Guide to the Papers of Morris West
MS 7171
National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record
Created: December 2009
Collection Summary
- Creator
- West, Morris
- Title
- Papers of Morris West
- Date Range
- 1916-2005
- Collection Number
- MS 7171
- Extent
- 11.40 metres (36 ms boxes + 6 folio boxes + 1 medium phase box + 1 map folio + 3 oversized objects + 48 sound/av carriers)
- Language of Materials
- English
- Repository
- Special Collections (Manuscripts)
- Sponsor
- This guide was prepared by the Pictures & Manuscripts Branch with the assistance of the Ray Mathew and Eva Kollsman Trust.
Introduction
Scope and content
This collection comprises papers that document West's life and career over a substantial period of time. A large group of the papers relate to West's writings and include manuscript drafts of many of his novels; scripts for plays; scripts for film adaptations of several of his novels; drafts of articles he wrote; and typescripts of speeches. There are newspaper and journal cuttings of articles written by or about West, together with reviews of many of his publications. There is also correspondence relating to publication of West's book and also certificates and significant literary awards he received. Other correspondence includes letters between West and his friend G. Emmett Cardinal Carter, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto, letters to West from Alfred Hitchcock, Estee Lauder, Pat[ricia] Nixon, HM Queen Frederica of Greece, and Miles, Duke of Norfolk and carbon copies of West's letters to Father Tony Glynn in Japan. Also included are condolences received by West's family on his death in 1999.
Other papers comprise photographs; biographical information in the form of transcripts of interviews; cassette recordings of interviews or talks given by him on radio and at events; ephemera; sketchbooks with drawings by West and invitations to events for significant people. As part of his research for an unrealised project, West acquired a group of files relating to the 'Orr Case'. Much of the content of the files seems to have been compiled by Orr himself, and these files are included in the collection.
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-vn2285477).
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Copying and publishing of unpublished manuscript material is subject to copyright restrictions.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], Papers of Morris West, National Library of Australia, MS 7171, [class/series/file/item number(s)].
Provenance
Approximately half the collection was acquired from West in a number of instalments under the Cultural Gifts Program during the period 1983 to 1992. A further large instalment of papers was donated to the Library in 2001 by West's widow, Joy, following his death in 1999. Two smaller additions were received in 2016 and 2018 from West's family.
Arrangement
The papers in the original consignment were received in a number of instalments from 1983-2001. A brief box listing was created by the National Library on receipt of the first instalment and this was updated as subsequent instalments were received.
On receipt of what was assumed to be the final instalment of papers in 2001, a decision was made by the National Library to rearrange the papers and describe the collection in more detail. As a result, the papers were grouped into series determined by the Library. Many of the papers were in files compiled by West, and these were kept intact within the relevant series. The descriptions in this guide contain details which will allow researchers to easily identify the location of papers they may have access using the earlier guide.
In 2016 a small addition to the collection was received from West's family. A box list describing the contents of this consignment has been added to the original list.
Biographical note
Morris Langlo West was born 26 April 1916, in Melbourne, Victoria. He graduated with a BA from the University of Melbourne in 1937. As a member of the Christian Brothers order, West taught modern languages and mathematics in New South Wales and Tasmania from 1933 until he joined the army in 1939, having left the order before taking his final vows. He served with the AIF in the South Pacific and it was during this time that he wrote his first book, A Moon in my Pocket, based on his experiences in the religious order. West published it under the pseudonym Julian Morris, one of two he used, the other being Michael East. In 1943 West was briefly secretary to William Morris Hughes, former Prime Minister of Australia. After his discharge from the Army, West worked for the next two years as a publicity manager at the Murdoch owned Radio Station 3DB in Melbourne, during which time he learnt how to write and produce radio plays. He left to set up his own company, Australasian Radio Productions, and spent the next ten years producing radio serials and dramas.
