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Máire Mhac an tSaoi Family Papers
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Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
Máire Mhac an tSaoi was a writer and scholar who is known for her Modernist poetry in the Corca Dhuibhne dialect of Munster Irish. She published her first poetry collection, Margadh na Saoire, in 1956. In addition to her Irish-lanugage poetry, Mhac an tSaoi published original and translated works in English. Other works by Mhac an tSaoi include novella A Bhean Óg Ón (2001), memoir The Same Age as the State (2003), and scholarly work Cérbh í Meg Russell? (2008). Born Máire MacEntee to parents Seán MacEntee and Margaret MacEntee (née Browne) in 1922. After studying modern languages and Celtic studies at University College Dublin, Mhac an tSaoi worked in diplomatic service from 1947 until 1962 — the year she married diplomat Conor Cruise O'Brien (1917-2008) in New York City. The couple adopted two children, and Mhac an tSaoi became stepmother to O'Brien's children from his previous marriage. Around 1969, they returned to Ireland from New York City. Mhac an tSaoi died in 2021 in Dublin.
A literary archive containing original manuscripts, working drafts, notebooks, corrected proofs, personal and professional correspondence, and photographs of Máire Mhac an tSaoi (1922-2021). The manuscripts cover work by Mhac an tSaoi as a poet, academic, biographer and writer. Also includes correspondence with her immediate and extended family, friends, and colleagues. Also included are papers of persons other than Mhac an tSaoi, mostly her parents, Seán and Margaret MacEntee, along with other family members.
Languages include English, Irish, some French, Spanish, Italian, Greek, and Latin.
Kennys Bookshop compiled and arranged the materials. Materials remain in the order in which Princeton received them from Kennys Bookshop.
The two digital files are in the order in which they were received (via compact disc).
The material was purchased at auction in several miscellaneous lots by Kennys Bookshop (Ireland), having been sent to auction by members of the family of the late Máire Mhac an tSaoi.
Purchased from Kennys Bookshop in January 2023 (AM 2024-018).
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This collection contains digital files, which may require specific software or hardware for access. Refer to our Tips on Accessing Born-Digital Content for information on how to render these file formats.
This collection was processed by Lauren C. Williams in July-October 2024. Finding aid derived from inventory and description provided by Kennys Bookshop.
The born-digital materials in this collection have been processed according to Princeton University Library's Born-Digital Processing Workflows. For more information on the workflow, please read our full Born-Digital Processing Information Note.
The Oíche Nollag Dhá Leagan CD was removed from the collection after the audio files were extracted in October 2024. No other materials were removed from the collection during 2024 processing.
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- Publisher
- Manuscripts Division
- Finding Aid Author
- Lauren C. Williams
- Access Restrictions
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The collection is open for research.
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Collection Inventory
Autograph and typewritten notebooks and manuscripts for poetry, as well as manuscripts and research material used for books and other literary contributions. Much of this material is in the Irish language. Includes annotated copies of autograph manuscript, also partially typed, and correspondence relating to Mhac an tSaoi's autobiography, The Same Age as the State, published in 2003.
Manuscript partial drafts of poetry, in Irish and in English, other research notes and household notes.
Physical Description1 folder
Partial drafts of poems, bibliographic references; loose insert 10 separate pages, stapled, with bibliographic references.
Physical Description1 folder
80 sheets. MS notes, undated circa 1920s-1930s. Text in old Irish script, some Greek and French.
Physical Description1 folder
7pp. manuscript notebook, with bibliographical references on book about Piaras Feiritéir. All text in Irish.
Physical Description1 folder
80 sheets. Includes partial drafts of Tromluí, Cré na Mná Tí, also notes on classes taken/given? With some drawings made by a child, undated. Some text in Irish.
Physical Description1 folder
The Origins of Poetry: points of comparison between Mediaeval Ireland and Early Greece, approximately 50 pages handwritten notes, draft and bibliography in a spiral bound notebook, with annotations.
Physical Description1 folder
Two hardback notebooks, both with manuscript drafts and notes, one 17cmx10cm half-leather bound, the second 14cmx8cm leather bound. A5 envelope 'Ferriter, Leabhra beaga Fánacha éagsúla nótaí, library slips etc', containing two small spiral bound notebook with notes, names and addresses, many library slips [unidentified library] and with several handwritten notes. Envelope with manuscript poem in Irish and in French. Text in Irish, French and English.
