Leabharlann Naisiúnta na hÉireann

National Library of Ireland

Collection List No. 110

Correspondence of D.E.S. Maxwell

(1970-97)

(MS. 36,252)

(Accession No. 5670)

An archive of letters and postcards received by D.E.S. Maxwell from various Irish writers in the period 1970-1997, mainly relating to readings and conferences at York University, Toronto where Maxwell was then Professor of English.

Compiled by Victoria Perry, 2002

D.E.S. Maxwell correspondence, 1970-97

An archive consisting of letters and postcards received by D.E.S. Maxwell from various Irish writers in the period 1970-1997. The correspondents are John Boyd, Brian Friel, Maurice Good, John Wilson Haire, David Hammond, , Pearse Hutchinson, Denis Johnston, John Kelly, Maurice Leitch, , Seán Lucy, Tom MacIntyre, , Susan Martin, John McGahern, John Montague, Brian Moore, Matt Mulcahy, Tom Murphy, Edna O’Brien, Críostóir Ó Floinn, Frank Ormsby, Graham Reid, James Simmons, Sydney Bernard Smith, Niall Toibín and Paul West. There are also a number of unidentified items, three of which are probably by Roy Fuller, Brendan Kennelly and Tom Kilroy. The archive also includes copies of scripts by Brian Moore and Derek Mahon.

Desmond Ernest Stuart Maxwell was born in in 1925. He graduated from Trinity College, Dublin and lectured at universities in the UK and Africa before being appointed Professor of English at York University, Toronto. His publications include The Poetry of T. S. Eliot (1952); American Fiction (1963); W.B. Yeats 1865-1965: Centenary Essays on the Art of W. B. Yeats (1965); Poets of the Thirties (1969); Brian Friel (1973); and A Critical History of Modern Irish Drama 1891-1980 (1984).

The letters generally relate to conferences and literary events organised by Maxwell, mainly at York University. The letters include discussion of the work of the various correspondents and of contemporary literature and literary affairs in general.

With the exception of the Brian Friel items, Maxwell presented the letters to the National Library of Ireland in August 2001 (Accession 5670). The Friel letters were presented separately by Friel in May that year (Accession 5658), Maxwell having returned them on learning that the main corpus of Friel papers had just been deposited in the Library (Accession 5610).

The archive consists of 329 items, which includes 259 letters, 51 postcards, 7 newspaper cuttings and 2 copies of scripts. They represent the period July 1970- April 1997.The letters are arranged by correspondent with a folder for each, except in the case of Brian Friel who is allocated six folders. There are 33 folders in all. The letters are in chronological order within the folders. All the items are manuscript unless otherwise stated.

2 Ms. 36,252/ 1 John Boyd (1912-2002); playwright. The letters mainly relate to plays with which Boyd has been involved or has seen. 3 items. Feb-Aug 1977 (1 undated)

(1) Discusses previews of plays, The Gathering by Edna O’Brien, The Street and Mother Courage; refers to the cast of his new play, books he has read recently and the playwright Peter Vesser; enquires about courses Maxwell is teaching. 4 pages, 2 sheets. 7 Feb 1977 (2) Refers to letter from Maxwell and correspondence with Brian Friel; mentions the Forrest Reid issue of Threshold; states his disapproval of the production of his play The Street and of his walking out of rehearsal; has begun to write a new play; mentions recent plays performed at the Lyric in of which he is a director. 4 pages, 2 sheets. 20 April 1977 (3) Apologises for not making it to Dublin; refers to his new piece of work The Endless Search; asks for Maxwell’s opinion on Bride for the Unicorn. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 7 August (no year)

Ms. 36,252/ 2-7 Brian Friel (1929-); playwright. The correspondence is divided into six folders. The letters and postcards mainly relate to arrangements for readings and the writing, casting and production of Friel’s plays.

Ms. 36,252/ 2 26 items. Sept 1975-Nov 1979

(1) Refers to David Hammond and Brian Moore; is reading O’Casey’s papers; will go to London in July; is beginning Faith Healer. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 16 Sept 1975 (2) Refers to the Irish political climate; mentions John Boyd; may go to Dublin soon. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 5 Oct 1975 (3) Mentions Seamus Heaney; encloses a script; saw Tom Murphy’s The Sanctuary Lamp last week; refers to Kilroy’s Tea, Sex and Shakespeare; has been invited to join the Irish Academy of Letters. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 6 Nov 1975 (4) Mentions Faith Healer; refers to his mother. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 20 Sept 1976 (5) Has been casting Bannermen; refers to reading tour of Canada; mentions Living Quarters. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 28 Oct 1976

3 (6) Encloses Bannermen; mentions the Queen’s Festival; asks Maxwell’s advice on publishing the play; suggests actresses for parts in the play; was arrested in Belfast last week. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 3 Nov 1976 (7) Refers to his plays, various writers and Willie Fay. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 6 Jan 1977 (8) Refers to the casting for his new play; has revised the script; will send a copy of the finished script. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 16 Feb 1977 (9) Went to the launch of Jennifer Johnston’s new book; refers to Faith Healer. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 19 April 1977 (10) Refers to a piece that Maxwell has written about him; discusses recurring themes in his plays; mentions David Hammond and Seán Heaney. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 19 May 1977 (11) Refers to Volunteers; is doing a reading in Lille; hopes to arrange more lectures; mentions John Boyd, John Montague and Thomas Kilroy. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 20 Oct 1977 (12) Asks if Hammond’s film on the life of John Hewitt can be included in the Vancouver conference; refers to negotiations for Faith Healer; has visited Greece. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 30 Nov 1977 (13) Arranging meetings; family matters. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 12 Dec 1977 (14) Confirms readings; tells of his travelling plans; spent New Year at Glenties; mentions Conor Cruise O’Brien and J.B. Keane. Mainly typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 7 Jan 1978 (15) Confirms his schedule; asks if Maxwell can put up his wife as well; refers to the casting of Faith Healer. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 30 Jan 1978 (16) Goes over his travelling plans; mentions Borstal Boy. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 14 Feb 1978 (17) Tells of the death of his mother; apologises for cancelling his trip. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 27 Feb 1978 (18) Will go to Ballymanus at Easter; mentions Faith Healer; spoke at a dinner given by the Ballymoney drama festival committee. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 13 March 1978 (19) Responds to an idea by Maxwell; is hosting Maxwell’s daughter; working on a new play. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 20 March 1978