In 1955 West left the business and moved overseas to work as a writer, living variously in Italy, Austria, England and the United States. Although he had previously written several novels, West's first popular success was Children of the Sun, published in 1957, a nonfiction account of the slum children of Naples. West went on to become an internationally renowned author, publishing over 30 books, writing plays and working on film adaptations of several of his works. Many of his most successful books combined religion and political intrigue with an international setting and topical subjects. In 1996, West published his autobiography, A View from the Ridge: the Testimony of Pilgrim. As well as his works of fiction, West was a prolific contributor of articles to journals and newspapers, providing commentary on a wide range of current affairs.
In the early 1980s, West returned to live in Australia, settling in Sydney.
In 1983 West donated a sum of money to the National Library of Australia for the establishment of the Morris West Trust. The money was to be used for the publishing and disseminating of historic, literary, artistic and other material of national value held in the collections of the National Library. Several significant publications have resulted from this bequest. In May 1985, West was appointed Chairman of the Council of the National Library of Australia, a position he held until May 1988.
West received a number of awards in recognition of his success as a writer. They include the National Conference of Christian and Jews Brotherhood Award (1960); Royal Society of Literature Heinemann Award (1960); James Tait Black Memorial Prize, and Dag Hammarskjöld Prize (1978); and the Universe Prize (1980). He was admitted as a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (1960) and the World Academy of Arts and Sciences (1964). In 1985 Morris West was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia and awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1997 in recognition of his services to literature and cultural life. West also received honorary degrees from several universities.
West married twice. His first marriage was to Elizabeth Harvey, with whom he had two children. His second, in 1953, was to Joyce Lawford, with whom he had four children.
West was working on the draft of his novel, The Last Confession, when he died, pen in hand, at his desk on 9 October 1999. The novel was published posthumously in 2000.
Item Descriptions
Class 1. Original consignments received 1983-2002, (1954-1992)
General
This consignment comprises comprises papers relating to Morris West's career as an author. There are drafts of many of his novels, scripts for plays and film adaptations, drafts of articles and typescripts of speeches. There is a large collection of newspaper cuttings of articles written by or about West, together with reviews of many of his publications. There are also a number of portrait photographs of West, transcripts of interviews he gave and papers relating to the Orr case.
Series 1. Correspondence, 1962-2000 (bulk 1990s) - Box 1
This series contains a small amount of unfiled business correspondence, together with a file of correspondence between West and G. Emmett Cardinal Carter, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto (1993-1999).
Please note that any correspondence relating to specific works by West is interfiled with other papers in the collection associated with that work eg novels, plays etc.
(Files 1-2)
Series 2. Novels, 1959-2001
Contained in this series are papers relating to many of West's novels. The bulk comprise manuscript first drafts and reviews of the published work. There is a small amount of correspondence with publishers. The papers have been arranged alphabetically by title of the novel.
(Files 1-43)
Subseries 2_1. The Ambassador, 1965-1991 - Box 1
This novel was first published in 1965. Papers include reviews (1965) and correspondence with publishers (1987-1991).
See also Series 9, Scrapbooks.
(File 1)
Subseries 2_2. Cassidy, 1983-1991 - Box 1-2
This novel was first published in 1986. Papers include a synopsis (1983); a manuscript draft (282pp) with the working title 'The Sydney Duck'; correspondence about possible legal issues that might arise from the content of the book and with publishers about pre and post publication issues (1983-1991); letters of appreciation from people who had received copies of the book; and reviews of both the book and the television adaptation produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1989.
(Files 2-5)
Subseries 2_3. The Clowns of God, 1980-1995 - Box 2
This novel was first published in 1961. Papers comprise correspondence with publishers and enquiries about the book rights together with a small amount of research material.
(File 6)
Subseries 2_4. Daughter of Silence, c.1961 - Box 2
This novel was first published in 1961. Includes a typescript of an article about the novel, written by West for the Literary Guild Review, nd.
