Lawyer. Hughes was a native of Watertown, MA., and a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School. He practiced law in Boston and was a strong public supporter of the Irish Republican movement. In 1920 he was one of the founders of the American Association for the Recognition of the Irish Republic. Hughes died in Boston.

Jordan, M. J.

Title: M. J. Jordan Papers, 1847-1944 (bulk 1900-1920)
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Notes: Some items in Latin and Gaelic.
Summary: Consists of correspondence and clippings of Jordan, including letters from Irish leader John Edward Redmond. Most of the clippings concern affairs in Ireland. There are programs and clippings relating to anniversaries of John Boyle O'Reilly and Patrick Andrew Collins, as well as death notices of Daniel O'Connell, the Irish Nationalist. Also includes a photo of Jordan, a scrapbook of readings and some material of the United Irish League of America.
Biog/Hist Note: Lawyer. Michael J. Jordan practiced law in Boston. He served as National Secretary of the United Irish League of America and was active in affairs relating to Ireland.

Joyce, Robert Dwyer, 1836-1883

Title: Ballads, etc., (New Volume) : manuscript., [not after 1883]
Description: 1 v. : ill. ; 19 cm.
Notes: Several pages have been torn from the bound volume.
Summary: A bound journal with poems, fragments and notes. The text relates to Irish mythology and ancient history. The title page contains an original ink drawing by Joyce.
Biog/Hist Note: Poet and physician. Robert D. Joyce was born in Glenosheen, Co. Limerick in 1836. He earned his medical degree from Queens College, Dublin. In 1866, Joyce immigrated to the United States and settled in Boston, Massachusetts. He returned to Ireland in September 1883 and died in Dublin on October 24, 1883.

Kelly, Michael, 1762-1826

Title: Michael Kelly Papers, 1790-1835
Description: 9 items (1 box)
Summary: Consists mainly of clippings relating to Kelly and his works and performances. Also included is an engraving of Kelly and a compilation of his songs. There are some records of London's Drury Lane Theatre and the Association of the Friends of Ireland.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish vocalist and composer. Born in Dublin, Kelly first appeared on stage in 1779. He sang opera and composed music regularly until he became bankrupt in 1811.

Landreth, Helen

Title: Helen Landreth Papers, 1924-1948 (bulk 1948-1978).
Description: ca. 1 linear ft. (2 boxes).
Arrangement: Organized into six series: Correspondence; Manuscripts; Published Works; Legal Records; Research Materials; and Photographs.
Notes: Some items may be restricted
Finding Aids: Finding aid available.
Summary: Composed primarily of correspondence and other materials related to Landreth's research on Robert Emmet, John Keogh and Mary Childers. Prominent correspondents include Erskine Childers Jr., Richard Cardinal Cushing, Eamonn De Velara and Father Myles V. Ronan.
Biog/Hist Note: Librarian and historian. Landreth was born in 1892 in Nashville, Tennessee. After visiting Ireland in 1925, she abandoned a career in journalism and decided to devote her life to the study of Irish history. To further her research, Landreth moved to Ireland in 1938 and formed close ties many individuals prominent in Irish politics. In 1946, she returned to the United States and became the first curator of the Boston College Library's Irish Collection. Landreth worked for the library until retirement in 1979. She died in 1981.

Leary, Michael H.

Title: Michael H. Leary Letters, 1861-1862
Description: 46 items, (1 box)
Arrangement: Arranged chronologically.
Finding aids: Inventory available. Item level control.
Summary: Made up of correspondence from Leary to Ellen (Nellie) Desmond, most written from Virginia. The letters provide accounts of life in the infantry during the Civil War, living conditions, and various battles.
Biog/Hist Note: Soldier. Leary, a resident of Boston, joined the Ninth Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in June 1861, at the age of 22. The regiment, composed almost entirely of men of Irish birth, fought in many Civil War battles between 1861 and 1864.

Lenihan, Maurice, 1811-1895

Title: Maurice Lenihan Papers, 1818-1884, (bulk 1836-1874)
Description: 2 linear ft., (5 boxes)
Finding aids: Inventory available. Folder level control.
Summary: Includes records (mainly 1854-1858) of the O'Connell Testimonial Committee in Limerick, for which Lenihan and Rev. Roger O'Higgins served as joint secretaries. There are also papers of Bernard Mulrenin, the Irish painter, collected by Lenihan, which date from 1825-1837. The bulk of the papers consist of correspondence to Lenihan, often concerning journalistic, political, and social activities. There are also some drafts of outgoing letters from Lenihan.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish journalist, historian, and politician. Lenihan was born in Waterford, Ireland. He organized Daniel O'Connell's meetings from 1832-1844. He founded the TIPPERARY VINDICATOR, which later merged with the LIMERICK REPORTER. In 1866 he published a history of Limerick. Lenihan was active in local politics and was mayor of Limerick and High Sheriff of the county.