4 (20) Saw a play in Dublin last week; refers to Faith Healer. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 18 Sept 1978 (21) Mentions his plans for the week; refers to Faith Healer; gives news of Deane, Kilroy and Mahon. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 3 Oct 1978 (22) Mentions Faith Healer and Aristocrats; Greek theatre putting on a production of The Freedom of the City; going to New York soon. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 7 Nov 1978 (23) Faith Healer opening soon; mentions Aristocrats; Heaney going to Harvard for four months; invites Maxwell to the opening of Faith Healer. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 4 Jan 1979 (24) Postcard; tells of his travel plans; mentions Seamus Heaney; rehearsing Faith Healer. 15 Feb 1979 (25) Working on a new play, Translations; refers to the Kentucky theatre festival. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 21 Oct 1979 (26) Invites Maxwell to Co Donegal; refers to a production of Volunteers; has finished writing Translations; went to Galway last week. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 2 Nov 1979

Ms. 36,252/ 3 33 items. Jan 1980-April 1997

1 Refers to Translations and the press conference; looking forward to seeing Maxwell; about to buy a new house; visited Dublin. 4 pages, 2 sheets. 2 Jan 1980 2 Postcard; refers to Faith Healer and Translations; thanks Maxwell for invitation. 20 Feb 1980 3 Refers to a production of Translations; arranges to meet up with Maxwell over Christmas; mentions Kilroy, McGahern and Heaney. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 12 Nov 1980 4 Is sorry to have missed Maxwell at Christmas; refers to Translations, Faith Healer and Three Sisters; will send a copy of Three Sisters. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 25 Jan 1981 5 Invites Maxwell to his translation of Chekhov’s Three Sisters. 8 Sept 1981 6 Includes a photocopied photograph; enjoyed his tour of ; will visit various places in the south; has cancelled tour of America. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 20 Oct 1982

5 7 Is moving house; refers to Rudkin’s The Saxon Shores; The Communication Cord opening soon. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 15 Jan 1983 8 Has sent Maxwell some pamphlets; hopes to see him soon. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 12 Sept 1983 9 Postcard; thanks Maxwell for visiting him; hopes to meet again soon. 29 Sept 1983 10 Is planning to do a translation for Field Day; invites Maxwell to visit. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 6 Dec 1983 11 Postcard; asks when Maxwell is visiting. 7 Feb 1984 12 Postcard; thanks Maxwell for coming to launch; is looking forward to seeing him. 8 June 1984 13 Postcard; going to Sligo in July. 19 June 1984 14 Refers to plays with which he has been involved; is writing pamphlet; mentions Boyd, Reid, Longley and Simmons. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 9 Oct 1984 15 Refers to a book with which Maxwell has been involved; asks if he will visit at Christmas; refers to the Field Day tour; mentions his Selected Plays. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 23 Nov 1984 16 Mentions The Protestant Idea of Freedom; refers to his agents. 2 pages, 1 sheet of card. 11 Jan 1985 17 Is looking for housing; will mention ‘Toronto ’86’ to Rea; is having some pamphlets printed. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 19 Feb 1985 18 Refers to Kilroy’s new play, Double Cross; recently visited London; enjoyed Ray Cooney’s Two Into One; mentions John Boyd’s autobiography. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 9 Oct 1985 19 Postcard; refers to social matters. 23 Oct 1985 20 Refers to Kilroy’s new play; is not writing at the moment. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 16 Nov 1985 21 Offers help in finding lodgings; is going to see the French version of Faith Healer in Paris; the Abbey in trouble; mentions Kilroy’s Double Cross. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 20 March 1986 22 Thanks Maxwell for his opinion of Making History; refers to productions of Translations, Fathers and Sons, Aristocrats and Making History. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 3 March 1988

6 23 Refers to John Boyd. 1 page, 1 sheet. 9 Nov 1989 24 Postcard; pleasantries. 12 Jan 1990 25 Postcard; hopes Maxwell can make it to performance of Aristocrats at the Abbey; the actresses are good. 1 page, 1 sheet. 22 March 1990 26 Mentions Making History; asks Maxwell to phone. 1 page, 1 sheet. 14 May 1990 27 Mentions Faith Healer and Lughnasa; going to the Abbey next week. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 3 Nov 1990 28 Refers to Wonderful Tennessee. 1 page, 1 sheet. 8 March 1993 29 Postcard; Judy [Friel] valued Maxwell’s support at the show; is not working. 30 Jan 1995 30 Postcard; staying in Prague for 5 nights. 26 Sept 1995 31 Postcard; pleasantries. 18 Oct 1995 32 Postcard; jokes and pleasantries. 11 March 1996 33 Postcard; has seen Ms Sweeney. 1 April 1997

Ms. 36,252/ 4 Manuscript letters; 35 items Undated

1 Has been suffering from influenza; refers to Translations and Volunteers. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 7 Jan (no year) 2 Was pleased with Maxwell’s response to Translations; mentions Aristocrats; is returning to Belfast on Wednesday; will be in Dublin soon. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 21 Nov (no year) 3 Will return to Co Donegal in a week; rehearsals begin the following week; asks when Maxwell will arrive. 1 page, 1 sheet. 10 August (no year) 4 Jokes; encloses a newspaper article. 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated 5 Asks for Maxwell’s address and phone number; was pleased with his short television film, The Magic Sovereign. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 9 Nov (no year)

7 6 Will sponsor Maxwell for an Irish passport; has submitted Living Quarters to the Abbey; has seen Niall Toibín. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 1 March (no year) 7 Refers to Living Quarters; has been working on David Hammond’s scripts; mentions Faith Healer; refers to Brian Moore, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 7 June (no year) 8 Was happy with the production of his new play; comments on his press reviews; has heard from Brian Moore; mentions John Montague and David Hammond; refers to Faith Healer. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 30 March (no year) 9 Mentions his new play; is hoping that Maxwell will come to rehearsals. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 9 July (no year)

10 Has been poorly; Translations has won an award; gives news of Mahon and Heaney; trying to get funding for Field Day. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 28 Dec (no year) 11 Thanks Maxwell for coming to New York; refers to Living Quarters. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 5 May (no year) 12 Refers to Volunteers; is looking for someone to play the lead; is working on a new play. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 13 May (no year) 13 Sympathises on the death of Maxwell’s mother. 1 page, 1 sheet. 12 Oct (no year) 14 Sends dates for openings of his plays; has just got back from Dublin. 1 page, 1 sheet. 12 May (no year) 15 Looking forward to seeing Maxwell in Co Donegal. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 3 June (no year) 16 Has just returned from Leitrim; going away with Hammond and Heaney; refers to Faith Healer; unhappy with his new play, Aristocrats. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 8 May (no year) 17 Recounts his plans for the summer; refers to Translations; was in Dublin last week. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 9 June (no year) 18 Approves of Maxwell’s biography of himself; is glad Maxwell likes Translations. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 9 Feb (no year) 19 Has written a new play and will send copy in June; moving house. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 16 March (no year) 20 Mentions his new house; is asking various arts councils for money. 2 pages, 1 sheet.