See also Series 4, Plays
(File 7)
Subseries 2_5. The Devil's Advocate, 1959 - Box 2
This novel was first published in 1959. Papers include letters providing feedback from readers sent copies prior to publication and reviews of the book.
Interleaved with papers relating to the book are reviews of the film adaptation (1977-1978) and a program and reviews of the stage adaptation (1969).
See also Series 5, Film adaptations and Series 9, Scrapbooks.
(File 8)
Subseries 2_6. Eminence, 1998 - Box 2-3
This novel was published in 1998. Papers include a manuscript draft (no page numbering) and reviews.
(Files 9-12)
Subseries 2_7. Harlequin, 1974 - Box 3
This novel was first published in 1974. Papers include an incomplete manuscript draft (pg 47 & pgs 72-311) and promotional notes produced by the publisher (1974).
See also Series 5, Film adaptations.
(File 13)
Subseries 2_8. The Last Confession, nd - Box 3-4
This novel was published posthumously in 2000. West was writing the draft when he died at his desk in 1999. Papers include manuscript and typescript drafts; publicity ephemera; reviews; and a copy of the book.
(Files 14-17)
Subseries 2_9. Lazarus, 1990 - Box 4-5
This novel was first published in 1990. Papers include a manuscript draft (370pp); reviews; publicity ephemera; and West's background notes about the writing of the novel.
(Files 18-22)
Subseries 2_10. The Lovers, 1991-1994 - Box 5-6
This novel was published in 1993. Papers include a manuscript draft (352pp); reviews; and original cover designs by Fr. Bruno Heim.
(Files 23-27)
Subseries 2_11. Masterclass, 1988 - Box 6
This novel was first published in 1988. Papers include a manuscript draft (350pp) with the working title of 'The hunter' and reviews of the book.
(File 28-29)
Subseries 2_12. The Navigator, 1976 - Box 7
This novel was first published in 1976. Papers include reviews and publicity ephemera.
(File 30)
Subseries 2_13. Proteus, 1978-1979 - Box 7
This novel was first published in 1978. Papers include the typescript of an article by West setting out his thoughts on completing the book (1978); reviews (1978); publicity ephemera; and letters from members of the United Nations, to whom the publisher had sent copies of the book (1979).
(File 31)
Subseries 2_14. Ringmaster, 1991 - Box 7
This novel was published in 1991. Papers include a manuscript draft (379pp); reviews; and publicity ephemera.
(Files 32-35)
Subseries 2_15. The Shoes of the Fisherman, 1963-1980 - Box 8
This novel was first published in 1963. Papers include a fragment of typescript draft (41pp); reviews; and the typescript of West's preface for a signed limited edition publication by the Franklin Library, together with their publication notes (1980).
See also Series 9, Scrapbooks.
Subseries 2_16. Summer of the Red Wolf, 1971 - Box 8
This novel was first published in 1971. Certificate from Doubleday Bookshops in the United States of America, nominating the novel as the Best Book of the Year.
See also Series 5, Film adaptations
(File 37)
Subseries 2_17. Vanishing Point, 1996 - Box 8
This novel was first published in 1996. Papers include a manuscript draft; pages annotated by West as 'Out takes'; a typescript draft; and reviews.
(Files 38-41)
Series 3. Articles, 1958-1999 (bulk 1990s) - Box 9-10
A series of typescript copies of articles written by West. Files are arranged chronologically.
(Files 1-9)
Series 4. Plays, 1981-1992
Contained in this series are scripts of six plays written by West. They are listed alphabetically by title.
(Files 1-13)
Subseries 4_2. Bury the Truth, nd - Box 10
Typescript draft. At the time it was acquired from West, he advised that on the draft is the name of his first Hollywood Agent, Gordon Molson. The work was never performed as a play, however West did adapt it as a novel titled, The Big Story. It was made into a film titled The Crooked Road in 1965, starring Stewart Granger and Robert Ryan.
See also Series 9, Scrapbooks.