Physical Description1 folder
Manuscript note inside front cover 'BIBLIO & REFS'. With photocopies of pages/chapters from a book Archaic Greece.
Physical Description1 folder
Research notes for book on Pierce Ferriter, enclosures include photocopies of material stapled to some pages. Typed letter signed from Chatsworth, Oct 1997. Text in Irish and in English.
Physical Description1 folder
Manuscript with annotated drafts of poetry in Irish [?translation of Rilke poetry]; early pages with notes and observations on fellow Irish poets in English. Also contains research on Ferriter/Russell book, in English. Text in Irish and in English.
Physical Description1 folder
Poem typescript, edited, 4pp.
Physical Description1 folder
Heavily edited typescript with manuscript translation. With manuscript note from Liam Ó Murchú, Mar 1976, 35pp. Text in Irish.
Physical Description1 folder
Manuscript draft poem, 5pp. Text in Irish and in English.
Physical Description1 folder
Typescript heavily edited, 1pp, with 4pp carbon copy; and 4pp carbon copy of 'The Champions Sleep.'
Physical Description1 folder
Manuscript draft of poem 'Lament', with edits, 1pp, undated; with spiral bound 'Lament for Amal Yassin by Seamus Carraher, Nov 1991-Mar 1992, a Red Factory Worker Publication, 10pp.
Physical Description1 folder
One page manuscript, with three photocopies of same.
Physical Description1 folder
Heavily annotated, mostly photocopies, translations in Irish, approximately 129 pp, [2000-2002]. With a manuscript letter from Liam [? Ó Murchú], in Irish, discussing aspects of Blianiris, October 2007. Also includes 8pp fax message and corrected pages to Chris Agee. 8pp photocopy from Poetry Ireland Review of Marbhnaí Dhúínó I and Marbhnaí Dhúínó II, corrected and annotated. All wrapped in a Archaeology Ireland, Heritage Guide No. 38. Text in Irish and in English.
Physical Description1 folder
Untitled typescript, two verse poem, first line 'Seacht gcéad déag fáilte naoi n-uaire agus fiche', 1 page. Text in Irish.
Physical Description1 folder
One verse draft of poem, first line 'Wrestle or rant and rime to boot', untitled, undated, in pencil, 1 page.
Physical Description1 folder
Memorial card for Virginia Iremonger (1960-1990), with poem by Máire Mhac an tSaoi, 4pp. Text in Irish and in English.
Physical Description1 folder
Photocopy proof of five-verse poem, with manuscript notes by Elaine [?Kater], 1 page.
Physical Description1 folder
Edited typescript essay style review of 'An tOileánach' by Tomás O'Crohan, 7pp. With edited draft of same, 16pp.
Physical Description1 folder
Manuscript notes on the contents of a book, yellow legal paper, 2pp.
Physical Description1 folder
Large brown envelope with manuscript label "Mrs M. Cruise O'Brien / To Be Collected". Includes manuscript 'Páras an Iarchogaidh / Les Oeufs sont sortis!', 10pp stapled, in Irish, with typed version, and photocopy of same, 3pp; also includes manuscript 'Na Náisiúin Aonthaithe - Radharc ón Mionduine', 10pp, with two copies of typed version, 3pp each. Páras an Iarchogaidh / Post-war Paris. Na Náisiúin Aonthaithe - Radharc ón Mionduine / The United Nations – A Close-up View.
Physical Description1 folder
Manuscript review of 'The Wartime Broadcasts of Francis Stuart, 1942-1944', Lilliput Press, 2001. 6 foolscap pages. With newspaper cuttings of the published review, Irish Independent, 6 January 2001, and other associated press cuttings.
Physical Description1 folder
Contributor's contract to the Oxford Companion to Irish Literature for to entries, 1990. Contract states contribution will be on entries for Piaras Feiritéir (1600?-1653) and An tAth. Pádraigín Haicéad (1610s?-1654), signed and dated Nov 1990, with samples and manuscript notes. Folder labelled 'Rinuccini', with material relating to Giovanni Battista Rinuccini (1592-1653), papal nuncio to Ireland, typed published notes annotated and 21pp manuscript notes on Rinuccini. Some text in Irish, French, Italian and Latin. Haicéad worked actively to advance the interests of the papal nuncio Rinuccini. Alternative spelling Piaras Feiritéar, Pierce Ferriter.
Physical Description1 folder
Large brown envelope labelled by hand in red marker '"Tugas Annsacht d'Pigh Ghallda" – Piaras Feiritéir, Lss.-Bunchoip Máire Mhac an tSaoi- mar aon lena haistrúichán go Béarla' with original manuscript copy and translation into English, with copies. Large brown envelope, labelled 'Céipeanna Breise de Tugas ansacht, agus den mBéarla' typescripts of Tugas Annsacht d'Óigh Ghallda (Do Mheig Ruiséil), title of love poem written by Piaras Feiritéir for Meg Russell +1653, in Irish and English, with copies. Also includes copy of letter from Librarian, Chatsworth House (England), concerning the connection between Chatsworth, the Lismore Papers and Meg Russell; with copies of other research material. In 2001, Mhac an tSaoi published an award-winning novel 'A Bhean Óg Ón…' about the relationship between Piaras Feiritéir and Meg Russell, for whom he wrote much of his love poetry in the Irish language. Alternative spelling Piaras Feiritéar, Pierce Ferriter. Text in Irish and in English.
Physical Description1 folder
Contains typecripts and draft chapters, some handwritten, with several signed autograph letter between Máire Mhac an tSaoi and Mare Mac Conghail, her researcher, with MS notes and photocopies, and a heavily annotated typescript, with other correspondence, research material and ephemera, approximately 114pp and 250pp. Text in Irish and in English.
Physical Description4 folders
13 page typescript of chapter 1 of 'Cérbh í Meg Russell?', Dearcadh as Shaolré Phiarais Fheiritéir', heavily annotated, with manuscript cover note to fax the typescript to Sheán Tadhg Ó Gairfí, 1pp. Text in Irish.
Physical Description1 folder
Contains research material on the Ferriters of Kerry and the Russell Family including the Earls of Bedford and Essex, some manuscript and typed correspondence with institutions such as Woburn Abbey re same; also includes 5 microfiche negatives of unpublished Geraldine documents (1870). Text in Irish and in English.
Physical Description3 folders
Typescript with unsigned typed letter to Rev. Brother Kevin MacNamara, Good News (publication), Dublin, on the subject of the Irish language, 4pp.
Physical Description1 folder
Photocopy of manuscript and typescript of autobiography titled The Same Age as the State. With copy of manuscript note to Idé [?editor]. All loose pages, 511 pp [A4] mostly manuscript, some typed or previously published.
Physical Description3 folders
Typed and signed publisher's contract between Máire Mhac an tSaoi and The O'Brien Press, June 2002, signed July 2002, for "The Same Age as The State, An Autobiography", 7pp, typed, with one page ALS typed, Michael O'Brien, The O'Brien Press to Máire Mhac an tSaoi, confirming receipt of contract and supplying €1,500 cheque.
Physical Description1 folder
Fax received from Seamus Heaney agreeing to launch 'The Same Age As The State' in October 2003, 1 page. Manuscript note in response from Mhac an tSaoi to Seamus Heaney thanking him for agreeing to speak and suggesting dates, signed; Postcard from Seamus Heaney to Máire Mhac an tSaoi agreeing to suggested date for book launch and making reference to an old saying of his mother, Jul 2003. The file also includes manuscript fax message with guest list, providing names and addresses, from Máire to Catríona [? O'Brien Press].
Physical Description1 folder
This series includes letters sent by Máire to her husband Conor Cruise O'Brien, and to her parents during her time living in France and Spain and later with O'Brien in Ghana and in the United States. There are approximately 100 letters received from others including fellow writers and poets. Also includes correspondence from Seamus Heaney, who agreed to launch her autobiography in 2003. The Dr. Letitia Fairfield letters demonstrate the close relationship between the MacEntee family and Dr. Fairfield. She met Margaret MacEntee during a visit to Dublin in the early 1920s and following a return visit in 1928 the relationship between her and the family became closer. The correspondence between Dr. Fairfield and Seán MacEntee include discussions on international politics and offer insight into the realities of the effects of World War II on her life in London, and, from MacEntee's point of view, when Ireland had remained neutral. Also includes two songs sung in Irish, adaptations of a poem by Máire Mhac an tSaoi "Oíche Nollag" [Christmas Eve], singers unidentified, circa 1995.
