1300 and Counting

Card # 1300!!! That is the number that I reached today. When I began working on the Frank O'Connor project with Professor Murphy I started with card # 1030. I now it doesn't sound like I have done much but I'm rather proud of completing this many cards. Here is what one reference card may look like (in fact, this is information from a card that I worked on today):

Card # 1278
"The Piper's Band"
"The Cornet Player who Betrayed Ireland" (also, "Solo on Gabriel's Trumpet"-- quod vide)
1) Harper's Bazaar, November 1947
2) Irish Writing, April 1948 No. 4, 11-19.
 HB November, 1947 No. 2831, p. 188, 280-2, 290. United States.
<note> GL, HB beg. 1954
 RL
<note> Michael Frank collection
<note> Have a xerox copy.

To most readers the above information has no significance. However, this is the information that I have been working on since I have started my internship. Each card contains reference information to one of Frank O'Connor's stories (or other works) and the publishing information related to that story.

 I am beginning to think that Frank O'Connor was some sort of Superman-writer because he has done so much. He is best known for his short stories but these notecards also document radio interviews, works he has editied, works that he has written introductions for, reveiws and much more. It is shocking to think that one man could accomplish so much in his lifetime.

Ok, back to the information on this particular card (card 1278). The first line indicates the Title, while the second line is an alternative title for the same story; this is why the line is followed by the phrase "quod vide" meaning cross reference. It was very common for Frank O'Connor to use the same story with a different title depending on where and who it was published by. The publishers are included on the following lines that are labled with a number. Next you will see several initials, these are abbreviations made by Ruth, the woman who spent over 20 years compling these references;  however, now Ruth is gone and it is up to Dr. Murphy, Dr. Lennon and myself to decipher the meaning of these abbreviations. It takes some investigative digging but Dr. Lennon specailizes in Frank O'Connor work and is very helpful in this area. Finally, there are lines labeled <note> which are side notes that Ruth left for herself and we have decided to include them in the referece. Some of these notes may include breif summaries of the plot. So, there you have it, that is what one card may contain. Now try to imagine all of that information on a notecard in barely legable handwriting; its no wonder why I am so excited to be on card # 1300.

Frank O'Connor's work is very interesting and I have learned a lot about him. I am interested to know more about his writing and influences. I hope to learn more about him as I continue this project.

I am enjoying my time here in Cork and I am gaining a lot from this experience.

Until Next Time...

(p.s. this post is dedicated to Charissa who personally requested that I update my blog...hope you liked it Charissa!)