(Files 2-3)
Subseries 4_3. Daughter of Silence, nd - Box 10
Typescript of final draft script. This play was performed at the Music Box Theatre, New York, in September 1961. It was directed by Vincent J. Donehue.
See also Series 2, Novels.
(File 4)
Subseries 4_4. The Heretic, 1985 - Box 11
Papers include the script; colour stills from the production at The Playhouse Theatre, Sydney Opera House in 1985; reviews; and publicity ephemera.
See also Series 8, Other writings and Series 9, Scrapbooks.
(Files 5-8)
Subseries 4_5. The Illusionists, nd - Box 11
Two typescript drafts, one annotated 'Orig. version', together with what appears to be a pre-publication mock-up of the script.
(Files 9-11)
Subseries 4_6. The World is Made of Glass, nd - Box 12
This play was first performed in 1981. West later adapted it as a novel, which was published in 1983. Papers comprise the script of the play and reviews of both the play and the novel.
See also Series 2, Novels and Series 5, Film adaptations.
(Files 12-13)
Series 5. Film adaptations, 1975-1989
Contained in this series are scripts for film adaptations of West's novels, not all of which were realised. The majority of the scripts were written by West. There is also a large group of black and white stills from the film The Devil's Advocate. Listed alphabetically by title of book.
(Files 1-16)
Subseries 5_1. The Devil's Advocate, c.1977 - Box 12
The Devil's Advocate was filmed in 1978 - directed by Guy Green and starring John Mills. Papers include a typescript first draft (134pp), a photocopy of a typescript of the final draft (96pp); black and white stills from the movie; and cast biographies.
See also Series 2, Novels and Series 9, Scrapbooks.
(Files 1-3)
Subseries 5_2. Gallows on the Sand, 1985 - Box 13
Typescript draft by Larry Buttrose and Mandy Salomon (161pp).
See also Series 9, Scrapbooks.
(Files 4-5)
Subseries 5_3. Harlequin, 1975 - Box 12
Typescript draft by James Goldman (181pp).
See also Series 2, Novels.
(File 6)
Subseries 5_5. The Second Victory, 1985-1987 - Box 14
The Second Victory was filmed in 1986 - directed by Gerald Thomas and starring Anthony Andrews and Mario Adorf. Papers include a typescript of the third draft (132pp); a typescript of the final draft (91pp); the production budget; reviews (1985-1986); three black and white stills; and a 'Campaign Report' by Greater Union (1987).
See also Series 9, Scrapbooks.
(Files 8-11)
Subseries 5_6. Summer of the Red Wolf, nd - Box 14
Typescript draft (141pp).
See also Series 2, Novels.
(File 12)
Series 6. Television scripts, 1958-1986
This series contains papers relating to proposals for television productions by West.
(Files 1-3)
Series 7. Speeches, 1978-1998 (bulk 1990s) - Box 16
This series comprises typescripts of speeches given by West.
(Files 1-5)
Series 8. Other writings, c.1957-1999
This series comprises a small group of other writings by West, including typescripts of short stories and an opera score.
(Files 1-6)
Typescripts, c.1957-1965 (File) - Box 17
Typescripts of two short stories entitled 'Saints on the Sidewalk '(1957) and 'Spectre of the Rose' (nd) together with what appears to be the draft of an unfinished novel entitled 'The Honourable Men' (1965).
(File 1)
Operatic score of The Heretic, 1999 (File) - Box 17
Score of an opera based on West's play The Heretic. Libretto by West and music by Colin Brumby.
See also Series 4, Plays and Series 9, Scrapbooks.
(File 2)
"The collected sayings of the Great Ho-Tang", c.1991-1992 (File) - Box 17
Typescript containing 134 two-line Confucian-style verses. The verses were originally written by West for the radio series 'The Affairs of Harlequin', Australasian Radio Productions, c.1952-1953. There is also a group of cartoon-style representations of the verses, created by Greg Richardson.
