The writer, John McGahern, is to hand over his archive and literary papers to NUI Galway next week, where they will be housed in the college library.
McGahern, who lives in Co Leitrim, is "arguably one of the most important Irish novelists since James Joyce", the university said yesterday. The award-winning author has been invited to make the donation to the NUI Galway president, Dr Iognaid Ó Muircheartaigh, at an official ceremony on Monday morning.
The archive, comprising personal papers, correspondence and draft versions of novels and other writings, will be deposited in the James Hardiman Library for safekeeping. The university says the acquisition will provide scholars of English literature, Irish studies and cultural history with the opportunity to gain a "vital critical insight" into his techniques. It will also allow for a "much-needed and more detailed understanding" of his work.
The event takes place on the day that Galway city marks the 75th anniversary of the death of one of its most famous writers, Padraic Ó Conaire.
The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr Ó Cuiv, will initiate a programme of events to celebrate the life of the author of M'Asal Beag Dubh and other works.