8 27 April (no year) 21 Refers to his new play; enquires about Maxwell’s plans for the year. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 18 Feb (no year) 22 Refers to Maxwell’s brush with the police; will soon be in New York to rehearse Translations; mentions Faith Healer and funding for Three Sisters. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 17 Feb (no year) 23 Refers to Faith Healer and Translations; went to the launch of Heaney’s Twins. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 23 Oct (no year) 24 Refers to an interview he has done; mentions Derek Mahon and Seamus Heaney; John Boyd to visit on Saturday. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 5April (no year) 25 Has been to the Long Wharf Theatre in Newhaven where Fathers and Sons will be performed; refers to Translations, Aristocrats and Making History; asks when Maxwell will be back. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 7 March (no year) 26 Has just moved house; refers to rehearsals for The Communication Cord. 2 pages, 1 sheet. Undated 27 Enquires about Maxwell’s health; saw Faith Healer in Paris where he met John Montague; mentions Tom Kilroy’s Double Cross; refers to the political situation in Northern Ireland. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 2 April (no year) 28 Has been to Cork; did not enjoy Graham Reid’s new play, Remembrance; discusses his plans for the next year. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 8 Nov (no year) 29 Apologises for not being in touch; refers to funding for Three Sisters. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 28 April (no year) 30 Refers to a recent production of a play; will go to New York soon; asks if Maxwell will take part in a fundraising tour for Friel’s Field Day theatre company. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 9 March (no year) 31 Will be going home soon and will afterwards go to Dublin. 1 page, 1 sheet. 28 August (no year) 32 Is including a photocopy of a newspaper article. 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated 33 Sends Seamus Deane’s address; agrees to meet soon. 2 pages, 1 sheet of card. 18 August (no year) 34 Refers to a review in the Irish Times. 1 page, 1 sheet of card. Undated

9 35 A postscript to a letter (not in the collection); is pleased that Maxwell liked Making History. 2 pages, 1 sheet of card. Undated

Ms. 36,252/ 5 Typescript letters. 3 items. Undated

1 Refers to Maxwell’s daughter; mentions the death of his mother; refers to a book by J. Ronsley; has finished writing Aristocrats; mentions Living Quarters. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 20 April (no year) 2 Mentions Faith Healer and ‘Faith Healer’s Wife’; will go to the Dublin theatre festival; mentions Volunteers and Living Quarters. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 12 Oct (no year) 3 Outlines plans for travelling to Canada and the US; mentions the plays of Tom Kilroy and Edna O’Brien; refers to the cast of Faith Healer. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 10 Nov (no year)

Ms. 36,252/ 6 Postcards. 13 items. Undated

Item 1 Gives opening date for Translations; asks if Maxwell will come and see it. Item 2 Blank; depicts a scene from the Battle of the Boyne. Item 3 Refers to time that Maxwell spent in Derry; mentions a play he is writing. Item 4 Refers to scripts he is working on. Item 5 Asks for an address; asks if Maxwell enjoyed France. Item 6 Will not be visiting Dublin; refers to rehearsals for his new play. Item 7 Refers to the production of his new play. Item 8 Pleasantries. Item 9 Refers to rehearsals for his new play; mentions David Hammond. Item 10 Is just back from New York. Item 11 Pleasantries. Item 12 Is hoping to see Maxwell soon; refers to a pamphlet with which he is involved. Item 13 Sends Frank Grimes’s address; will write soon. Item 14 Newspaper article; refers to a dwarf-throwing contest. Undated

Ms. 36,252/ 7 Maurice Good (1932-); playwright and actor. The letters mainly relate to plays with which he is involved and his plans for relocating to Canada. 10 items. March 1972-Jan 1974 (7 undated)

10 Item 1 Refers to Good’s new plays, The Antoinetta and Who Goes with Fergus?; says they are ready to go into rehearsal; refers to his acting role in Shaw’s Fanny’s First Play, his own The Antoinetta, Sligo’s ’72 Synge, and director John Kelly. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 12 March 1972. Item 2 Refers to prospective schools for his children when he arrives in Canada; asks Joy Maxwell if she would be able to find out their locations and the names of the head teachers; refers to an article that Maxwell has just finished. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 15 Nov 1973. Item 3 Sends details of Good’s arrival in Toronto; refers to appearances in Toronto at the James Society; refers to his moving to Canada in August of that year. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 16 Jan 1974 Item 4 Details his tour; outlines plans for the next year; refers to his tax situation. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform) 29 Dec (no year) Item 5 Refers to plays in which he will be playing. Typescript with handwritten notes, slightly torn, 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated Item 6 Refers to Maxwell’s future visit to ‘the islands’ in 1972/3; refers to Good’s new acting role. Typescript with handwritten amendments, 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated Item 7 Asks about potential schools for his son Stephen in Toronto; refers to a recent draft of his Michael Collins play, Hang the Bright Colours. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 14 October (no year) Item 8 Refers to his family’s imminent move to Canada; mentions a script that he has recently written, An Island Love; asks for help in finding accommodation. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated Item 9 Gives temporary address until May as Manitoba Theatre Centre, Winnipeg; refers to his role in Hamlet; tells of a recent trip to America. Typescript with handwritten postscript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 3 Feb (no year) Item 10 Refers to his recent roles. 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated

Ms. 36,252/ 8 John Wilson Haire; playwright. The letters mainly relate to plays in which he is involved, and the political situation in Northern Ireland which he tries to encapsulate in his work. In addition to the letters there are 4 photocopies of newspaper articles. 9 items. Sept 1972-July 1974

