Michael Curtin

Reference Code: IE 2135 P19
Title: The Michael Curtin Papers
Dates of Creation: 1979-1993
Extent and Medium: 5 boxes (75 files)

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Context

Name of Creator: Curtin, Michael (1942-)

Biographical History: Michael Curtin was born in Limerick in 1942 and is best known for his darkly comic novels depicting life and the many characters in Limerick city.  In addition to his novels, Curtin has published a number of short stories, most notably in the New Irish Writing page of the Irish Press.

Archival History: Unknown.

Immediate Source of Acquisition: Purchased by the University of Limerick from Kenny’s Bookshop, Galway, on 19 August 2005.

 

Content and Structure

Scope and Content: Manuscripts and correspondence relating to Michael Curtin’s career as a writer.

System of Arrangement: The documents are divided thematically into three series.  Series A comprises correspondence mainly with publishers, literary agents, film and TV producers, and artists’ associations, and provides an interesting insight into the process of book publishing, and the acquisition of foreign language rights and film rights.  The difficulties experienced even by established authors to get their work into print is illustrated by the 11 rejection letters from publishing companies for Curtin’s fourth novel, The Plastic Tomato Cutter (see P19/8).

Series B contains manuscripts of five of Curtin’s novels, many with copy editor’s alterations.  Series C is dedicated to Suzanne Gibson and her unpublished children’s book, American Bennett’s Alphabet Soup, presumably sent to Curtin for his comments.

 

Conditions of Access and use

Conditions Governing Access: Unrestricted access to most items.  A small number of documents contain personal information and are closed for a period of 30 years.  These items have been identified in the descriptive catalogue.

Conditions Governing Reproduction: Michael Curtin and Suzanne Gibson retain all proprietary rights and copyright in their published and unpublished writings.  Those materials may not be duplicated or reproduced without written permission from the authors.  Please contact the staff at Special Collections for contact details.  Reproduction of any items dated after 1979 containing personal information is also prohibited.  For photocopying other material, please consult with the staff at Special Collections.

Language/ Scripts of Material: English.

 

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