John Montague’s poetic gift to the nation
John Montague: handed works to National Library
One of the country's bestknown contemporary poets has handed over a substantial archive of literary works to the National Library of Ireland, writes Jason O’Brien.
John Montague, who now lives in France, was in Dublin yesterday to officially hand over the material, which includes drafts of some of his earliest poems and a working archive for more recent publications.
“Also included is an extensive collection of correspondence with publishers, editors, coeditors, academics and artists, as well as a wide range of Irish, British, American and French literati,” a spokesperson for the National Library said.
“Correspondents include Samuel Beckett, Seamus Heaney, Saul Bellow, Ted Hughes and others. Their letters include news about fellow writers and poets.”
Mr Montague, who turned 80 earlier this month, continues to maintain a prolific output of work, and the archive dates mainly from 1987 onwards.
