Item 1666 - Letters from Richard Murphy

1 file, 41 items

File of letters from poet Richard Murphy to John and Madeline McGahern. Letters begin in 1965 with Murphy writing after the passing of his father and that he met with Patrick Gregory and Charles Monteith and in turn met up with McGahern's father and sister, Dympna. Murphy mentions that The Dark was not mentioned "out of courtesy" to McGahern's father and stepmother. He adds the banning of the book did more harm to the country than to the book itself. Letters in early 1970s talk of relationships, time in Paris and London (by McGahern), Murphy moving to Hamilton, New York, Arts Council Awards, parties, relationships, more letters are written on Colgate University, Dept of English-headed paper and discuss teaching news and updates, family matters and news, the taking of a house in Cleggan, Co. Galway; reviews of McGahern's work in the U.S.; the possibility of McGahern coming to teach at Colgate; arranging readings at Boston College (in which W.H. Auden was also reading); confirming news that McGahern is to get the O'Connor Chair at Colgate.
Letters on Princeton University creative writing programme headed paper, saying that Murphy has built a studio on Omey Island out of granite in the shape of a hexagon with detailed description of the studio, its construction and his work (29 Sep 1974); Update that the Minister for Local Government overturned Galway County Council order to demolish the studio. Also adds comments on The Leavetaking (8 Jan 1975); Makes offer of the Oratory on High Island for use by McGahern for his wedding ceremony (28 June 1970); Comments on McGahern's Memoir). Also detailed comments upon reading "That They May Face the Rising Sun" by Murphy (2002).
Two cards included which include hand coloured tapestry scenes from Sri Lanka. The cards are dated 1990 and 1992.
File also includes a pamphlet offprint of "The God Who Eats Corn" by Richard Murphy, reprinted from "The Reporter", New York, sign and dedicated to McGahern, with love from Murphy, 1 June 1964.

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16/05/2022
14/07/2025