Archives West Finding Aid
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Alan Garner papers , 1971-1978
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Greaves, Griselda; Garner, Alan, 1934-; Hirschman, Susan
- Title
- Alan Garner papers
- Dates
- 1971-1978 (inclusive)19711978
- Quantity
- 0.25 linear feet, (3 folders)
- Collection Number
- Coll 399
- Summary
- Alan Garner (1934 -) is a celebrated writer of fantasy stories that feature children as the main protagonists, and that explore the myths, traditions, and dialect of Cheshire, England. The collection (1971-1978) contains correspondence with publishers, a biographical packet, and reviews mostly concerning the book Red Shift.
- Repository
-
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.
- Additional Reference Guides
-
See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.
- Languages
- English
- Sponsor
- Funding for production of this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
Historical NoteReturn to Top
Alan Garner was born October 7, 1934, in the county of Cheshire, England. He became a celebrated writer of fantasy stories, most of which are set in Cheshire, and explore the myths, traditions, and dialect of that area. Although he is often categorized as a "children's author," Garner does not endorse that label. He explains that while his books mostly feature children as the main protagonists, and that "readers under the age of eighteen read what [he writes] with more passion, understanding, and clarity of perception than do adults," ultimately, he writes for himself.
Novels by Gardner include: The Weirdstone of Brisingamen (1960), The Moon of Gomrath (1963), Red Shift (1973), Thursbitch (2003), and Boneland (2012).
[Source: Interview with Alan Garner by Raymond H. Thompson. April 12, 1989. website: http://www.lib.rochester.edu/]
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
Correspondence is primarily between Gardner and Susan Hirschman of MacMillan Publishing (1971-1978). Included amongst the letters are notes, sources, and copies of illustrations for A Collection of Fools.
There are numerous reviews of Red Shift; some reviewers argue whether the book is aimed, or should be aimed, at children.
The collection also contains a "datapack biography," edited by (his wife) Griselda Greaves, that contains photocopied documents, writings, and photographs. The datapack includes an autobiographical sketch, handwritten letters, poetry, photocopied photographs and prints of Gardner and his house. Also filed with the datapack are copies of article or book pages about traditions and customs of Cheshire, England.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
| Description |
|---|
| Guide to the Alan Garner papers |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Authors and publishers--Correspondence
- Authors, English--20th century
- Children's literature, English--Authorship
- Fantasy fiction, English--Authorship
- Science fiction, English--Authorship
- Young adult literature, English--Authorship
Personal Names
- Garner, Alan, 1934-
- Hirschman, Susan
Corporate Names
- Macmillan Publishing Company
Geographical Names
- Cheshire (England)--Fiction
- Cheshire (England)--Social life and customs
Form or Genre Terms
- Correspondence
- Photocopies
- Science fiction
