Guide to the Papers of Alan Gould
MS 6635
National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record
Collection Summary
- Creator
- Alan Gould
- Title
- Papers of Alan Gould
- Date Range
- 1972-2010
- Collection Number
- MS 6635
- Extent
- 3.75 metres (27 boxes, 1 carton, 1 medium folio packet)
- Language of Materials
- English
- Repository
- Special Collections (Manuscripts)
Introduction
Scope and Contents
The papers include personal and business correspondence, poems, notebooks, travel journals, drafts and proofs of Alan Gould's published works of fiction, poetry and essays, applications for literary grants, talks, articles, reviews, cuttings and photographs. Comments on his draft works by friends and publishers, and reader's reports and comments on them, are also included.
The collection gives a good account of Gould's literary activities, and provides an insight into his relationship with other Australian poets, especially in his correspondence with Les Murray, Philip Mead, David Brooks, Mark O'Connor and Bronwen Levy.
The bulk of Gould's personal correspondence from 1990 to 1998, with family, friends, writers and publishers, is on four disks.
Conditions Governing Access
Please refer to the collection's catalogue record for the access conditions (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn2185034).
Conditions Governing Use
Copying and publishing of unpublished manuscript material is subject to copyright restrictions. For such material, written permission to publish must be obtained from the copyright holder(s). Copying of unpublished material for research purposes is permissible 50 years after the death of the creator of the material.
Preferred Citation
Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], National Library of Australia, Papers of Alan Gould, [class/series/file number]'.
Provenance
The papers were purchased by the Library in 1982, 1987, 1991, 1997 and 1998. Further papers were added in 2005 and 2011.
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.
Finding Aid Source(s)
Please note: This finding aid may comprise or contain descriptive information provided by donors, researchers and/or volunteers.
Biographical Note
Alan Gould was born in London in 1949. His father was a brigadier in the British Army and Gould lived in Armed Forces camps in England, Northern Ireland, Germany and Singapore before coming to Australia in 1966. He has worked in short term positions including nuclear physics technician and agricultural labourer. Since 1975 Gould has written novels, poetry and essays almost full time, supplementing his income with relief teaching and literary journalism. In 1999 Gould was awarded the Philip Hodgins Memorial Medal.
Gould's books have won several awards. His second volume of poems, Astral Sea (1981), won the New South Wales Premier's Award for Poetry in 1981. His first novel, The man who stayed below (1984), won the Foundation For Australian Literary Studies Best Book of the Year Award in 1985, his third novel, To the burning city (1991), won the National Book Council Banjo Award for Fiction in 1992 and in 1999 The Tazyrik Year (1998) won the Royal Blind Society Audio Book of the Year Award. Volumes of poetry include Icelandic solitaries (1978), The pausing of the hours (1984), The twofold place (1986), Years found in likeness (1988), Formerlight (1992), Momentum (1992), and Mermaid (1996). Works of fiction include The enduring disguises (1988), Close ups (1994), and The Tazyrik year (1998). Published essays include Three streets in search of an author (1993) and The totem ship (1996).
Item Descriptions
Class MS 6635. Original consignment added 1982
Series [unnumbered]. Manuscripts and Correspondence
Notebooks (File [unnumbered]) - Box 1 (MS 6635)
Thirteen slim notebooks containing drafts of poems (up to four versions of some), with copious revisions and reworking, jottings and some prose (including some written after overseas visits) (January 1972-mid 1981). One travel journal, (30/4/77-4/8/77). Diary kept during visit to Greece, Austria, Holland, Britain, Iceland, and other countries, with Kevin Hart (1977).
