Frank O'Connor Papers
Scope and Content
Holograph journals and notebooks, corrected and uncorrected typescripts, carbon copies, tearsheets, galleys, and occasional correspondence related to the publication of Frank O'Connor's literary works. The major part of the collection is the short story material, O'Connor's chief genre, but this is supplemented by non-fiction including literary criticism, lecture notes, scripts of radio broadcasts, autobiographical material, with reminiscences of his work with the Abbey Theatre, and some sixty-three articles for newspapers and magazines. O'Connor's personal and other professional relationships with William Butler Yeats, George Russell, and other noted Irish authors and playwrights are delineated in the private holograph journals as well as in papers prepared for publication. The short story typescripts, many of which have extensive manuscript revisions and additions, offer opportunities to study O'Connor's artistic methodology, while the lecture notes and critical articles reveal his insights into the methodologies and major themes of other literary figures. The non-fiction also reflects O'Connor's devotion to Ireland and his efforts to preserve its monuments, language, and culture.
Dates
- Creation: 1927-1972
Creator
- O'Connor, Frank, 1903-1966. (Person)
Access
The collection is open for research. None of the material is restricted from viewing, although some is too fragile for photocopying. Care should be exercised, of course, in handling papers that are becoming brittle.
Usage Restrictions
"Fair use" publication is permitted, but major projects must be approved by the executor.
Biographical/Historical Note
Frank O'Connor (September 17, 1903 - March 10, 1966) was an Irish writer best known for his short stories and memoirs. Born Michael O'Donovan in Cork, Ireland, he later adopted his mother's family name as his pen name.
O'Connor was educated at Saint Patrick's School and North Monastery Christian Brothers School. His childhood was shaped by poverty and his father's alcoholism. His service in the Irish Republican Army influenced many of his stories.
In 1939, O'Connor married Evelyn Bowen, with whom he had two sons: Myles O'Donovan, and Owen O'Donovan. He also had a daughter, Liadain O'Donovan. O'Connor had a son, Oliver O'Donovan, with his mistress, Joan Knape. O'Connor and Bowen divorced in 1952. He later married Harriet Rich with whom he had one daughter, Harriet (Hallie Og).
Though primarily recognized for short stories and memoirs, O'Connor's work spanned multiple genres including poetry, plays, journalism, literary criticism, novels, and biography, often exploring Irish culture and history.
Extent
9.28 Linear feet (16 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Journals and notebooks, corrected and uncorrected typescripts, carbon copies, tearsheets, galleys, and occasional correspondence related to the publication of Frank O'Connor's literary works. The major part of the collection is the short story material, O'Connor's chief genre, but this is supplemented by non-fiction including literary criticism, lecture notes, scripts of radio broadcasts, autobiographical material, with reminiscences of his work with the Abbey Theatre, and some sixty-three articles for newspapers and magazines.
Physical Location
University of Florida Smathers Library Building
Custodial History
The O'Connor papers include all the literary manuscripts and related materials left to Harriet Sheehy by Michael O'Donovan. The papers are in acceptable condition.
Acquisition Information
Purchased by the University of Florida from Harriet Sheehy, Frank O'Connor's literary executor, through Glenn Horowitz, bookseller, October 1988. Upon Ms. Sheehy's death in 2016, her daughter Harriet O'Donovan succeeded her as executor.
Subject
- Abbey Theatre. (Organization)
- Russell, George William, 1867-1935. (Person)
- Yeats, W. B. (William Butler), 1865-1939. (Person)
- Title
- A Guide to the Frank O'Connor Papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid created by Carmen Russell Hurff and amended by Tristan Krammel
- Date
- September 2011 (Updated February 2025)
- Description rules
- Finding Aid Prepared Using Dacs
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Description is written in English.
Repository Details
Part of the Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Repository
George A. Smathers Libraries
PO Box 117005
Gainesville Florida 32611-7005 United States of America
352-273-2755
special@uflib.ufl.edu