Leslie, Shane, 1885-1971

Title: Shane Leslie Papers, 1916-1952
Description: .1 linear ft. (1 box)
Arrangement: Organized into three series: I. Correspondence; II. Manuscripts; and, III. Miscellaneous.
Finding aid: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Summary: Made up of correspondence and manuscripts of Leslie. Manuscripts include holograph poems.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author. Leslie was educated at Cambridge where he converted to Catholicism. He published over forty volumes of poetry, short stories, memoirs, and other works and was a member of the Irish Academy of letters.

Lucy, Sean

Title: Sean Lucy Correspondence, 1969-1987
Description: 1 linear ft., (2 boxes)
Arrangement: Arranged alphabetically by correspondent.
Finding aids: Inventory available. Folder level control.
Summary: Consists of correspondence between Professor Lucy and various literary figures. Many of the correspondents are writers of Irish fiction and poetry. There is also some material on the Rooney Prize.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish professor. Lucy taught Modern English at University College in Cork, Ireland.

Lyric Players Theatre (Belfast, Northern Ireland)

Title: Lyric Players Theatre Collection, 1944-2002 (bulk 1956-1981)
Description: Ca .5 linear ft (1 box).
Finding Aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Summary: The collection consists of programs and playbills from the Lyric Players Theatre. It also includes correspondence between Mary O'Malley and John Montague. The letters relate to THRESHOLD (the Theatre's literary journal), Montague's submissions to the magazine, and W. B. Yeats. The collection also contains a playbill of Yeat's THE COUNTESS CATHLEEN produced by Dublin's Abbey Theatre.
Biog/Hist Note: The Lyric Players Theatre was founded by Mary and P. Pearse O'Malley in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1951. The Theatre is especially known for the production of plays by Irish dramatists and continues to produce a wide repertoire of plays today.

MacDonagh, Thomas, 1878-1916

Title: Thomas MacDonagh Collection, 1907-1916
Description: 3 items (1 box)
Summary: Includes manuscripts of MacDonagh's poem "Return" and a typescript of his final address.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish patriot and poet. MacDonagh's first book of poems appeared in 1902. He joined the Gaelic League and co-edited THE IRISH REVIEW. He was a founding member of the Irish Volunteers. He was executed for his role in the Easter Rising.

MacMahon, Bryan, 1909-

Title: Bryan MacMahon Letters, 1949-1976
Description: .2 linear ft. (1 box)
Arrangement: Arranged chronologically.
Finding aids: Inventory available. Item level control.
Summary: Composed of letters from MacMahon to Jack O'Reilly, a collector in San Francisco. The correspondence discusses MacMahon's work, as well as political and literary topics relating to Ireland.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author. A native of Listowel, County Kerry, MacMahon taught in a parochial school and ran a bookstore. His literary works are steeped in Irish rural tradition. He was made a member of the Irish Academy of Letters.

MacManus, M. J., 1891-1951

Title: M. J. MacManus Papers, 1889-1971, (bulk 1916-1951)
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Finding aids: Inventory available. Item level control.
Summary: Composed mainly of correspondence to MacManus from various Irish literary and political figures. Many of the letters discuss articles by MacManus. Manuscripts of poems by Francis Ledwidge and George William Russell are also present. In addition there is an 1849 letter of Eva O'Doherty to William Smith O'Brien which discusses leaders of the Young Ireland Movement, a letter from Standish O'Grady to George William Russell and material on Francis Sheehy-Skeffington.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish journalist and author.

Mahon, Derek

Title: Derek Mahon Papers, 1980-1986
Description: 1 linear ft. (2 boxes).
Finding aids: Inventory available. Folder level control.
Notes: Several items in French.
Summary: Includes correspondence to and from Mahon. There are also drafts of poems and manuscripts of other writings such as reviews, articles, a play, and a screen play. Also includes clippings, programs and photographs relating to Mahon. A few items pertain to French literature. In addition, there are a few writings of other authors sent to Mahon.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish poet, playwright and author. Mahon was born in Belfast. He was educated in Belfast and Dublin, receiving a B.A. from Trinity College in 1965. He then began to teach.

