File of letters from poet Robert Greacen to John McGahern. Includes comments on "The Power of Darkness", commenting that "every society is unwilling to face its problems/prejudices/intolerances." (31 Oct 1991); comments on McGahern's article on Bernard McLaverty in the Sunday Independent (20 Mar 1992) and that Greacen will be reviewing McGahern's "Memoir" for Books Ireland magazine.

Letters from Robert (Bob) Blackmore, Chairman, Dept of English, Colgate University, NY, to John McGahern discussion possible return to Colgate by McGahern as O'Connor Chair of Literature. Letters also discuss personal and work matters, family, travel, writing etc.

Letters from Risteard Ó Glaisne, Dublin, to Eoghan Ó Tuairisc, and copy of one of Eoghan's return letters. It relates mainly to arranging meetings in Dublin, and discussing their work for "Inniu" [in Irish].

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.

Letters from Pól Mac an Draoi, School of Commerce, Rathmines, stating that he is doing a study of Irish language publishing and asks him a number of questions relating to "Feasta". In his second letter he thanks him for his help, and outlines their work o

File of manuscript letters from Pierre Leiris, discussing McGahern's work, from The Dark to Nightlines, commentary on other literary matters.

Letters from Peter Lennon, one written on headed paper of The Listener, BBC, London, discussing McGahern's stories (1988); other letters regarding work and editorial changes at The Listener, Lennon's thoughts and comments on McGahern's books, including Memoir.

File of letters from editorial staff at Atlantic Monthly Press, namely Peter Davison, and also from Robert Manning (Editor in Chief) and Peter du Sautoy. Letter to McGahern sending acceptance on publishing of story "The Recruiting Officer" and wishing he could take "Korea" also (10 July 1969); Letter from Davison to McGahern sending admiration for "Night Lines" and wider comments on the book and on wider publishing contract discussions (24 Feb 1970); Letter from Davison enquiring if McGahern's novel is progressing and adds comments on sales figures for "Night Lines" (10 Aug 1971); Letter from Davison with comments on sales figures for "The Leavetaking" (9 May 1975). Letter from Davison to McGahern sending comments regarding rejection of a story submitted which is deemed to "produce an impression of foreign-ness" to American readers. Adds further comments on sales figures for "The Leavetaking". Letter discussion re. the near final draft of novel by McGahern (23 Aug 1971). Letter from de Sautoy sending comments on "Amongst Women" (7 May 1990).
Also copy letter from Natalie Greenberg, Atlantic Monthly Press, Sep 2, 1970, with some follow up queries to McGahern about edits for "Nightlines".

Letters from Pearse Phelan of the UCG Literary and Debating Society to Eoghan Ó Tuairisc organising him to speak on the subject of "Theatre in Education or Entertainment", the date had to be changed from the 21st to the 25th as it was a national day of mo

Letter from Eilis W, "The Longford Leader" enclosing a review of his book from the newspaper, as well as giving him information from the 'silly season' at the newspaper.