Unsorted manuscripts and letters by various authors that were used either in the magazine, Canberra Poetry, or in various Open Door Press publications, 1973-1979 (File 1) - Box 2 (MS 6635)
"MSS of poems composed during preparation of "Icelandic solitaries, 1972-76." Eight poems, typed drafts, few amendments, four never published. Also typescript draft of Icelandic solitaries, (Brisbane, University of Queensland Press, 1978). The draft was used as the final publisher's draft. Few annotations (File 4) - Box 2 (MS 6635)
"MSS of poems composed in the period preparation for (Gould's) second book, Astral sea, 1976-79." Ten poems (typescript) cut from published book, some comments by Les Murray. Print-ready draft of Astral sea. The harrowing of Balmain by Kevin Hart and Alan Gould, 1975-76, 19 typescript pages. Published in Nation Review April-May 1976. Few amendments (File 5) - Box 2 (MS 6635)
Print-ready draft of Ship in a bottle (later changed to Astral sea) with some typescript explanatory notes to the poems ( 4 pages in the centre of the folder) (File 6) - Box 2 (MS 6635)
Typescript draft intended to be Gould's second book (Astral sea). Entries date from 1976 to 1979. Later poems in this group were written during Gould's term as a Creative Arts Fellow at the Australian National University in 1978. About half the poems have amendments (File 7) - Box 2 (MS 6635)
"Drafts and typescripts of assorted prose pieces 1973-81". These are mainly drafts of articles about poetry and Australian poets, but included are articles on Assissi( published in Quadrant, September 1981) and on Prague, on patronage in the Arts (unpublished), book reviews. Index cards containing notes for book reviews, including Homesickness by Murray Bail, and The boys who stole the funeral by Les Murray for Helix (File 8) - Box 2 (MS 6635)
"MSS of poems included in The pausing of the hours. One batch of fifteen poems and one of about thirty, most typescript with two drafts, but some with as many as four versions. Some annotation by Kevin Hart, Philip Mead and Les Murray. Explanatory notes accompany the group of drafts (File 9) - Box 2 (MS 6635)
"MSS of poems not included in The pausing of the hours." Drafts, some handwritten but many typescript, written 1980-82. Explanatory notes accompany the group of drafts (File 10) - Box 3 (MS 6635)
The harrowing of Balmain. One of forty roneoed copies. This copy contains comments in pencil by the poet Mark O'Connor, and comment by Gould in pen (File 11) - Box 3 (MS 6635)
The man who stayed below. Complete handwritten drafts, notes and typescripts of Gould's first novel (File 12-19) - Box 3 (MS 6635)
Handwritten draft
Original and photocopy of typescript, 'Draft 3' without corrections.
'Draft 4', typescript, with Angus and Robertson editing.
Background research material (chapter synopses, chronology, advice on legal questions by Richard Refshauge).
Correspondence with A and R, including critical comments on text.
The enduring disguises. Typescript and drafts of the three novellas that comprise his second work of fiction, due late 1987 or early 1988. The novellas are The clayfield, Decency and honour, and Paper knife and broken oar. Some annotations (File 25-28) - Box 4 (MS 6635)
Paper knife and broken oar, Decency and honour, and Works painted on a white wall (File 31) - Box 5 (MS 6635)
The totem ship. Typescript of unpublished collection of essays. Virtually no annotations (File 32) - Box 5 (MS 6635)
The pausing of the hours. Typescript of poems with Angus and Robertson editing. Final manuscript typed, no annotations (File 33-34) - Box 5 (MS 6635)
The twofold place (poems). Typescript, annotated. Typescript with Angus and Robertson editing. Galleys. Photocopied typescript (File 35-36) - Box 5 (MS 6635)
"Poetry drafts and manuscripts". Mostly handwritten, on loose pages, successive drafts, fitting in with Gould's description of his working methods (File 38-40) - Box 6 (MS 6635)
"Rejected poetry, 1972-81". Typescript. A few critical comments in margin. Poetry notebook (1 volume) (File 43) - Box 6 (MS 6635)
Lectures, seminars, given at ADFA, June-August 1986, to first year cadets. Drafts of non-literary essays. Mostly handwritten (File 44) - Box 6 (MS 6635)
"Various correspondence". Mostly business, royalty advice, etc. Correspondents include H. Heseltine, Vivian Smith, Stephen Murray-Smith (File 46) - Box 7 (MS 6635)
To the burning city (Heinemann, Sydney, 1991). Disorganised word-processed printouts with different typefaces, some duplicate chapters, some handwritten chapters. Plus final draft, few annotations, a separate list of corrections and comments by editor (File 51-59) - Box 8-9 (MS 6635)