11

Item 1 Recalls incident at the National Liberal Club, London; recounts events surrounding a fire at the Lido Café on Victoria Street, London; refers to a new play that he is writing. 2 pages, 2 sheets. 18 Sept 1972 Item 2 Reviews Edna O’Brien’s play A Pagan Place, also England’s Ireland and Tom McIntyre’s Eye Winker, Tom Tinker; refers to his own play, Within Two Shadows and gives a social and political commentary. 5 pages, 5 sheets 17 Nov 1972 Item 3 Refers to his appointment as resident dramatist at the Royal Court Theatre, London, his latest play, Bloom of the Diamond Stone, a meeting with Brian Friel, and the televising of a play he has written, set in Belfast. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 28 Jan 1974 Item 4 Refers to the filming of his play, The Dandelion Clock; refers to a general strike and the political situation in Northern Ireland; offers to help Maxwell with research. 3 pages, 3 sheets. 25 May 1974 Item 5 Refers to the translation of Bloom of the Diamond Stone into German; recounts his visit to Lettamore, Co Galway five years ago; comments on the political situation in Northern Ireland. 2 pages, 2 sheets. 30 July 1974 Item 6 Newspaper article, Cork Examiner; review of Haire’s Within Two Shadows. 14 Nov 1972 Item 7 Newspaper article, Evening Echo; review of Haire’s Within Two Shadows. 18 Nov 1972 Item 8 Newspaper article, The Sunday Times; review of Haire’s Bloom of the Diamond Stone. 14 Nov 1973 Item 9 Newspaper article, The Stage and Television Today; reports on the nomination of Bloom of the Diamond Stone for a theatre award. 6 Dec 1973

Ms. 36,252/ 9 David Hammond (1928-); author. The letters and postcards mainly relate to personal topics, his friendship with other authors and trips abroad. 14 items. Nov 1973-Dec 1977 (1 undated)

Item 1 Postcard; signed ‘Sadie’[a name sometimes used by Hammond]; refers to a night out in Dublin. 1972

12 Item 2 Refers to his contact with Friel, Longley and Heaney; asks about a lecture that Maxwell has organised for him; enquires about a film for the visual aspect of the lecture; suggests ideas for content of lecture. 3 pages, 3 sheets. 21 Nov 1973 Item 3 Refers to contacts with Friel and Heaney and his plans to travel to New York, Detroit and Toronto with Heaney. 1 page, 1 sheet. 26 Feb 1974 Item 4 Postcard; pleasantries; postmarked Dartmouth. 5 April 1974 Item 5 Personal letter, referring to Brian Friel’s recently awarded doctorate; states plans for going to Norway and meeting Maxwell in Ireland. 3 pages, 3 sheets. 7 May 1974 Item 6 Outlines plans for going to Cuba or China with Friel; invites Maxwell; refers to a radio program on Irish music written by a ‘Treasa O’D’ [O’Driscoll]. 2 pages, 1 sheet (small). 14 Oct 1974 Item 7 Refers to his recent visit to London and his trips to the theatre with Brian Friel; suggests places to which a ‘Jeanette’ could apply for employment. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 28 April 1975 Item 8 Tells of the family relationship between Eamonn and Seamus Deane. 1 page, 1 sheet. 28 May 1975 Item 9 Cancels plans to go to North America in the autumn; refers to a novel and travel book by Leon Uris whom he has met. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 4 Sept 1975 Item 10 Lighthearted postcard; postmarked Fermanagh. 17 Jan 1976 Item 11 Lighthearted postcard; postmarked Belfast. 18 Feb 1976 Item 12 Refers to his nomination for a British Academy Award; refers to himself and Heaney being detained at Birmingham airport. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 24 March 1976 Item 13 Refers to his trip to the United States the following week accompanied by Brian Friel; invites Maxwell to join them; mentions Ronnie Mason. 1 page, 1 sheet. 6 April 1976 Item 14 Christmas greetings and refers to items he has enclosed with the letter. 1 page, 1 sheet. 16 Dec 1977 Item 15 Postcard; signed ‘Sadie’; refers to the picture on the postcard. 9 Jan either 1980 or 1989

13 Item 16 Refers to his friendships with Friel, Deane and Heaney. 1 page, 1 sheet. 10 August (no year)

Ms 36,252/ 10 Seamus Heaney (1939-); poet, lecturer and broadcaster; winner of numerous awards including the Nobel Prize for Literature. The letters and postcards mainly relate to travel plans for holidays and conferences, tours and D.E.S. Maxwell’s car, which Heaney looked after for a while in the early 1980s. 15 items. Sept 1972-Dec 1989

Item 1 Postcard; makes arrangements for collecting Maxwell. 9 Sept 1972 Item 2 Postcard; invites Maxwell to the launch of Wintering Out on 20 Nov. 10 Nov 1972 Item 3 Apologises for not writing previously; thanks Maxwell for advice on accommodation in Canada; refers to plans for a conference and asks for suggestions for topic for the talk; gives news of his family. 4 pages, 2 sheets. 22 Jan 1973 Item 4 Postcard; refers to invitation to Toronto and other travel plans. 28 June 1973 Item 5 Refers to his meeting with Pearse Hutchinson; is enjoying Brian Friel’s new book, Volunteers; mentions his new book, North; details appearances he is making in December. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 22 Oct 1974 Item 6 Outlines plans for travelling to Toronto; is going to New York very soon. Typescript, 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 20 Nov 1974 Item 7 Outlines plans for arriving in Canada; refers to his contact with David Hammond; relates plans for a tour of America. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 30 Sept 1975 Item 8 Postcard; refers to their previous meeting; makes arrangements to meet in Ireland in the summer. 1976 Item 9 Relates to Maxwell’s car and motoring arrangements including insurance and registration; will send copies of the relevant documents; refers to a future reading tour. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 31 Jan 1981 Item 10 Mentions a holiday to France; refers to car and motoring issues; outlines details of a recent motoring accident. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 14 June 1981

14 Item 11 Tells of his holiday in France; outlines plans for returning to Dublin; refers to Maxwell’s car and a summer course in Quebec. 1 page, 1 sheet, in an envelope. 14 July 1981 Item 12 Apologises for missing an arranged meeting with Maxwell; regrets how little work he has done this year. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 16 Dec 1989 Item 13 Postcard; pleasantries; details his holiday in Greece. Undated Item 14 Refers to his plane delays; is making arrangements to travel to York, Ontario; mentions a schedule of talks he is arranging. 1 page, 1 sheet. 16 Sept (no year) Item 15 Returns money to Maxwell; mentions Maxwell’s wife. 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated

Ms. 36,252/ 11 Pearse Hutchinson (1927-); poet in the Irish and English languages and drama critic. The letters mainly relate to conferences with which Hutchinson is involved. All typescript. 7 items. Dec 1973-Jan 1975 (1 undated)

Item 1 Refers to his recent book, Watching the Morning Grow; asks if Maxwell would like another copy; enquires about prospective readings in Canada; mentions new poems he has written; is recovering from a broken elbow. 1 page, 1 sheet. 8 Dec 1973 Item 2 Refers to conferences he will be attending. 1 page, 1 sheet. 27 Feb 1974 Item 3 Refers to Cheltenham Poetry Festival in which he will be taking part; regrets he will be unable to do readings in Canada in November; hopes that he will be able to do some other readings before next summer; is looking forward to seeing Maxwell in Leeds and Dublin. 2 pages, 2 sheets. 7 April 1974 Item 4 Enquires about fees for talks and asks Maxwell to confirm dates; mentions the possibility of a new book. 1 page, 1 sheet. 10 Oct 1974 Item 5 Refers to previous letter; confirms that he will attend a talk at Queen’s; asks Maxwell to confirm dates. 1 page, 1 sheet. 12 Oct 1974 Item 6 Regrets that they will have to call off the tour; hopes to receive more offers of tours; mentions a new book by Peter Fallon; refers to a new poetry magazine that he is involved in called The Blackbird; thanks Maxwell for his efforts. 1 page, 1 sheet. 18 Jan 1975

15 Item 7 Encloses a book he has promised; encloses a copy of P&A, which he has edited; refers to a visit to Belfast. 1 page, 1 sheet. 11 Sept (no year)

Ms. 36,252/ 12 Denis Johnston; playwright. The letters and postcard mainly relate to travel arrangements. 8 items. Dec 1974-Dec 1978 (2 undated)

Item 1 Postcard; is looking forward to seeing Maxwell; wishes him a belated Happy Christmas. 29 Dec 1974 Item 2 Confirms he will be in Toronto in January; is looking forward to seeing Maxwell. Typescript, 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 23 Oct 1975 Item 3 Refers to his meeting with Miss C. Bruch; says that he is soon to go to Montreal; hopes to see Maxwell soon. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 11 Oct 1976 Item 4 Regrets that he will be unable to visit Maxwell. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 3 March 1978 Item 5 Is sorry to have missed Maxwell when he was in Ireland; is reading a biography of Yeats’s father. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 14 Sept 1978 Item 6 Sends his best wishes; hoping to see Maxwell soon. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 22 Dec 1978 Item 7 Apologises for not writing previously; asks where Maxwell is located now. 2 pages, 1 sheet. Undated Item 8 Sends his temporary change of address and details of arrangements for arrival in Toronto. 2 pages, 1 sheet. Undated

Ms. 36,252/ 13 John Kelly. The letter and postcards mainly relate to lectures he is giving in Ireland. 3 items. Sept 1974-Sept 1975

Item 1 Postcard; asks if Maxwell can appear at Sligo ’75. 6 Sept 1974 Item 2 Postcard regarding a travelling fee. 11 Oct 1974

Item 3 Refers to Sligo ’76; asks if Maxwell will be there. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 26 Sept 1975

16 Ms. 36,252/ 14 Maurice Leitch (1933-); novelist, teacher and BBC features producer. In addition to a letter, there is a slip of paper relating to Leitch. 2 items.

Item 1 Apologises for not replying earlier; makes arrangements for accommodation in Canada; asks about topics of discussion. 2 pages, 2 sheets. 3 April 1973 Item 2 A4 lined paper with Maurice Leitch’s Soho address and phone number.

Ms. 36,252/ 15 Michael Longley (1939); poet and member of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The letters mainly relate to arrangements for readings and conferences he will be attending and books he has read or written. In addition to the letters there is a short biography and 2 reviews. 15 items. Oct 1971-Nov 1979

Item 1 Accepts invitation to go to Canada the following spring; asks about possible reading fees; suggests arrangements. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 15 Oct 1971 Item 2 Makes arrangements for flying to Canada in February; refers to his reading with Heaney at the Mermaid Theatre; mentions new poems he has written. 1 page, 1 sheet. 10 Jan 1972 Item 3 Recounts plans for travelling to Toronto. 1 page, 1 sheet. 1 Feb 1972 Item 4 Says that his flight home was delayed; thanks Maxwell for the break. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 7 March 1972 Item 5 Refers to a trip to Scotland he has recently made; invites Maxwell to visit. 1 page, 1 sheet. 30 July 1972 Item 6 Asks about a reading he will give; will write at length in a few days; is looking forward to going to Toronto. 1 page, 1 sheet. 21 June 1973 Item 7 Encloses copy of his wife Edna’s Edward Thomas edition; says that Maxwell is welcome in June. 2 pages, 2 sheets. 2 April 1974 Item 8 Requests a copy of a tape of himself and Heaney; gives addresses and program of events; the radio program from Toronto is good. 2 pages, 2 sheets. 18 April 1974 Item 9 Sends news of the arrival of his daughter; refers to election; refers to the new books by Heaney, Mahon and Boland. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 25 April 1975

17 Item 10 Encloses ‘Mack IV’ and asks Maxwell for his opinion. 1 page, 1 sheet. 9 Feb 1977

Item 11 Is looking forward to visit; asks if he can stay with Maxwell. 1 page, 1 sheet. 28 Nov 1979 Item 12 Is making arrangements for Toronto; refers to a reading he is doing with Seamus Heaney; encloses reviews of No Continuing City. 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated Item 13 Short biography of Michael Longley, listing his publications and including extracts from reviews of No Continuing City. Typescript on A4 paper, Item 14 Photocopy of review by Hugh Bredin of No Continuing City published in The Newman Review. Undated Item 15 Photocopy of review by Sister Bernetta Quinn, O.S.F.of No Continuing City. Undated

Ms. 36,252/ 16 Seán Lucy (1931-); novelist, poet and professor. 1 letter; refers to a conference he and John Montague will be attending; regrets that Tomas Ó Cannainn cannot come to Canada;. 1 page, 1 sheet. 20 Feb 1974

Ms. 36,252/ 17 Tom MacIntyre (1931-); playwright. The letters and postcard mainly relate to lectures and talks that Maxwell is organising for him. 18 items. Feb 1972-Oct 1975

Item 1 Requests address of the editor of Ariel magazine; is looking forward to seeing Maxwell at Sligo; invites Maxwell to Galway. 1 page, 1 sheet. 6 Feb 1972 Item 2 Invites Maxwell to Galway; states his plans for the next few months; refers to a performance of The Peacock at the Abbey Theatre. Typescript, with handwritten postscript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 23 Sept 1972 Item 3 Refers to a position he has secured and a conference. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 27 Oct 1973 Item 4 Sends Christmas greetings; is looking forward to going to Toronto. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 17 Dec 1973 Item 5 Thanks Maxwell for looking at The Old Firm; promises to write before Christmas. 1 page, 1 sheet.