All text in English unless otherwise stated.
Correspondence has been sorted into specific categories where it relates to a specific subject. Where this is not so, it has been given a general arrangement. Where a letter related to a particular subject and was kept in a different folder, this arrangement has been maintained.
Contains typed and manuscript letters written by Máire Mhac an tSaoi to her parents. Manuscript sent directly to her father whilst on holiday with her mother's family in Ballyferriter, Co. Kerry, circa 1945, 6pp. Typed letter addressed to parents from Paris, November 1945, 3pp., also postcard to her parents, 1947 and with postcard from Madrid, Apr 1950. 35 manuscript letters mostly from New York, some from Ghana, with postcards, 1964-1967. Six (6) typed letters from Ghana and New York, 1965-1967. One manuscript letter in Irish.
Physical Description3 folders
Manuscript letter to friend 'Kitty' written from Paris, 6pp, circa 1945.
Physical Description1 folder
Two (2) folders. 26 manuscript letters addressed to Cruise O'Brien while he was residing in New York, 1961. Second folder with letters from the children of Cruise O'Brien's first marriage to their father, with letter from his ex-wife, Christine; telex message from Katanga (former province of Belgian Congo) concerning arrival of Máire Mhac an tSaoi; also letters from step-children to Máire, 1960-1961. With a birthday card, 2006.
Physical Description2 folders
10 (ten) folders. approximately 125 letters, mostly manuscript, some typed, and some postcards. With some written from family members to Máire, letters between her parents to each other, some of her mother's personal correspondence, also her siblings letters to their parents. Other letter writers include Ambassador Frank J. Biggar (brother-in-law); Jean MacEntee (sister-in-law); Cardinal (Michael) David Browne (uncle, brother of Margaret MacEntee); Fr Patrick Browne (uncle, brother of Margaret MacEntee, also as Padraig de Bruin, writer); Monsignor Maurice (Moss) Browne (uncle, brother of Margaret MacEntee); Laurence Simms (grandson of Conor Cruise O'Brien). Some text in Irish.
Physical Description10 folders
8 (eight) folders. Approximately 70 letters between Dr. Letitia Fairfield and Margaret MacEntee, Máire Mhac an tSaoi and Seán MacEntee. Dr. Letitia Fairfield CBE (1885-1978) was a close family friend of the MacEntee's and the first female chief medical officer for London, England. Letters from Seán MacEntee during WWII present political status of Ireland during this time. He was Minister for Industry during the War.
Physical Description8 folders
Typed letter from Irish poet Desmond O'Grady (1935-2014), undated, 1 page, with manuscript annotation commenting on poem by Mhac an tSaoi.
Physical Description1 folder
18 (eighteen) folders, approximately 100 letters, typed & manuscript, received. Correspondents include W. R. Rodgers, Breandán Ó hEithir, Seán Ó Mórchada, Louis de Paor, Bruce Arnold, John Shields, Diarmuid Ó Mathúna, Dr. A. A. M. Bryer, Laurence Cassidy, Arts Council of Ireland. Includes letters of condolence, manuscript notes, poetry notes, references, research notes and some receipts. Some text in Irish.
Physical Description18 folders
Two songs sung in Irish, adaptations of a poem by Máire Mhac an tSaoi "Oíche Nollag" [Christmas Eve], singers unidentified.
Physical Description2 digital files
Approximately 50 greeting cards received, condolences, Christmas, postcards. Some text in Irish.
Physical Description1 folder
This series mostly contains documents created by other persons.
All text in English unless otherwise stated.
Máire Mhac an tSaoi interview talking about her father, Seán MacEntee, former Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) of Ireland. Interspersed with some audio of Sean MacEntee. Approximately 13 mins. Probably recorded as part of a radio documentary series from RTE Radio (Ireland), an eight part series which looked at the lives of well-known people in politics, music, science and sport told by those who have a unique insight into their stories, their grown up children, circa 2007.