Mannin, Ethel, 1900-

Title: Ethel Mannin - Gilbert Turner Papers, 1922-1981, (bulk 1943-1981)
Description: .ca 2 linear ft. (6 boxes)
Arrangement: Organized into two series: I. Correspondence; and, II. Visual Materials.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Folder level control.
Summary: Composed of correspondence, nearly all of which is between Mannin and Gilbert Turner, a British librarian. Most of the letters are from Mannin to Turner. There are also letters about and written by Reginald Reynolds (Mannin's second husband). The collection also contains photographs of Turner, Mannin and Reynolds and an original drawing of Mannin.
Biog/Hist Note: English novelist of Irish descent. Mannin was born in London. She was a prolific novelist who also wrote biographies, travel books, books for children, and autobiographies. Gilbert Turner was a British librarian. He held a several decade long friendship with Mannin.

Mannin, Ethel, 1900-

Title: Ethel Mannin - Robert Huxter Papers, 1958-1989, (bulk 1964- 1981)
Description: .5 linear ft. (1 box)
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Folder level control.
Summary: Composed mainly of letters from Mannin to Huxter which discuss Mannin's writing, the Middle East, and contemporary authors. Also includes letters from Mannin to Jean Faulks, and letters to Huxter from other individuals.
Biog/Hist Note: English author of Irish descent. Mannin was born in London. She was a prolific novelist who also wrote biographies, travel books, books for children, and autobiographies. Robert Huxter was a stage and radio playwright who wrote a book on Reginald Reynolds and his marriage to Ethel Mannin

McCarthy, Denis Aloysius, 1871-1931

Title: Denis A. McCarthy Papers, 1901-1931
Description: .5 linear ft., (2 boxes)
Arrangement: Organized into three series: Correspondence; Printed Material; and Speeches.
Finding aids: Inventory available. Folder level control.
Summary: Comprised mostly of correspondence to and from McCarthy. Many of the letters are to and from McCarthy's wife Rufina. Also includes poems and speeches by McCarthy, as well as some advertising material relating to his works. There are also programs relating to McCarthy's honorary doctorate, and reviews of his work.
Biog/Hist Note: Poet, author, and lecturer. McCarthy was born in Ireland and emigrated to the United States at the age of fifteen. He settled in Boston and wrote for the SACRED HEART REVIEW. McCarthy published several books of verse. He also lectured frequently, especially to Catholic audiences. He received an honorary doctorate from Boston College in 1922.

Moore, George, 1852-1933

Title: George Moore Collection, 1887-1956
Description: .ca 1 linear ft. (4 boxes)
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Arrangement: Organized into three series: I. Manuscripts; II. Correspondence; and, III. Published Works.
Summary: Contains a typescript of George Moore's novel HELOISE AND ABELARD and letters of Moore written to various individuals. The collection also includes correspondence written by Nancy Cunard concerning Moore and her mother Lady Cunard.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author and novelist.

Moore, Thomas, 1779-1852

Title: Thomas Moore Collection, 1813-1833 (bulk 1813-1817).
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Arrangement: Organized into four series: I. Correspondence; II. Published Works; III. Engravings; and, IV. Manuscripts.
Finding Aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Summary: Contains correspondence written by Moore, portrait engravings of Moore, a manuscript extract from Moore's poem LALLA ROOKH and a published poem with Moore's annotations. The letters concern a variety of subjects including his publications and an account of a discussion Sir Francis Rawdon (Earl of Moira and Lord Hastings) about India.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish Poet. Born in Dublin, Moore was educated at Trinity College. During his lifetime he published several volumes of verse, a history of Ireland and a biography of Lord Byron, with whom he maintained a close friendship.

Murray, Thomas, 1774-1840

Title: Thomas Murray Family Papers, 1817-1857.
Description: ca. 1 linear ft. (1 box).
Arrangement: Organized into three series: Murray Family Correspondence; Business Documents; and Personal Legal Documents.
Indexes: Finding aid available.
Summary: Includes correspondence, receipts, certificates and ledgers. The personal correspondence contains letters between various family members living in both the United States and Ireland. The business records document Murray's activities as both an undertaker and a bookseller.
Biography/History: Undertaker, bookseller and church sexton. Murray was born in 1774 in Dublin, Ireland. He immigrated to Boston in 1810 and became a naturalized citizen in 1814. Murray became the first Catholic undertaker in Boston and was also a bookseller. He was a sexton at the St. Augustine Chapel in South Boston and placed in charge of its cemetery upon its establishment in 1819. He married Margaret Norton in 1821. They raised several children and an orphaned relative from Ireland. Murray died in 1840.

Murray, Thomas Cornelius, 1873-1959

Title: T. C. Murray Collection, 1939-1959
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Summary: Includes typescript and copies of Murray's play ILLUMINATION. There is also correspondence from Murray and his daughter to Rev. Terence Connolly of Boston College.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish playwright. Many of Murray's early plays deal with life in Cork and an intense Catholicism is revealed in much of his work. Also a teacher and headmaster, Murray directed the Authors' Guild of Ireland and was a member of the Irish Academy of Letters.