18 1 August 1974 Item 6 Postcard; suggests alteration for date of visit. 30 Nov 1974

Item 7 Makes arrangements for a lecture in February. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 23 Sept 1975 Item 8 Refers to payment of fees for tour, a trip to Paris and Thomas Kilroy’s new play. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 31 Oct 1975 Item 9 Refers to his flight to America. 1 page, 1 sheet. 14 Feb (no year) Item 10 Refers to a Michael Longley poem; asks Maxwell to arrange a lecture for him. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 18 Feb (no year) Item 11 Thanks Maxwell for his efforts in arranging talks; can arrange a meeting for Michael Longley. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 6 March (no year) Item 12 Is arranging meeting; will be in Michigan in the winter; accepts invitation to York. 1 page, 1 sheet. 13 May (no year) Item 13 Is sending the final Peacock script; suggests meeting in Dublin in the New Year. 1 page, 1 sheet. 31 Oct (no year) Item 14 Sends dates for his arrival in Toronto; requests a letter confirming dates and fees for talks. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 7 Nov (no year) Item 15 Regrets missing Maxwell in Dublin. 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated Item 16 Sends directions for next meeting. 1 page, 1 sheet. Item 17 Confirms date for visit; acceptance of invitation is dependent on his getting a job in Michigan. 1 page, 1 sheet. 9 June (no year) Item 18 Enjoyed having Maxwell to stay; asks him to organise a reading and to send his script of The Old Firm on to Colm O’Briain. 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated

Ms. 36,252/ 18 Derek Mahon (1941-); poet and winner of numerous awards. The letters and postcards mainly relate to job prospects, financial matters and reading tours. In addition to the letters there is a script for a reading. 27 items. July 1973-Sept 1981

Item 1 Enjoyed their last meeting; requests a meeting next time they are in the same place. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 30 July 1973

19 Item 2 Is looking forward to seeing Maxwell; refers to Professor Skelton. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 13 May 1974 Item 3 Refers to a reading in Delaware and the possibility of a new job. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 4 Nov 1974 Item 4 Postcard; invites Maxwell to visit; refers to his writing. 20 May 1981 Item 5 Postcard; regrets not meeting Maxwell; invites him to visit; refers to holidays next year. 22 Sept 1981 Item 6 Refers to his new job as poet in residence in Massachusetts; asks about prospective readings; refers to a festival of Ulster poetry; wishes him a happy new year. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 23 Jan (no year) Item 7 Says that he is soon to return to Northern Ireland; refers to the postponement of his job. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 18 April (no year) Item 8 Relates to a financial matter. 1 page, 1 sheet. 3 March (no year) Item 9 Refers to a trip to Boston in September 1977, his lack of employment and financial matters. 1 page, 1 sheet. 6 Oct (no year) Item 10 Promises repayment of loan; refers to a pamphlet he is to have published. 1 page, 1 sheet. 18 Oct (no year) Item 11 Refers to Walter Allen, Michael Longley, and a pamphlet he has written. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 3 Nov (no year) Item 12 Asks Maxwell not to cash cheques he has sent; refers to Sligo and a trip to Devon. 1 page, 1 sheet. 30 July (no year) Item 13 Refers to Maxwell’s mother, a trip south and Sligo. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 19 May (no year) Item 14 Is returning money that he owes; sends best wishes. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 4 Sept (no year) Item 15 Sends new address and news of arrival of new baby. 1 page, 1 sheet. 1 June (no year) Item 16 Is trying to organise a reading tour of Canada and the US next year; asks Maxwell to arrange a reading tour in York; encloses his CV. Typescript, 2 pages, 2 sheets. 15 Nov (no year)

20 Item 17 Refers to the possibility of a North American reading tour; suggests postponing dates until next year; refers to Michael Longley. 3 pages, 2 sheets. 23 Jan (no year) Item 18 Confirms that Edna O’Brien is going to Toronto; refers to flight arrangements. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 11 Feb (no year) Item 19 Refers to an Irish Studies seminar in Toronto; mentions travel arrangements. 1 page, 1 sheet. 21 Nov (no year) Item 20 Agrees to read with John Montague; says that he is going to Cardiff to read with Montague and Seamus Heaney; sends Maurice Leitch’s address. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 11 May (no year) Item 21 Refers to family matters; asks for ideas for a reading tour; mentions the Cheltenham festival; says that his new book The Snow Party will be out in the spring. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 22 Sept (no year) Item 22 Requests that his brother-in-law, Julian Harvey, be permitted to use Maxwell’s name as a sponsor while he is in Canada; asks if Maxwell will be in Sligo; his first child is due soon; has a new book out. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 16 Jan (no year) Item 23 Thanks Maxwell for allowing Julian Harvey to use his name as a sponsor; refers to Maxwell’s summer plans; mentions that he is moving to Surrey. 1 page, 1 sheet. 28 Jan (no year) Item 24 Refers to insurance policy; Typescript, 1 page. 28 June (no year) Item 25 Includes a limerick; sends best wishes. Partly typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 17 March (no year) Item 26 Asks if Maxwell can help him find a teaching post; needs a reference; invites him to stay in London; mentions election; refers to Pearse Hutchinson. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated Item 27 Photocopy of typescript article, ‘The Novels of Brian Moore’, 27 pages, 27 sheets.