Physical Description1 folder
Newspaper cutting with early review of Mhac an tSaoi's poem "Filíocht den tSeacht Aois Déag", 2pp.
Physical Description1 folder
Photocopies of internal memos and letters relating to agricultural negotiations between Irish and Spanish governments, 23pp.
Physical Description1 folder
224pp, with some loose manuscript notes.
Physical Description1 folder
Translation of academic reference [?Professor M. Roger Chairiné], concerning attendance for the academic years 1938-1941 in Máire Mhac an tSaoi's handwriting, 2pp.
Physical Description1 folder
18pp typed, 2pp manuscript inventory on MacEntee family home letterhead.
Physical Description1 folder
Draft version, c. 118pp typed, hole punched.
Physical Description1 folder
TLS from composer Brian Ingoldsby to Máire Mhac an tSaoi, 1 page, with 6pp sheet music 'Caoineadh.' With typed curriculum vitae for Máire Cruise O'Brien, 1 page. Text in Irish and in English.
Physical Description1 folder
Signed, 17pp, typed, hole punched. Some photocopies.
Physical Description1 folder
Plans, correspondence relating to title deeds, utility bills, draft manuscript letters by Seán MacEntee to suppliers and others, approximately 100pp.
Physical Description2 folders
Typed application for Máire's mother with academic references from several including Douglas Hyde, 10pp.
Physical Description1 folder
Draft speech for a political gathering of the Fianna Fail party, 9pp.
Physical Description1 folder
Many of the photographs were used in Máire Mhac an tSaoi's memoir, The Same Age as the State (O'Brien Press, Dublin, 2003). Also includes an album of photographs of Mhac an tSaoi as a young child, with her parents, siblings and maternal family (circa 1922-1930s). There are also several photographs of Mhac an tSaoi during her time in Paris, directly after World War II, and of her first diplomatic posting at the Irish Embassy in Madrid, several of which show her being presented to General Franco. Others feature her husband Conor Cruise O'Brien.
All loose, except for one photo album.
Mostly early childhood, some with her parents and her siblings, one with her uncle Fr. Padraig de Brúin, 13 b/w. Some captioned by Mhac an tSaoi.
Physical Description1 folder
Mostly solo portraits, some academic graduations, approximately 45 b/w & 2 colour. Some captioned by Mhac an tSaoi.
Physical Description1 folder
Approximately 22 b/w photographs, includes presentation to General Franco of Spain.
Physical Description1 folder
8 b/w photographs of Seán and Margaret MacEntee; also of Margaret's mother and her brothers, Patrick and David; with 2 contact sheets of b/w portraits of Margaret MacEntee.
Physical Description1 folder
15 b/w photographs, mostly of wedding to Frank Biggar, with Máire as bridesmaid.
Physical Description1 folder
2 b/w photographs of wedding party outside church, one captioned in pencil.
Physical Description1 folder
2 b/w photographs of Cardinal Browne, maternal uncle, investiture by Pope John XXIII; 1 b/w photograph with Pope Pius XII, as head of the Dominican Order.
Physical Description1 folder
11 b/w photographs. One with parents captioned verso in pencil by Mhac an tSaoi "Tar éis ár bpósta, i mBeann Eadair lem' Athair is lem' Mháthair" [After our marriage, in Howth with my Father and Mother]. In Irish and in English.
Physical Description1 folder
1 b/w photograph of Queen Fabiola and King Baudouin of Belgium greeting Ambassador Frank Biggar. 3 b/w of a couple on their wedding day.
Physical Description1 folder
Approximately 65 photographs, mostly b/w. Mostly of Máire Mhac an tSaoi and her husband, Conor Cruise O'Brien, on their wedding day, at functions, with her parents. Also includes images of Mhac an tSaoi in Madrid. Also two of his daughter, Kate Cruise O'Brien.
Physical Description1 folder
Cloth bound album 65pp with b/w photographs pasted in. Most dated. Mostly Máire as a young child, her parents, and other family members. Includes photograph of maternal uncle Fr Padraig de Brún with Éamon de Valera, future president of Ireland, 1925. Lacking back cover, some photographs loose.
Physical Description1 folder