Formerlight (selected poems, Angus and Robertson, 1992). Word-processed draft, few annotations - Gould advises that poems were revised for this edition (File 60) - Box 9 (MS 6635)
Momentum (provisional title). Collection of poetry. Small folder entitled 'Penultimate ms of proposed book of poetry.' Word-processed draft, some amendments (File 61) - Box 9 (MS 6635)
The totem ship. Essays being prepared for publication. File entitled 'Drafts discarded after being put on disc for essay book.' Includes article on prison life entitled 'A week away'. Also Gould's reviews of books by others (File 62-63) - Box 9 (MS 6635)
Enduring disguises. Mixed word-processed, typed and handwritten drafts, some annotations (File 63-64) - Box 9 (MS 6635)
Untitled folder containing a few word-processed poems, an honours thesis (Gould, 1971, passed) and an M.A. mini thesis (Gould, 1972, failed, with comments on reason for failure) (File 67) - Box 10 (MS 6635)
"Misc prose". Slim file of typescripts of reviews and articles submitted to university magazines etc. Some annotations (File 67) - Box 10 (MS 6635)
Untitled substantial folder of poems, many handwritten or typed with revisions. Probably prepared for Formerlight (File 68) - Box 10 (MS 6635)
Folder of reviews of Gould's poetry, 1978-88. Mostly press cuttings. There are some reviews by Gould of writings by others (File 69) - Box 10 (MS 6635)
"Misc. correspondence" (thick file), 1970-1991. Includes letters of Marion Halligan, John Tranter, Bob Brissenden, and some of Gould's own replies. One from Australian National Maritime Museum on ship-modelling; letters and documents re call-up for National Service and stay in Goulburn Training Centre; long letters from Gould about his residency at the Lincoln College of Art (UK); publishers' letters and royalty statements; comments on The man who stayed below (File 70-71) - Box 10 (MS 6635)
Correspondence, 1987-90 (File 72) - Box 11 (MS 6635)
Includes letters from Graham Hair about orchestral adaptation of Gould's poems. Also Judith Wright, Rosemary Dobson, Bob Brissenden, Rhyll McMaster, Michele Field. Letters on Macquarie University Conference on the impact of the Vietnam War on Australia (1987), and on Gould's involvement with the 1988 national Poetry Competition, with his opinions on the inconclusive result.
Correspondence with Angus and Robertson, 1976-89 (File 73) - Box 11 (MS 6635)
Mainly royalty statements, production and launching of publications, public lending right and the shortlisting of The man who stayed below for Braille Book of the Year.
Correspondence on Australia Council and on Literary Fellowship, and on his experience as writer-in-residence at Lincoln College of Art, 1984-88 (File 74) - Box 11 (MS 6635)
Loose letters and postcards, including one from Jim Snow, M.P. about the Australia Card, 1987-91 (File 74) - Box 11 (MS 6635)
Loose, disorganised drafts of poems, literary criticism, chapter breakdown of The man who stayed below. Some handwrittern drafts of To the burning city (?) (File 75) - Box 11 (MS 6635)
Class MS 6635. Consignment added 1997
The papers in this addition include correspondence, drafts, proofs, addresses, articles, notebooks, cuttings, photographs and other papers relating mainly to his novels To the burning city andClose ups,and his volumes of poetry Formerlight, Momentum, and Mermaid.
Series [unnumbered]. Correspondence, 1972-96
Personal and business correspondence. Topics in the personal correspondence include family, literary friends, writing in progress, literary competitions and festivals, and travel. Correspondents include Mark O'Connor, Julie Clabburn, David Brooks, Casey Van Sebille, Bronwen Levy, Christopher Kelen, Geoff Page, Philip Mead, Kate Jennings, David Gilbey, Les Murray, Verona Burgess and Rosemary Dobson. The business correspondence is with his publishers, the Australia Council, National Library, the Australian Broadcasting Commission, and the Church of England Boy's Grammar School, Brisbane. Access to Gould's personal correspondence, folders 78-84 is restricted.
Amirah Inglis, Geoff Page, Amy Witting, Marion Eldridge, Sara Dowse, Les Murray, Philip Hodgins, 1988-94. Includes congratulations on Banjo Award for To the burning bush. (File 83) - Box 12 (MS 6635)
Verona Burgess, David Wright, Irene Stevens, Paul Hetherington, Steve Kelen, Jan Owen and others, 1972-97 (File 84) - Box 12 (MS 6635)
Series [unnumbered]. Novels
Manuscript drafts, typescripts, annotated and marked up typescripts, author's galleys and cover proofs relating to three of Gould's published novels, To the burning city, Close ups, and The Tazyrik year.