(Files 3-5)
Series 9. Scrapbooks, 1956-1970
This series comprises a group of large format scrapbooks containing reviews of several works by West.
(Volumes 1-9)
Reviews, 1956-1960 (File) - Box 18
For the novels: The Devil's Advocate; Gallows in the Sand; McCready Moves In (written under the pseudonym Michael East); and Children of the Sun.
(Volume 1)
Series 10. Cuttings, 1957-2000 - Box 21-22
This series comprises a large collection of newspaper and journal cuttings of writings either by or about West.
(Files 1-10)
Series 11. Research material - Box 22
Research material accumulated by West on the subject areas of Carl Jung and Italian history. Amongst the papers relating to Italy is a small sketchbook containing sketches and notes, presumably created by West.
(Files 1-2)
Series 12. Photographs, c.1950s - 1999 - Box 23-24
The bulk of this series comprises professional portrait photographs of West. There are also a small number of photographs taken at official functions, proof sheets which include family photographs from the 1950s, and a file of photographs of West taken by William Yang in February 1999.
(Files 1-14)
Series 13. Biographical papers, 1973-1999 - Box 24-25
Transcripts of interviews with West make up the bulk of papers in this series, including one recorded for the Oral History Collection of the National Library of Australia. There is also a copy of the Hansard transcript together with a VHS recording of an Adjournment Speech made by the Hon Bronwyn Bishop MP in the House of Representatives, 24 November 1999, to mark the death of West.
(Files 1-6)
Series 14. Audio cassette tapes, c.1986-1998
This series comprises a number of audio cassette tapes accumulated by West. The bulk of them are recordings of interviews or talks given by West on radio and at events. They are listed in date order, with details based on annotations on the tapes.
(47 cassette tapes)
'Spirituality and Sexuality': Morris West, Eremos Institute, nd (Item) - Box 25
(Items 1-2)
1. Spirituality and Sexuality: Morris West. Eremos Institute E13 (Item NLA.MS-SAV015704) - Cassette-Box 643
1 item, Magnasound C90, Compact cassette tapeThe Search for Meaning - Morris West with Caroline Jones, ABC Radio National, nd (Item) - Box 25
(Items 6-7)
Interview with Morris West about his latest book, the Church and the craft of writing, Istituto Geografico de Agostini, 1987 (Item) - Box 25
(Item 10)
Morris West interviewed by Leon Becker, October 1993 (Item) - Box 26
(Item 16)
Morris West's talk 'How It Was' to the Friends of the ANU Library, September 1994 (Item) - Box 26
(Item 23)
Morris West's talk 'How a Book Happens', University of Canberra, introduced by Ron Miller, September 1994 (Item) - Box 26
(Item 24)
Encounter, ABC Radio National and ABC Radio 2CN, Canberra, with Elaine Harris and Pat Gower, November 1994 (Item) - Box 26
(Item 26)
'Selling Your Work' - with Morris West and Dale Spender (chair), March 1995 (Item) - Box 26
(Item 28)
The Devil's Advocate - four tapes with no indication of content, nd (Item) - Box 26
(Item 35-38)
A small group of tapes which appear to contain recordings on subjects of interest to West, nd (Item) - Box 26
(Items 40-45)
"Road to Emmaus" Cardinal Carlo Martini (Item NLA.MS-SAV015747) - Cassette-Box 720
1 item, Compact cassette tape
"Evil" Paul O'Sullivan 16/06/1991. 36zA, 16/06/1991 (Item NLA.MS-SAV015748) - Cassette-Box 720
1 item, Compact cassette tapeNorthern Beaches Christian Centre, Terrey Hills
Australians and the Question of God with Veronica Brady. Eremos Institute (Item NLA.MS-SAV015749) - Cassette-Box 720
1 item, Compact cassette tapeSeries 15. The Orr Case, 1953-1977 - Box 27-29
This series comprises a substantial group of papers relating to Sydney Stanley Orr. In 1952 Orr was appointed Professor of Philosophy at the University of Tasmania. In 1956, following allegations of misconduct, he was dismissed from his position. Orr subsequently campaigned for his reinstatement, eventually taking the step of suing the university for alleged wrongful dismissal. The case was heard in the Supreme Court of Tasmania in late 1956 where his claim was dismissed. A subsequent appeal to the High Court of Australia upheld this finding. After this date, Orr was unable to secure any other academic appointment.