Ni Dhomhnaill, Nuala

Title: Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill Papers, [1952?] - [1996?]
Description: ca. 20 linear ft. (20 boxes)
Notes: Most of the collection is currently restricted. Much of the collection is in Gaelic.
Summary: Consists of correspondence, manuscripts and other materials of Ni Dhomhnaill.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish poet.

O'Brien, Flann, 1911-1966

Title: Flann O'Brien Papers, [1911?]-[1966?]
Description: ca. 9 linear ft.
Finding aids: Preliminary inventory available.
Notes: Some items may be restricted. Originally assembled by Micheal O Nuallain.
Summary: Includes vital records, correspondence, photographs, newspaper clippings, theatre programs, manuscripts, and other miscellaneous items of O'Brien. Includes letters from Graham Greene, Garret FitzGerald and articles and letters from THE IRISH TIMES.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author. Flann O'Brien is a pen name of Brian O'Nolan, who was born in Strahan and educated in Dublin. O'Brien worked for the Irish Civil Service and published his first novel in 1939. In later years he produced a number of creative works and won fame for his column "An Cruiskeen Lawn" in THE IRISH TIMES.

O'Brien, John, 1838-1917

Title: John O'Brien Papers, [17--]-1911, (bulk 1894-1911)
Description: 29 items (1 box)
Arrangement: Arranged chronologically.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Summary: Consists mainly of correspondence addressed to O'Brien from various figures. Letters dated 1842 to 1851 relate to Irish figures and seem to have been collected by O'Brien. Also includes portraits of the Daniel O'Connell family, and a facsimile of an early eighteenth century Protestant oath.
Biog/Hist Note: Catholic priest and editor. O'Brien for many years served as pastor of Sacred Heart parish in East Cambridge, MA, and editor of the SACRED HEART REVIEW.

O'Casey, Sean, 1880-1964

Title: Sean O'Casey Letters, 1946-1969 (bulk 1955-1956).
Description: 36 items (1 box).
Arrangement: Arranged chronologically.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Summary: Autographed and typed letters to and from O'Casey. Most of the correspondence is with DonaldBurke, a foreign correspondent of LIFE magazine. This correspondence relates to business and personal matters. There are also letters between O'Casey and Sheila Green of the Irish Labor Party, and Marvin Magalaner, concerning James Joyce. Additionally, the nine letters to theatre director John O'Shaughnessy are from O'Casey, his wife Eileen and son Breon.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish playwright and author. O'Casey was born in Dublin. He worked as a laborer, and became involved in the labor movement. He wrote poetry and verse, and then became interested in the theatre. He emerged as one of the leading Irish playwrights of the early twentieth century.

O'Casey, Sean, 1880-1964

Title: Robert G. Lowery - Sean O'Casey Collection, [188-?]-1995
Description: ca. 5 linear ft. (41 boxes).
Arrangement: Organized into twelve series: I. Correspondence; II. Manuscripts; III. Conference Materials; IV. Publications; V. Articles; VI. Newspapers; VII. Newspaper Clippings; VIII. Scrapbooks; IX. Posters; X. Visual Images; XI. Miscellaneous; and, XII. Additional Photographs.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Folder level control.
Summary: Consists of correspondence, publications, photographs, newspaper clippings, playbills, posters and other material about O'Casey and his work. Includes articles of Brooks Atkinson, and George Jean Nathan, lists of plays produced at the Abbey Theatre, and several early twentieth century Irish newspapers. Correspondents include Brooks Atkinson, Samuel Beckett, Brian Friel, Eileen O'Casey, Liam O'Flaherty and others.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish playwright and author. O'Casey was born in Dublin. He worked as a laborer and became involved in the labor movement. He wrote poetry and verse, and then became interested in the theatre. He emerged as one of the leading Irish playwrights of the early twentieth century.

O'Connell, Daniel, 1775-1847

Title: Daniel O'Connell Collection, 1817-1975, (bulk 1817-1843)
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Summary: Includes letters of O'Connell and a resolution in his hand. Also includes publications and an engraving of O'Connell. There is also a membership card of the Loyal National Repeal Association of Ireland.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish politician, O'Connell was born in County Kerry and educated in France. He was admitted to the bar and became a leader in the movement for Catholic emancipation. O'Connell was elected to Parliament, and in 1841 became lord mayor of Dublin. Known as "The Liberator" he fought for repeal of the union between Britain and Ireland.

O'Connell, Joseph F.

