The Michael Curtin Papers

Repository: Glucksman Library University of Limerick

Identity Statement

TitleThe Michael Curtin Papers
Archive ReferenceIE 2135 P19
Web Link to this Entryhttps://iar.ie/archive/michael-curtin-papers
Creation Dates1979-1993
Extent Medium5 boxes (75 files)

Context

Creator(s): Curtin, Michael, 1942-2016, author

  • Administrative 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 ↴

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

    Donation

Content & Structure

  • Scope & Content: Curtin, Michael, 1942-2016, author ↴

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

  • Appraisal Destruction ↴

    All records have been retained.
  • Accruals ↴

    No accruals are expected.
  • 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    Series C is dedicated to Suzanne Gibson and her unpublished children’s book, American Bennett’s Alphabet Soup, presumably sent to Curtin for his comments.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 & Use

Access Conditions 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 ReproductionMichael Curtin and Suzanne Gibson retain all proprietary rights and copyright in their published and unpublished writings.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.
Creation Dates1979-1993
Extent Medium5 boxes (75 files)
Material Language ScriptEnglish
Characteristics Tech ReqPaper documents in good condition.
Finding Aids A hard copy of the descriptive catalogue is available at the University of Limerick Special Collections. Archive Web Link →

Allied Materials

Related MaterialPublished works by Michael Curtin are available in the Special Collections and the Main Library at the University of Limerick. Please consult the library catalogue at http://www2.ul.ie/web/WWW/Services/Library/Catalogue.

Descriptive Control Area

Archivist NoteAnna-Maria Hajba
Rules/ConventionsISAD(G): General International Standard Archival Description. 2nd ed. Ottowa: International Council on Archives, 2000.
Date of Descriptions40210