To the burning city (Heinemann, 1991). Typescripts with one marked up for the typesetter, author's galleys, and draft cover. Correspondence with Heinemann relating to the novel is in folders 86 and 87 (File 98-99) - Box 14 (MS 6635)
Close ups (Heinemann, 1992). The drafts for this novel set in Canberra include the first draft called 'Forgiveness' (1991). There is also a manuscript draft, edited and marked up typescripts, proofs and cover proofs. Also included is a letter to Gould with editorial comments on Close ups. (File 100-104) - Box 15 (MS 6635)
Series [unnumbered]. Poetry
Drafts and proofs relating to the publication of three volumes of poems, Formerlight, Momentum, and Mermaid are included here, together with a typescript entitled 'Grimaces and smiles: light verse by Alan Gould'.
Formerlight(Angus and Robertson, 1992) (File 106)
Included are a typescript marked 'Old ms do not use', a typescript marked up for typesetting, and cover proofs. Other material relating to this volume was received in 1991. Correspondence with Angus and Robertson concerning Formerlight is in folder 85.
Momentum (Heinemann, 1992). Typescripts, typescript marked up for typesetting, proof copies and a cover proof. Material also received in 1991 (File 107)
Series [unnumbered]. Essays
The Totem ship (Duffy and Snellgrove, 1996) (File 110-111)
Handwritten request to Geoff Page to comment on the essays for possible inclusion in the The Totem Ship, and the typewritten comments. Typescripts of collected essays, travel pieces and reviews, originally entitled 'Your thumbprint and mine'.
Series [unnumbered]. Other papers
Included in this section are papers relating to awards, talks, reviews, newspaper cuttings, photographs and other writings.
Awards (File 113) - Box 18 (MS 6635)
Papers include correspondence on Australia Council Fellowships and an ACT Literary Award, with accompanying curriculum vitae (1972-97) and description of his current literary projects; an invitation from the Australia Council to be on the judging panel for the 1991 Canada Australia Literary Award, and Gould's notes on cards on the six nominated writers; notes on book review award candidates and ACT literary award candidates.
Talks, reviews. Reviews by Gould, an interview with Roger McDonald, a talk on Gwen Harwood at the Winona Girls' School, North Sydney, 1996, and an acceptance speech for the Banjo Award (File 114) - Box 18 (MS 6635)
Newspaper cuttings, 1984-94. Reviews of Gould's books, including Formerlight, To the burning city and Close ups, articles on the Banjo Award, and articles by Les Murray and Bob Hefner on funding writers (1992-93) (File 115) - Box 18 (MS 6635)
Australian War Memorial. Papers on the return and entombment of the Unknown Soldier at the Australian War Memorial on 11 November 1993. Gould, Rosemary Dobson and Geoff Page suggested quotes for the memorial (File 116) - Box 18 (MS 6635)
Photographs, drawings. Several photographs of Gould and other poets including Les Murray and Geoff Page (n.d.). Drawings by Casey Van Sebille (File 117) - Box 18 (MS 6635)
Other writers. Photocopies of articles, reviews and a thesis draft by Philip Mead; photocopies of articles by Kevin Hart (File 118) - Box 18 (MS 6635)
Miscellaneous. Draft covers and broadsheets for Open Door Press publications; publicity material for poetry readings; papers of Gould's father, Ernest Clement Gould, including a vaccination certificate, an international driving permit (1978) and his soldier's pay book (1972-73) (File 119) - Box 18 (MS 6635)
Class MS 6635. Consignment added 1998
The papers in this addition include four disks of Gould's own letters, letters he received from literary and non-literary acquaintances, and drafts of the published novel The Tazyrik year.
The disks, containing approximately 550 documents, include family, personal and professional letters, curricula vitae, reviews, and family histories. There are letters to family members, Les Murray, Roger McDonald, Marion Halligan, Dorothy Johnston, Heather Rusden, Rosemary Brissenden, Philip Mead, Julie Clabburn, Margaret Connolly, Ed Campion and Bob McMullin. Topics include work in progress, Les Murray's influence on his work, literary funding, tax matters and genealogical research. For access to electronic documents, see Reading Room attendant.
The manuscript letters include personal files for Les Murray, Kevin Hart and Philip Mead.