Title: Joseph F. O'Connell Family Papers, 1840-1995.
Description: 4.5 linear ft. (10 boxes).
Finding aids: Preliminary inventory available.
Summary: Composed of correspondence, speeches, newspaper clippings, financial records and other material relating to O'Connell, his career and other members of his family. Also includes information on Boston, some politicians and various Irish- American organizations.
Biog/Hist Note: Lawyer and Congressman. O'Connell was born in 1874. He attended Boston College and Harvard Law School and served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1907 to 1911. O'Connell worked in his own law firm until his death in 1942.

O'Connor, Frank, 1903-1966

Title: Frank O'Connor Collection, 1936-1967
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Summary: Composed of correspondence, publications and manuscripts of O'Connor. Includes some articles about him.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author. O'Connor is known primarily for his short stories, but he produced many other works as well.

O'Donnell, Peadar

Title: Peadar O'Donnell Collection, 1947-1975
Description: .1 linear ft. (1 box)
Summary: Includes newspaper clippings about O'Donnell and a letter from him to Benedict Kiely concerning a submission to THE BELL.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author, editor and politician. O'Donnell was born in 1893. He was an executive in the Irish Republican Army from 1922 to 1932. He later helped edit the magazine, THE BELL and wrote several novels.

O'Dwyer, George Francis, 1877-

Title: George Francis O'Dwyer Papers, [1916?]-[1927?]
Description: 1 linear ft. (1 box)
Summary: Composed primarily of correspondence of O'Dwyer. Also includes research notes and manuscripts of various historical and literary works of the author. Much of the material relates to early Irish Catholics in eastern Massachusetts.
Biog/Hist Note: Author. O'Dwyer wrote IRISH CATHOLIC GENESIS OF LOWELL and a number of articles on the Irish and Irish-Americans.

O'Faolóain, Seóan, 1900-

Title: Seóan O'Faolóain Papers, 1932-1966
Description: .75 linear ft. (3 boxes)
Summary: Made up of correspondence to and from O'Faolóain. Topics include both literary and personal matters. There are also manuscripts of stories which appeared in published form as TALES AND STORIES in 1966.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author and novelist. O'Faolóain was born in Cork. He attended University College-Cork, and became involved in the Irish Republican Army. He taught in Boston and England before returning to Ireland. O'Faolóain published many biographies and volumes of short stories in addition to novels and other works. He also founded and edited THE BULL, an Irish literary magazine.

O'Farachóain, Roibeóard, 1909-

Title: Robert Farren Typescripts, [193-?]-[195-?]
Description: 2 items (1 box)
Summary: Made up of signed typescripts of two poems by Farren. The manuscripts contain some corrections by the poet.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish poet and author. In early life O'Farachóain worked as a teacher. He then became involved in Radio Eireann and the Abbey Theatre. With Austin Clarke he helped found in 1940 what became the Lyric Theatre.

O'Flaherty, Liam, 1896-

Title: Liam O'Flaherty Manuscripts, [190-?]-[198-?]
Description: 2 items (1 box)
Summary: Includes manuscripts of two works: THE DEATH GRIP and MILKING TIME.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish novelist and short story writer. O'Flaherty was born at Inishmore and briefly attended University College-Dublin. He began to publish in the 1920s and is best known for his short stories.

O'Grady, Standish, 1846-1928

Title: Standish O'Grady Letters, 1893-1895
Description: 6 items. (1 box)
Notes: Originals held by Colby College
Summary: Consists of photocopies of letters of O'Grady, written to various people, mostly about publication of his works.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author and novelist. O'Grady wrote a number of works on Irish history, as well as various historical novels. From 1900 to 1907 he edited the ALL-IRELAND REVIEW. O'Grady exerted a great influence on many writers of the Irish Literary Revival.

O'Keeffe, Timothy

Title: Timothy O'Keeffe Papers, 1953-1971
Description: .1 linear ft. (1 box)
Arrangement: Arranged alphabetically by author.
Summary: Comprised of correspondence between O'Keeffe and Irish authors. Most of the letters discuss the work of the individual writers. Some short manuscripts of the authors are also included.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish editor. O'Keeffe worked in London for the publishing firm MacGibbon & Kee.