The papers have been retained in their original files and they include numerous typed statements, many setting out Orr's own recollections of incidents relating to the case. The bulk of the papers pre-date Orr's death in 1966, with a small group of more recent papers having been interleaved with older papers in one of the files, presumably by West. It appears that West acquired the papers through Bob Ellicott, QC, as part of his research for an unrealised book about the case.
As well as the files, there are two volumes of transcripts of the High Court hearing:- Volume IX: Notes of Evidence, Judgment, Notice of Appeal/Affidavit and Exhibits (part 1)and Volume X: Exhibits (part 2). There are also two audio cassette tapes annotated 'Fact & Opinion made in 1971 but not broadcast...Orr reading various epilogues, Jan. 21, 1947'; and 'Program In Retrospect b/cast Perth 1976/77'.
(Files 1-11)
Class 2. Consignment received 2016, (1916 – 2005)
General
This consignment comprises correspondence, photographs, ephemera, newspaper and journal cuttings, certificates of achievement, awards, and sketchbooks containing drawings by West. Correspondence includes letters to West from Alfred Hitchcock, Estee Lauder, Pat[ricia] Nixon, HM Queen Frederica of Greece, and Miles, Duke of Norfolk together with carbon copies of West's letters to Father Tony Glynn in Japan. Invitations are to events with significant people including the Queen and Prince Phillip, President Lyndon Johnson, President Jimmy Carter, President George W. Bush, the King and Queen of the Belgians, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Prime Minister Bob Hawke.
Awards, 1986-1994 (File) - Folio-Box 30
Prix International Dag Hammarskjoold [plaque and medal with chain]; plaque - Albert Cardinal Meyer Lecture series Inaugural Lecturer, St Mary on the Lake Seminary, Illinois (1986); Australian Defence Force Academy appreciation shield (1994), nd
Awards, 1964-1985 (File) - Folio-Box 31
Order of Australia, medals and papers, includes tribute book from Friends of the National Library of Australia (1985); a small Aboriginal-themed presentation item from The Contact Club, Sydney (1964)
Certificates and photographs, c1973-1996 (File) - Folio-Box 32
Includes drawing by Judy Cassab (c1973-1996); perspex item, the Lotos Club Merit Award (1965); Commemorative silver plate, South Australia (1986); Masada medal in wooden box (nd)
Certificates, photographs, visitor's books, 1967-2000 (File) - Box 33
Libro de Oro visitors' book, Mallorca (1967-1984); visitor's book/guest List, farewell party, Pennyhill Park (1981); Mercy College New York, Doctor of Letters and correspondence, testamur, photograph album of graduation (1982); University of Western Sydney Honorary Doctorate testamur and address (1993); Australian National University Honorary Doctorate (1995); University of Sydney testamur, Doctor of Letters (2000)
Condolence letters, 1999 (File) - Box 34
Condolence letters sent to West's family following his death on 9 October 1999
Certificates, 1916-1999 (File 1) - Box 35
Educational certificates, statement of military service, and a copy of West's birth and death certificates
Correspondence, c1964-1994 (File 2) - Box 35
Letters to West from Tom Keneally; Alfred Hitchcock; Estee Lauder; Pat[ricia] Nixon; HM Queen Frederica of Greece, Neville Wran (Premier of NSW); and Miles, Duke of Norfolk. There are also carbon copies of West's letters to Father Tony Glynn in Japan and to Mr and Mrs D. Holmes, together with drafts of poems West composed for friends, c1964-1994
Correspondence and ephemera, c1960s-1990s (File 3) - Box 35