Ms. 36,252/ 19 Susan Martin. Letters mainly relating to family matters. 2 items. February 1973 (1 undated)

Item 1 Refers to family matters, a new Friel play and a poem by Seamus Deane. 4 pages, 4 sheets. 7 Feb 1973

21 Item 2 Refers to previous letter, within which this one was enclosed. 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated

Ms. 36,252/ 20 John McGahern (1935-); novelist, short story writer and winner of numerous awards. The letters mainly relate to arrangements for readings. 3 items. March 1977-Nov 1978

Item 1 Sends directions for an address in Co. Leitrim; sends best wishes to his family. 1 page, 1 sheet. 12 March 1977 Item 2 Suggests that Michell Gresset, Professor of English at Paris University, speak at York University when he visits Canada in January; invites Maxwell to New York. 1 page, 1 sheet. 16 Oct 1978 Item 3 Thanks Maxwell for his invitation; accepts invitation to read; enquires about fee. Includes envelope, 1 page, 1 sheet. 31 Oct 1978

Ms. 36,252/ 21 John Montague (1929-); poet and teacher at Berkeley, New York and University College Cork. The letters and card mainly relate to conferences and publications with which he is involved. 6 items. Oct 1972-Dec 1976

Item 1 Refers to a short film for RTE, The Rough Field, and also The Fault, and The Elbow Room. 1 page, 1 sheet. 28 Oct 1972 Item 2 Refers to his family, The Rough Field and Exile; he would like to go to Toronto. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 4 May 1973 Item 3 Card; sends a poem written for Oonagh Montague; announces the birth of his first child on 31 August. 10 Nov 1973 Item 4 Refers to recent poems he has written, an AIS conference, the Faber Book of Irish Verse and its launch party, and the publication of The Golden Stone; asks Maxwell to organise more readings. Mainly typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 10 Nov 1973 Item 5 Sends plans for conference tour; asks about fees for conference; refers to a new volume of poetry; signs off with a poem. Mainly typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 13 Dec 1973

22 Item 6 Refers to the CAIS conference and the Faber anthology; asks Maxwell to organise lecture or reading for him. 1 page, 1 sheet. 1 Dec 1976

Ms. 36,252/ 22 Brian Moore (1921-1999); novelist. The letters and postcards mainly relate to arrangements for talks, lectures and conferences. In addition, there are 2 scripts. 16 items. Feb 1974-April 1993 (3 undated)

Item 1 Accepts invitation to do Hibernia interview; refers to two BBC interviews; refers to ‘Brian’s [?Friel’s] new play. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 9 Feb 1974

Item 2 Thanks Maxwell for airline ticket; outlines what he will say in the interview. Typescript, 1 page. 1 sheet. 21 Feb 1974 Item 3 Postcard; refers to his new book and a lecture he gave at UCLA. 13 June 1975 Item 4 Recounts his travelling plans; suggests visiting Toronto; refers to a lecture he has prepared and to Derek Mahon. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 23 Sept 1975 Item 5 Suggests arrangements for talk in Toronto; refers to a BBC documentary on himself. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 30 Sept 1975 Item 6 Refers to previous letters; confirms travelling dates; declines expenses. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 3 Oct 1975 Item 7 Confirms talk; asks Maxwell to book a hotel room; accepts financial arrangements; gives contact details. 1 page, 1 sheet. 13 Oct 1975 Item 8 Refers to Derek Mahon’s Lives; has enjoyed Maxwell’s biography of Friel; thanks him for hospitality in York. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 21 Nov 1975 Item 9 Refers to a speech he has written; says that he will be in Toronto in April. 1 page, 1 sheet. 2 Jan 1976 Item 10 Refers to The Mangan Inheritance; is enjoying Seamus Heaney’s new book; is looking forward to Derek Mahon’s new book. 1 page, 1 sheet. 9 Jan 1980 Item 11 Postcard; refers to his new book. 2 April 1993

23 Item 12 Refers to a holiday in Greece; mentions an article by Maxwell; refers to his new book. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). Date torn Item 13 Accepts invitation to a conference in Toronto; asks if he can bring his wife; mentions Brian Friel. 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated Item 14 Refers to Burgess; mentions Brian Friel. 1 page, 1 sheet. 21 June (no year) Item 15 ‘The Expatriate Writer’, a lecture given by Brian Moore in Toronto. Typescript, 6 pages, 6 sheets. Item 16 ‘The Writer as Exile’, a lecture referring mainly to Moore’s experience of living as a writer in Canada. Photocopy, 5 pages, 5 sheets, manuscript; 28 pages, 28 sheets typescript.

Ms. 36,252/ 23 Matt Mulcahy. 1 postcard; refers to social matters. 5 Dec 1974

Ms. 36,252/ 24 Tom Murphy (1936-); playwright, best known for his 1961 play Whistle in the Dark. 1 letter; mentions a trip to London; refers to scripts he has written; gives agent’s address. Undated

Ms. 36,252/ 25 Edna O’Brien (1932-); novelist. The letters mainly relate to arrangements for conferences. 4 items May 1973-Feb 1974

Item 1 Accepts invitation to attend conference; asks several questions about it. 2 pages, 1 sheet, in envelope. 7 May 1973 Item 2 Refers to conference; arranges to meet in London. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 13 May 1973 Item 3 Accepts invitation to Toronto; is making arrangements. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 15 Feb 1974 Item 4 Regrets that she will be unable to attend the seminar after all; refers to a photographic book she is working on. 1 page, 1 sheet. 19 Feb 1974

Ms. 36,252/ 26 Críostóir Ó Floinn (1927-) Writer in English and Irish. The letters mainly relate to his difficulties in getting work published. In addition to the letters there is a poem he sent to Maxwell. 9 items. July 1970-May 1977

Item 1 Refers to The Field, The Lambs, Abie’s Irish Rose, The Mundy Scheme and to his new job. 2 pages, 2 sheets. 10 July 1970

24 Item 2 Refers to plays he has written; encloses a script. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 15 July 1970 Item 3 Refers to family matters, a bursary he has received from the Abbey Theatre, and his Irish poetry. Typescript, 2 pages, 2 sheets. 1 June 1972 Item 4 Refers to his year at the Abbey; mentions rejections of his plays. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 30 July 1974 Item 5 Refers to family and financial matters, the publishing of his plays, Friel’s Volunteers,and the political situation in Ireland. Typescript, 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 12 Feb 1975 Item 6 Refers to his new Irish play; asks for a subsidy from York University to publish his plays. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 17 Nov 1975 Item 7 Refers to George Gissing’s New Grub Street; encloses a pamphlet; tells of some readings he is doing. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 8 Aug 1976 Item 8 Refers to Robert Hogan; is looking forward to seeing Maxwell. Mainly typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 1 May 1977 Item 9 Poem: ‘Yeats Summer School’, typescript, 2 pages, 2 sheets. August 1975