O'Kelly, Seumas, 1881-1922

Title: Alphonus Sweeney - Seumas O'Kelly collection, |f [190-?]-1980
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Arrangement: Organized into three series: I. Correspondence; II. Manuscripts; and, III. Lectures and Articles about O'Kelly.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Notes: The material was collected by O'Kelly's nephew, Alphonus Sweeney
Summary: The collection contains correspondence (primarily Alphonus Sweeney's correspondence concerning O'Kelly's life and work) and typescripts of O'Kelly's short fiction and fairy tales. It also contains typescripts of radio plays produced from O'Kelly's work and several essays about his life.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish journalist and author. O'Kelly was born near Loughrea, Co. Galway. His career in journalism began in 1903. He edited a number of periodicals including as The Southern sky, The Dublin saturday post and Sein Fein's Nationality. Additionally, O'Kelly also wrote fiction, plays, and collections of fairy tales. He died in 1918.

O'Reilly, John Boyle, 1844-1890

Title: John Boyle O'Reilly Collection, 1857-1979, (bulk 1870-1890)
Description: .5 linear ft. (3 boxes)
Arrangement: Organized into five series: Letters; Manuscripts and Publications; Scrapbooks; Material about O'Reilly; and Miscellaneous Items.
Finding aids: Inventory available. Item level control.
Notes: Much of the collection originally formed part of the Eire Society Archives.
Summary: Correspondence is to and from O'Reilly, concerning literary, political, and social matters. Manuscripts and publications include poems, speeches, and other writings. Scrapbooks are comprised mainly of newspaper clippings on O'Reilly's literary activity. Other material in the collection includes biographies and various memorials to O'Reilly, and a few artifacts.
Biog/Hist Note: Poet, Journalist, and author. O'Reilly was born in County Meath, Ireland. He joined the British army but was transported to Australia for Fenian activities. O'Reilly escaped to America and settled in Boston. He became known as a novelist, poet, and editor of THE PILOT. O'Reilly died in Boston.

O'Reilly, Mary Boyle, 1873-1939

Title: Mary Boyle O'Reilly Papers, 1909-1937, (bulk 1914-1916)
Arrangement: Organized into three series: Letters; Articles and dispatches; and Poems Collected by Mary Boyle O'Reilly.
Finding aids: Inventory available. Folder level control.
Notes: The papers were originally part of the Eire Society Archives.
Summary: Composed of correspondence and articles of Mary Boyle O'Reilly. Most of the articles concern world affairs in 1916, especially World War I and the Easter Rising in Ireland. Also includes some poems collected by O'Reilly, and family photographs.
Biog/Hist Note: Journalist and author. Mary Boyle O'Reilly was the daughter of John Boyle O'Reilly, the Irish-born poet, journalist, and Fenian. She worked as a foreign correspondent for American newspapers during and after World War I.

O'Sullivan, Seumas, 1879-1958

Title: Seumas O'Sullivan Papers, 1908-1938
Description: .1 linear ft. (1 box)
Summary: Made up of manuscripts of poems by O'Sullivan. Includes typescript of book of poems by William Starkey (his father), which O'Sullivan edited.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish poet and editor. O'Sullivan was born James Sullivan Starkey. His literary career began around 1902 with the publication of several poems. He edited THE TOWER PRESS BOOKLETS and from 1923 to 1958 he edited THE DUBLIN MAGAZINE.

Plunkett, Joseph Mary, 1887-1916

Title: Joseph Mary Plunkett Collection, 1911-1944, (bulk 1933-1944)
Description: 75 items, (1 box)
Finding aids: Preliminary finding aid available. Item level control.
Summary: Consists mainly of articles, notes and clippings about Plunkett. There are also original manuscripts and typed copies of poems. The collection includes some correspondence of friends and relatives of Plunkett as well.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish patriot and poet. Plunkett edited THE IRISH REVIEW and published a volume of poems. He was a member of the Irish Republican Army and was executed for participating in the Easter Rising of 1916.

Prendergast, James, fl. 1841-1848

Title: James Prendergast Family Correspondence, 1840-1850
Description: 50 items (1 box)
Finding aids: Preliminary finding aid available. Item level control.
Summary: Consists mainly of correspondence from Prendergast to his sons Thomas and Jeffrey of Boston, MA. Also includes letters from other members of the family to Thomas and Jeffrey. Much of the correspondence concerns life in Ireland.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish resident of Milltown, County Kerry.

Ring, Thomas F. 1841-1898

Title: Thomas F. Ring Papers 1859-1898, (bulk 1890-1898)
Description: 6 v.
Finding aids: Preliminary inventory available.
Summary: Comprised mainly of programs, scrapbooks and bound volumes of Ring's correspondence dealing with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and other charitable groups in Boston. Also includes material relating to the Nightly Adoration Society, a Catholic devotional organization. In addition, there are letters concerning Ring's family estate and other business matters. One scrapbook includes copies of speeches given by Ring, and some John Boyle O'Reilly memoribilia.
Biog/Hist Note: Businessman and charities organizer. Ring was born in Boston. He joined the family paper export business and married in 1867. He founded the first central council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in 1888, and was a member of the Boston Board of Overseers and other charitable organizations. Ring lectured frequently and was a prominent Catholic layman.