Includes cuttings, invitations, orders of service for funerals and a brochure for West's yacht. Correspondents include: Valerie, wife of Sir Ninian Stephen (Governor-General); Michael Kirby; and Jimmy Carter (US President). West was invited to attend events for/with people who include: the Queen and Prince Phillip, President Lyndon Johnson, Prime Minister Bob Hawke, President George W. Bush, the King and Queen of the Belgians, the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Governor of NSW, Peter Sinclair, and Barrie Unsworth, Premier of NSW. There is also ephemera relating to a testimonial dinner for West (1993) and a small print by South Australian printmaker, Janet Ayliffe
Correspondence, c1993-1998 (File 4) - Box 35
Includes copies of business related faxes and memos sent by West including correspondence between West and literary agency, Nancy Smith. There is also the typescript of a speech by West in which he refers to his retirement (c1993)
Newspaper cuttings and journal articles, c1990-2000 (File 6) - Box 35
Newspaper cuttings and journal articles relating to West's life and writing. There are also two copies of the Order of Service for West's funeral
Programs for theatre productions, c1970s-1990s (File 7) - Box 35
Programs for theatre productions of the following work's by West: The Devil's Advocate, The Heretic, and The Last Confession . Also two booklets of poetry by Elizabeth A. West
Photographs, c1955-1995 (File 1) - Box 36
An assorted group of photographs including portrait shots of West, West dining with Ben Gurion (1966), Queen Frederica of Greece, West being fitted for a suit in New York (1963), West with Pope Paul II, and West's valedictory dinner (1993)
Correspondence, 1985-2007 (File 2) - Box 36
A small group of letters to Morris and/or Joy West, some containing photographs. Includes a typescript of a short poem composed by West
Sketchbooks, c1990s (File 3) - Box 36
Five small sketchbooks containing works by West together with six individual sketches and three photographs of him sketching
Photographs, 1990s-2000 (File 4) - Box 36
A small group of photographs which include: West with Sali Herrmann, with Judi Cassab, with his siblings, and with Larry Moltz; and holidaying on Lizard Island. Also includes photographs and VHS video of West receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Sydney (2000)
Class 3. Consignment received 2018, (1942-2005)
This consignment comprises material from the home of Morris West's wife, Joy West. It includes correspondence, significant awards received by West, photographs, and sketchbooks with drawings by West. There are also travel diaries kept by Joy West and condolence messages received by the family on the death of Morris West in 1999.
Series. Diaries kept by Joy West
Diary of Joy West, nd (File) - Box 41
Travel diary relating to trip to Seven Spirit Bay Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula.
Diary of Joy west, 1973 (File) - Box 41
Travel diary relating to Summer cruise of the Greek Islands - M/Y Salamander D'oro. Includes postcards.
Diary of Joy West, 1975 (File) - Box 41
Travel diary relating to Summer cruise of the Spain and the Spanish Islands. Includes postcards.
Diary of Joy West, 1976 (File) - Box 41
Travel diary relating to Summer cruise of the Mediterranean. Includes postcards.
Series. Correspondence
Letter from Arthur Upfield, 1953 (File) - Box 41
Relating to the radio plays for the Inspector napoleon 'Bony' Boneparte'.
Letter from Rex Tate to Mr P Jones, 1950 (File) - Box 41
Relates to the broadcasting rights to 'The Hounds of the Baskervilles'
Letter from Morris West to Phil Jones, 1950 (File) - Box 41
Relates to correspondence from Overseas Rediffusion
Letter from Morris West to Phil Jones, 1950 (File) - Box 41
Discusses business opportunities including 'Dingo' and 'Triumph over Water'.
Series. Miscellaneous papers
Papers, 1995-2005 (File) - Box 42
Lecture papers, articles, correspondence, and documents. Includes the Barton Lecture; series of articles after the death of Pope John Paul II; Passion for Life: selected passages from the writings of Morris West; facsimiles; Spectre of the Rose typescript; Vendetta: and a play for television.
