The Letters of John McGahern

The collected letters of John McGahern are a valuable insight into the life and works of a much-revered writer, as well as a history of post-war Irish literature and its close ties to British and American literary life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 880 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Faber & Faber

John McGahern, widely recognized as one of the preeminent Irish writers since James Joyce and Samuel Beckett, is celebrated for his exceptional literary prowess. This remarkable collection of letters encompasses the witty, profound, and consistently brilliant correspondence exchanged with family, friends, and esteemed literary figures such as Seamus Heaney, Colm Tóibín, and Paul Muldoon throughout his illustrious life. Serving as a significant contribution to the study of Irish and British literature over the past three decades, this volume not only provides invaluable insights into the life and works of McGahern but also serves as a chronicle of post-war Irish literature and its profound connections with British and American literary circles.

McGahern's gift to fiction is his ability to convey a sense of truth and transparency, allowing readers to perceive imaginary lives with greater clarity than their own. His writings evoke a profound resonance, touching the hearts and minds of countless readers with their profound insights and evocative storytelling. John Updike, in his praise of McGahern, aptly describes him as a writer who possesses "that tonic gift of the best fiction, the sense of truth—the sense of transparency that permits us to see imaginary lives more clearly than we see our own."

Through his collected letters, John McGahern invites us into his world, sharing his thoughts, experiences, and profound observations on life, literature, and the human condition. These letters serve as a testament to his literary brilliance and his enduring impact on the literary landscape. They provide a glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller, offering a treasure trove of wisdom, humor, and profound insights that continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

In conclusion, John McGahern's collected letters are a testament to his extraordinary talent as a writer and his profound contribution to Irish and British literature. This volume offers a glimpse into the life and mind of a literary legend, providing readers with a treasure trove of wisdom, humor, and profound insights that will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Weight: 1126g
Dimension: 234 x 154 x 51 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571387410
Edition number: Main