Roche, James Jeffrey, 1847-1908

Title: James Jeffrey Roche Correspondence, 1870-1915
Description: .2 linear ft. (1 box).
Arrangement: Organized into two series: Correspondence; and Miscellaneous.
Finding aids: Preliminary inventory available.
Summary: Consists of letters written to and from Roche and his family. Most of the correspondence is between Roche and Theodore Roosevelt. Another important series of letters is with the American sculptor Daniel Chester French concerning a statue of John Boyle O'Reilly. Other major correspondents include diplomats, politicians and literary figures. Also includes one holograph manuscript of Roche.
Biog/Hist Note: Journalist, author and diplomat. Roche was born in Queens County, Ireland and raised on Prince Edward Island. He attended St. Dunstan's College and moved to Boston in 1866. Roche became assistant editor of THE PILOT in 1883, and later published poetry and other literary works, including a biography of John Boyle O'Reilly. He served as editor of THE PILOT, and American Consul in Italy and Switzerland.

Russell, George William, 1867-1935

Title: George William Russell Collection, [1917?]-1935
Description: .2 linear ft. (1 box)
Arrangement: Organized into four series: I. Correspondence; II. Manuscripts; III. Artwork; and, IV. Photostats and Photocopies.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Notes: Originals of some letters and manuscripts held by Colby College
Summary: Composed mainly of correspondence of Russell, including letters to Seán O'Faoláin, Oliver St. JohnGogarty and Lloyd Morris. There are also manuscripts of poems and other writings by Russell. Articles concern the works of such literary figures as W.B. Yeats and Seumas O'Sullivan. In addition, there is a copy of the text of a radio broadcast given by Richard Campbell at the time of Russell's death. The collection also includes a painting and a drawing by Russell.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish author, editor and poet. Russell moved to Dublin as a young man and became involved in the Theosophical Society. Beginning in 1894 his verse was critically acclaimed. He edited THE IRISH HOMESTEAD and THE IRISH STATESMAN.

Russell, Matthew, 1834-1912

Title: Matthew Russell Papers, 1894-1912, (bulk 1908-1912)
Description: 15 items (1 box)
Arrangement: Arranged chronologically.
Finding aids: Inventory available. Item level control.
Summary: Consists primarily of correspondence between Father Russell and a Sister Ignatia, who was involved with THE MAGNIFICAT, a publication in Manchester, New Hampshire. The letters concern writers and books. There is also a letter to Russell from the writer Aubrey De Vere and a postcard portrait of Russell.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish Jesuit, poet and editor. Russell was born in Newry. He entered the Jesuit Order and was ordained to the priesthood at age 33. Father Russell established the IRISH MONTHLY in 1873 and served as editor for nearly forty years. He also wrote many volumes of verse.

Sheehan, Patrick Augustine, 1852-1913

Title: Canon Sheehan Collection, 1895-1942, (bulk 1900- 1912)
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Finding aids: Inventory available. Item level control.
Notes: 1 letter in Italian.
Summary: Made up of correspondence, manuscripts and reviews. The bulk of the collection consists of letters from Jesuit Matthew Russell (editor of THE IRISH MONTHLY) to Sheehan. The letters concern Sheehan's work, as well as other contemporary writers, novels and periodicals. Other items include a draft of UNDER THE CEDARS AND THE STARS, a work on "mental science," and an essay on Sheehan's education at Maynooth. There are also clippings about Sheehan and his work and a photographs of him.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish Catholic priest and novelist. Sheehan was born in Mallow. He was educated at Maynooth Seminary and ordained in 1875. He worked in England and then returned to Ireland. Widely known as Canon Sheehan, nearly all of the novelist's work appeared after 1900.

Stephens, James, 1882-1952.

Title: The Poets and Poetry of the Nineteenth Century : an Estimation : [typescript], 1933 December 9.
Description: 1 item (58 leaves in case) 27 cm.
Notes: The typescript lacks pages nine and fifty-four, but this is merely an error in the pagination as the text is complete.
Summary: The typescript is the forward to the anthology ENGLISH ROMANTIC POETS published in 1933 and contains handwritten corrections.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish poet, novelist and short-story writer.

