Guide to the Papers of Roger McDonald, 1954-2009

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Summary

Collection number:
MS 5612, MS Acc11.031, MS Acc23.005
Creator:
McDonald, Roger
Extent:
(90 ms boxes + 2 folio boxes + 1 phase box + 1 folio roll)
Language:
English and English
Preferred citation:
Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Title of collection, National Library of Australia, [class/series/file/item number(s)]'.
Availability:
Available
Access conditions:
Part permission required for research; part permission required for research during the lifetime of Roger McDonald. Not for loan.

Background

Content Summary:

The papers in MS 5612 document Roger McDonald's activities as an editor, poet and novelist and his relations with publishers, film producers, the ABC and literary editors. The bulk of the collection comprises papers relating to most of McDonald's published works, dating from his first publication in 1968 up until 1994. Papers include research material, edited drafts, correspondence with editors and publishers and reviews he has written. They provide a good insight into the development of his published writings. During the course of his career, McDonald has corresponded with many other writers, including Murray Bail, Bruce Beaver, Bruce Dawe, Geoffrey Dutton, Gwen Harwood, Shirley Hazzard, David Malouf, Les Murray, Thomas Shapcott, R.A. Simpson and Judith Wright. Also included in the collection is research material for a number of McDonald's literary projects, business papers, papers relating to his work as literary editor for University of Queensland Press, photographs and newspaper clippings.

The Acc11.031 consignment comprises drafts and typescripts of screenplays, essays, blog entries, articles, stories and published and unpublished novels by McDonald, including Rough Wallaby, Naked, The lion ant, The tree in changing light, When colts ran, Mr Darwin's shooter, Australia's Flying Doctors, Family Radio, Australia's wild places, The bullock run, The slap, Evolution of a novel, The ballad of Desmond Kale, Goats, Orion's belt; copies of published articles and reviews by McDonald; articles and reviews by others of McDonald's works; letters from readers and other writers and artists; correspondence with editors; ephemera and photographs from literary events such as festivals and awards functions; publicity and marketing material for publications; and clippings.

The Acc23.005 consignment comprises literature contracts and correspondence of Author Roger McDonald from 1975 to 2007, reflecting his work and interactions in the industry. The consignment material relates to both published and unpublished works by McDonald, including: Airship, Wool Walk, Rough Wallaby, Maori Shearers, It's About You, Slipstream, Shearer's Motel, The Water Men, The Lion Ant, Trees, Flynn, Grim Glory, Australia's Flying Doctors, Naked, Mr Darwin's Shooter, The Ballad of Desmond Kale, 1915, Munja, Flashbacks, My Father's Tin of Cake, Reflecting Labor: images of myth and origin over 100 years, as well as McDonald's written material included in published works such as Criminology, and To the Night Sky. For McDonald's work 'Mr Darwin's Shooter', included are translation agreements for Spanish and German languages as well as an agreement with Louis Braille Audio for reproduction of the work to audio cassette.

Collection Retrieval Advice:

Please note: each consignment 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-vn2623912).
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-vn2623912).
Preferred citation:
Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Title of collection, 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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