Guide to the Papers of Robert Gray, 1975-c.2006

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Summary

Collection number:
MS Acc05.020; MS Acc11.066; MS Acc17.076.MS Acc23.090
Creator:
Gray, Robert
Extent:
(13 ms boxes)
Language:
English and English
Preferred citation:
Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of Robert Gray, National Library of Australia, [class/series/file/item number(s)]'.
Availability:
Available
Access conditions:
Available for research. Not for loan.

Background

Content Summary:

The collection comprises drafts of the poems for Robert Gray's book Afterimages and drafts of other poems as well. There are proofs for Grass script: selected earlier poems, published in the United Kingdom in 2001, that show many re-workings not incorporated into any edition in Australia. Also, proofs for Afterimages and revised proofs for some reviews Gray wrote for The Australian. The collection also includes correspondence, ca. 1999-2004.

MS Acc11.066 comprises Gray's writing processes and his interactions with other Australian and international poets and painters. The papers include correspondence, a notebook, manuscripts and multiple annotated typescripts for several of Gray's works. The works are: The land I came through last; Afterimages; Nameless earth; and a volume of his collected poems. Correspondents include Christopher Koch, Peter Goldsworthy, Kevin Hart, Les Murray, Dennis O'Driscoll and Jan Zwicky. In addition, there is a letter from Patrick White, in which White names Gray, along with Bruce Beaver, as one of the two best poets in Australia.

MS Acc17.076 comprises correspondence with Helen Garner, Kevin Hart and others, together with drafts of Robert Gray's poems.

MS Acc23.090 comprises of 10 creative journals containing quotes from poetry and philosophy, lists of poems and philosophers that Robert found inspirational, cuttings of publications, lists of words to use in his work, fragments, musings and vignettes. It also includes correspondence with Australian poet Kevin Hart, Australian artist Ted Hillyer, condolence letter on the death of John Olsen, fan mail, notes on poems in NSW school curriculum and draft poems.

Collection Retrieval Advice:

Please note: each class in this collection has a separate box number sequence (i.e. there are multiple Box 1's). Please cite the relevant Class number as well as the Box number when requesting retrieval of material from the collection.

Access and use

Conditions Governing Access:
Access conditions may apply to this collection, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn3547153).
Conditions Governing Use:
Conditions for copying and publishing of this collection may apply, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn3547153).
Preferred citation:
Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of Robert Gray, National Library of Australia, [class/series/file/item number(s)]'.
Location of this collection:
Parkes Place
Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
Contact:
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