Ms. 36,252/ 27 Frank Ormsby (1947-); poet and editor of The Honest Ulsterman. 1 letter; refers to pamphlets he will send; mentions Sligo; says he is reading Two Decades of Irish Writing. 1 page, 1 sheet. 12 Oct 1975

Ms. 36,252/ 28 Graham Reid; playwright and writer in residence at Queen’s University Belfast. 1 letter; refers to his new play which has opened in Dublin, the political situation in Northern Ireland, and a visit to Canada. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 6 Oct 1985

Ms. 36,252/ 29 James Simmons (1933-); lecturer, editor and poet. The letters and postcards mainly relate to reading tours and a record with which he is involved. In addition to the letters there are 2 poems. 16 items. March 1972-Dec 1979 (2 undated)

Item 1 Asks if he can use Maxwell’s name for a reference; tells of a position he has secured. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 7 March 1972

25 Item 2 Postcard; refers to his plans for the summer; mentions Sligo. 7 April 1972 Item 3 Refers to work he is having published and a song he has written; requests a reference. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 16 Feb 1973 Item 4 Postcard; thanks Maxwell for the invitation to York; refers to The Long Seminar. 22 May 1973 Item 5 Mentions The Dark Tower; confirms that he will go to Toronto; refers to a poetry panel on which he will sit. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 26 Nov 1973 Item 6 Refers to his trip to Canada and the US, and also to David Hammond, Tom MacIntyre, Kavanagh and Brian Moore. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 12 Dec 1973 Item 7 Is making flight arrangements; refers to John Morrow. Typescript, 1 sheet (international airmail letterform). 6 Feb 1974 Item 8 Refers to plans for travelling to New York and Toronto. 1 page, 1 sheet. 28 Feb 1974 Item 9 Refers to an invitation to read in Canada and to a record with which he is involved. Mainly typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 18 May 1975 Item 10 Refers to his recent career and also to Heaney’s North. Typescript, 2 pages, 1 sheet. 10 Dec 1975 Item 11 Refers to a reading tour; asks about other potential readings; mentions airfares. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 14 Sept 1977 Item 12 Has seen Friel’s Aristocrats at the Abbey; is enjoying Seamus Heaney’s new book; mentions his nephew Michael Stephen’s singing. Mainly typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 3 Dec 1979 Item 13 Refers to a record with which he has been involved; encloses a photograph (not in file); mentions expenses for his tour. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated Item 14 Postcard; asks for an address. Undated Item 15 5 poems; ‘Five American Sonnets’, typescript, 3 pages Dec 1979 Item 16 3 poems; ‘The Trip to Leitrim- 1, 2 and 3’, typescript, with ‘Happy Birthday Desmond’ in manuscript, 3 pages, 3 sheets. 6 July 1984

26 Ms. 36,252/ 30 Sydney Bernard Smith (1936-); poet. The letters mainly relate to his readings in Toronto. 3 items. Jan 1974-Nov 1977

Item 1 Refers to his arrival in Toronto the following week and a reading he is doing. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 8 Jan 1974 Item 2 Thanks Maxwell for his stay in Toronto. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 28 Jan 1974 Item 3 Refers to plays he has written; asks if Maxwell can arrange readings in Toronto. 1 sheet (international airmail letterform).

Ms. 36,252/ 31 Niall Toibín (1930-); actor. The letters and postcard mainly relate to Toibín’s career and trips to Toronto. 7 items. May 1973-August 1978 (1 undated)

Item 1 Accepts invitation to Toronto. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 11 May 1973 Item 2 Confirms that he will be in Toronto in March. Mainly Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 14 Feb 1974 Item 3 Says that he will be in Dublin on a certain date; refers to rehearsals for Twigs. 1 page, 1 sheet. 13 July 1974 Item 4 Refers to an American tour in the spring and to his role in the Elvis Presley Memorial Show. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 29 Oct 1977 Item 5 Refers to the collapse of a production in which he is involved; says that he has recently worked for the BBC. 2 pages, 2 sheets. 24 Feb 1978 Item 6 Postcard; reads, ‘And why not? – Niall’. 12 August 1978 Item 7 Has reserved tickets for Borstal Boy for Maxwell. 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated

Ms. 36,252/ 32 Paul West; novelist. 1 letter; lists recent positions he has held; refers to recent novels he has written. 7 Oct 1973

Ms. 36,252/ 33 Miscellaneous letters and postcards from various mainly unidentified correspondents. In addition to the correspondence there are 3 newspaper articles. 16 items. March 1972-Jan 1980

Item 1 Signed ‘Roy’ [? Fuller]; thanks Maxwell for his hospitality; refers to a book he has written. 1 sheet 9letterform). 17 Nov 1971

27 Item 2 Signed ‘Brendan’ [? Kennelly]; he will not be going to Canada; refers to the possibility of a chair at Trinity College for Maxwell. 2 pages, 1 sheet. 22 March 1972 Item 3 Signature illegible (Maurice?); accepts an invitation to go to Canada; suggests meeting in the spring. 1 page, 1 sheet. 25 May 1973 Item 4 Signature illegible; is looking forward to seeing Maxwell; refers to a talk he will give; is arranging accommodation. Typescript, 1 page, 1 sheet. 20 Nov 1973 Item 5 Signed ‘Muriel’; makes arrangements for travelling to Canada; refers to Edna O’Brien and a piece written by Maxwell; is making arrangements for flights. 1 page, 1 sheet. 25 Feb 1974 Item 6 Signed ‘Tom’ [? Kilroy]; encloses an air ticket; enjoyed the visit to Toronto. 1 page, 1 sheet. 30 Nov 1976 Item 7 Signed ‘Julia’; arranges to meet Maxwell in Dublin. 1 page, 1 sheet. 21 Nov 1979 Item 8 Postcard; signature illegible; is looking forward to seeing Maxwell. 10 March 1984 Item 9 Postcard; signature illegible; sends new address, is looking forward to seeing him. 2 Nov 1990 Item 10 Signature illegible; refers to The Peacock; asks if Maxwell will visit Montreal; gives address and phone number. 1 page, 1 sheet. Undated Item 11 Signed ‘Fergus Dunne’; refers to an invitation to Derry. 1 page, 1 sheet. 7 Sept (no year) Item 12 Newspaper article; a letter to the editor from Brian Hepworth. Undated Item 13 Newspaper article; a letter to the editor; refers to the T. S. Eliot newsletter. Undated

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