Stuart, Francis, 1902-

Title: William T. O'Malley - Francis Stuart Collection, [1933?]-1995
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Arrangement: Organized into three series: I. Correspondence; II. Manuscripts; III. Portraits; and, IV. Newspaper Articles.
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Summary: Contains correspondence between O'Malley and Francis Stuart's American publishing company (Longship Press), and others. There are also typescripts and signed poem cards by Stuart, as well as a letter by him addressed to a Mr. Kurath. Photographs, sketches, and a newspaper clipping of an interview with Stuart are also included.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish novelist and poet. Born in Townsville, Australia in 1902, Stuart was raised in Meath, Ireland. After publishing a few books of poems, he turned to fiction. His involvement with the Irish Civil War and with Germany during World War II led to temporary imprisonments. His last noted book, A HOLE IN THE HEAD, was published in 1977.

Synge, J. M.(John Millington),1871-1909

Title: J. M. Synge Collection, 1904-1905
Description: 5 items (1 box).
Notes:Access to original materials is restricted for reasons of preservation. Preservation photocopies of the materials available for use in the repository.
Summary:The materials include three letters written by Synge to Elkin Matthews and a postcard possibly written by Synge's mother to Matthews. The collection also contains a flyer advertising the publication of Synge's PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish playwright and author.

Woods, Molly Flannery

Title: Molly Flannery Woods Papers, 1900-1945
Description: 1 linear ft. (3 boxes)
Arrangement: Organized into four series: Correspondence; Personal Reminiscences; Nationalist Material; and Scrapbooks and Memorabilia.
Finding aids: Finding aid available.
Summary: Composed of correspondence to and from Woods, personal writings of Woods, miscellaneous items on Ireland, and scrapbooks. Most of the material concerns Ireland and the Irish Civil War in particular. Includes a letter of Maud Gonne and newspaper clippings of Woods' articles.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish journalist and nationalist. Woods was born in 1875. She began writing for various publications as early as 1900. During the Irish Civil War she was involved in the activities of Cumann na mban, the woman's branch of the Irish Republican Army. She later married Andrew Woods.

Yeats, Elizabeth Corbet, 1868-1940

Title: Elizabeth Corbet Yeats and Lily Yeats Papers, 1905-1946 (bulk 1918-1926)
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Finding aids: Partial inventory available.
Summary: Contains correspondence of Elizabeth C. Yeats while she was at Dun Emer. There is also correspondence and other materials of the Yeats sisters dating from the Cuala Press years. Subjects mentioned in the letters include Dublin during the Civil War, William Morris and W.B. Yeats' Nobel Prize. There are some letters from Elizabeth Corbet Yeats to Wilfrid Scawen Blunt.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish printer. Yeats, the sister of the poet W. B. Yeats, trained as a printer and worked at Dun Emer Industries from 1902-1908. She then founded Cuala Press with her sister, Lily Yeats. The press specialized in works of Irish authors.

Yeats, Jack Butler, 1871-1957

Title: Jack B. Yeats Papers, 1904 - [1932?].
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box).
Summary: Composed of correspondence, drawings, and a manuscript of Yeats. The manuscript is for an unfinished play co-authored by William Robert Gregory.
Biog/Hist. Note: Irish painter, playwright and novelist. Born in London, Yeats lived much of his life in Ireland. Like his father John Butler Yeats, he was known mainly as a painter. Yeats also published a number of novels and dramatic works.

Yeats, John Butler, 1839-1922

Title: John Butler Yeats Papers, [1913?]-[1921?]
Description: .25 linear ft. (1 box).
Summary: Composed of correspondence and drawings of Yeats.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish barrister and artist, the father of the poet W. B. Yeats.

Yeats, W. B. (William Butler), 1865-1939

Title: W. B. Yeats Papers, [188-]-1938
Description: 1.25 linear ft. (5 boxes)
Finding aids: Finding aid available. Item level control.
Notes: Portions of collection available on microfilm in repository.
Summary: Manuscripts include a diary/poetical notebook dated 1905-1923, an 1893 book of poems, a manuscript draft of AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, a notebook with drafts of SUPERNATURAL SONGS AND OTHER POEMS, five notebooks with drafts of LOVE AND DEATH, a draft of MEMORIES, and a notebook with WANDERINGS OF OISIN. Correspondence includes letters from Yeats to his father John Butler Yeats, his sisters Elizabeth Corbet (Lolly) Yeats and Susan Mary (Lily) Yeats, and Margot Ruddock. There is also correspondence between Ruddock and Shri Purohit Swami, as well as photographs and drawings of W. B. Yeats.
Biog/Hist Note: Irish poet, playwright and author. Yeats' early years were spent in London, with vacations in Sligo. His first works appeared in the 1880s. He was a founder of the Abbey Theatre, a spokesman for the Irish Literary Revival, and a member of the Irish Free State Senate. Yeats won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923.


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Updated: September 5, 2002
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