Papers, 1942-2002 (File) - Box 42
War Service Records for Morris Langlo West and letter to Maryanne from Mel Roffey.
Papers, 1992-1999 (File) - Box 42
Letters and replies, articles, short stories, interview transcripts. Includes The Shadow typescript - author unknown; The Age of the Aliens.
Letters and replies, 1994-2000 (File) - Box 43
Correspondents include Dame Leonie Kramer, Caroline Jones AO, Conrad Black, Bob Parrish, Daniel Colson, Archbishop Heim, Archbishop Edward Clancy, Rev Dr Paul Collins, Cardinal Carlo Martini, John Howard, Bob Cotton, John Holroyd, John McCallum, and Gerald Emmett Carter.
Letters and replies, 1993-2000 (File) - Box 43
Correspondents include Archbishop Heim, Archbishop Edward Clancy, Rev Dr Paul Collins, Cardinal Carlo Martini, John Howard, Bob Cotton, John Holroyd, John McCallum, and Gerald Emmett Carter.
Papers relating to the death of Morris West, 1961-1999 (File) - Box 43
Newspaper cuttings, articles, Order of Service booklet for the funeral of Morris West, annotated typescript of Jon Cleary's eulogy, obituaries, and prayer booklet
Papers, 1951-1998 (File) - Box 43
Includes papers relating to the centenary of Christian Brothers, postcard and photograph of the Salamander D'Oro, Frank West interview, ARP brochure, bibliographic notes on Morris West, typescript 'Ten Seconds to Cue' by Phillip Jones, correspondence relating to a biography and typescript 'Turning Points - A personal Testimony' by Morris West.
Speech transcripts, papers, 1965-1991 (File) - Box 43
The Silent Schism: Considerations of the modern Papacy; anti-Vietnam war speech, Canberra; Play for lecture; Retrospect; address to the Queens Club; Old Wine in new Bottles: Geopolitical Theories in the Nineties; Address to The American Club on George Washington's birthday; National Church Centre Conference
Family History papers, 1998-2002 (File) - Box 43
Handwritten research notes on various family members; annotated transcript Geoffrey Dutton interview with Morris West; Homily: Requiem Mass - Morris West; interview with Rob Ditessa; correspondence
Papers, 1983-1999 (File) - Box 44
Articles, interview transcripts, speech transcripts, newspaper cuttings.
Lecture Papers, 1992-1994 (File) - Box 44
Includes The Veech Lecture; Reflections on a Papal Occasion; Debasing the Currencies; Mater Lives dinner
Papers, 1991-1998 (File) - Box 44
Short story; Barton lecture; poetry; article; newspaper cuttings; Charter magazine. The Rose of the Beautiful Tree; The Grand Illusion: The Crisis in Rural Australia; Dragons: A fable in three parts; commentary on the Euthanasia debate; Reflections on Morris West by Michael Le Moignan; interview transcripts.
Papers, 1964-1990 (File) - Box 45
Poetry, Short stories, correspondence, magazine articles, newspaper cuttings. Includes personal poems to West's children, his wife and a poem to West by Ethel Merman; Nikos Nikolaides: New York; The Pitiless Land; The Daughter of Silence.
Papers, 1980-1996 (File) - Box 45
Newspaper cuttings, articles, interview transcripts. Includes Dialogues in a sinister Country; Charterhouse Chronicle; article on Bishop Eamon Casey; A Perception of Evil.
Papers, 1958-1998 (File) - Box 46
Includes articles, correspondence, press releases, research notes on Morris West psyche by Corneau?, speech transcript, press clippings.
Papers, 1969-2000 (File) - Box 46
Press clippings, interview transcripts, speech transcripts, correspondence, articles. Includes the articles 'A Perception of Evil', 'A Morality of Violence'.