Padraic Colum papers, 1918-1966

Collection context

Creator:
Colum, Padraic, 1881-1972
Extent:
0.5 linear feet (36 items in 1 box)
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

The collection contains 24 letters of Padraic Colum to various persons dating from 1916 to 1968. Also, several of Colum's manuscripts, notably three volumes containing drafts of his play "Balloon", exerpts from his novel The Flying Swan (1957), one typescript and three manuscript poems, printed material, and photographs.

Biographical / historical:

Irish poet and playwright.

Padraic Colum was born in Longford, Ireland on December 8 1881. He married the writer Mary Molly Gunning Maguire in 1912 and immigrated to New York in 1914. Though better known for his latter works in other fields his contributions to the early Irish Dramatic Movement were important. Three plays Broken Sail The Fiddler's House and The land revealed in simple language the strong conflicts between the world of the artist and the world of the land. He also achieved significant recognition away from the theater as a poet novelist essayist and children's book author. Colum and his wife taught Comparative Literature at Columbia University from 1939 to 1956 and in 1958 Columbia honored him with an honorary doctorate. He died in Enfield Connecticut on January 11 1972.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located on-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Padraic Colum papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu