Boston College collection of Patrick Augustine Sheehan
Dates
- Creation: 1895-1942
Scope and Contents
This collection documents the literary work of Irish writer and priest Patrick Augustine Sheehan (1852-1913). It comprises correspondence with or about Sheehan, especially a long-running exchange between Sheehan and Irish Monthly editor and writer Matthew Russell, who offers critical feedback on Sheehan’s work, as well as views on other contemporary writers. Correspondence about Sheehan includes a short biography of his years at Maynooth College written by Reverend J. Burton. The collection also contains manuscripts of two of Sheehan's works, the book-length Under the Cedars and the Stars, and an essay on "The Study of Mental Science" in Irish universities. Lastly, the collection includes a few photographs of Sheehan and articles about him.
Creator
Language of Materials
English and one letter in Italian.
Restrictions on access
Collection is open for research.
Restrictions on use
These materials are made available for use in research, teaching and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source. The original authors may retain copyright to the materials.
Biographical note
Patrick Augustine Sheehan was an Irish Catholic priest, author, and political activist. Born March 17, 1852 in County Cork, he was the third child of Patrick Sheehan and Joanna Regan.
Sheehan was educated at St. Patrick’s College Maynooth where he prepared for the priesthood. After finishing his education, he began his ministry in the diocese of Plymouth. He quickly established a reputation as a preacher and was much sought after for sermons, retreats, and addresses. He moved his ministry to Doneraile, Ireland in 1895, where he became known for his social engagement. In 1904 he was appointed a Canon of the Chapter of Cloyne.
Sheehan’s literary career began in 1881 when he published a series of essays ranging from religious instruction to the effects of emigration on the Church. During his early career he began his association with The Irish Monthly, founded in Dublin in 1873 by T.A. Finlay and Father Matthew Russell. Sheehan’s writings attracted much attention in Ireland, England, and in the United States.
Source:
James O'Brien, The Collected Letters of Canon Sheehan of Doneraile 1883–1913 (Smenos Publications, 2013)
Extent
1.25 Linear Feet (2 containers)
Abstract
This collection documents the literary work of Irish writer and priest Patrick Augustine Sheehan (1852-1913) through his correspondence, manuscripts, and photographs. Notable in his correspondence are letters between Sheehan and Irish Monthly editor and writer Matthew Russell. The collection also contains manuscripts of two of Sheehan's works, the book-length Under the Cedars and the Stars, and an essay, "The Study of Mental Science." Lastly, the collection includes a few photographs of Sheehan and articles about him.
Arrangement
Organized in four series: I. Correspondence; II. Manuscripts, III. Photographs, and IV. About Sheehan.
Provenance
Because the current accessioning system was not used until January 1986, it is not possible to know exactly the dates of acquisition of materials received before that time. Correspondence in the collection indicates that the photographs, the Under the Cedars and the Stars manuscript, and some letters were a gift of Sister M. Ignatius of The Maginificat, Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1942.
- Title
- Boston College Collection of Patrick Augustine Sheehan
- Subtitle
- 1895-1942
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Elizabeth Delaney, summer 1988; Rachael Young
- Date
- 2019
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the John J. Burns Library Repository
John J. Burns Library
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill MA 02467 United States
617-552-4861
library.bc.edu/burns/contact