File of letters from editorial staff at Atlantic Monthly Press, namely Peter Davison, and also from Robert Manning (Editor in Chief) and Peter du Sautoy. Letter to McGahern sending acceptance on publishing of story "The Recruiting Officer" and wishing he could take "Korea" also (10 July 1969); Letter from Davison to McGahern sending admiration for "Night Lines" and wider comments on the book and on wider publishing contract discussions (24 Feb 1970); Letter from Davison enquiring if McGahern's novel is progressing and adds comments on sales figures for "Night Lines" (10 Aug 1971); Letter from Davison with comments on sales figures for "The Leavetaking" (9 May 1975). Letter from Davison to McGahern sending comments regarding rejection of a story submitted which is deemed to "produce an impression of foreign-ness" to American readers. Adds further comments on sales figures for "The Leavetaking". Letter discussion re. the near final draft of novel by McGahern (23 Aug 1971). Letter from de Sautoy sending comments on "Amongst Women" (7 May 1990).
Also copy letter from Natalie Greenberg, Atlantic Monthly Press, Sep 2, 1970, with some follow up queries to McGahern about edits for "Nightlines".

Letters from Peter Lennon, one written on headed paper of The Listener, BBC, London, discussing McGahern's stories (1988); other letters regarding work and editorial changes at The Listener, Lennon's thoughts and comments on McGahern's books, including Memoir.

File of manuscript letters from Pierre Leiris, discussing McGahern's work, from The Dark to Nightlines, commentary on other literary matters.

File of letters from poet Richard Murphy to John and Madeline McGahern. Letters begin in 1965 with Murphy writing after the passing of his father and that he met with Patrick Gregory and Charles Monteith and in turn met up with McGahern's father and sister, Dympna. Murphy mentions that The Dark was not mentioned "out of courtesy" to McGahern's father and stepmother. He adds the banning of the book did more harm to the country than to the book itself. Letters in early 1970s talk of relationships, time in Paris and London (by McGahern), Murphy moving to Hamilton, New York, Arts Council Awards, parties, relationships, more letters are written on Colgate University, Dept of English-headed paper and discuss teaching news and updates, family matters and news, the taking of a house in Cleggan, Co. Galway; reviews of McGahern's work in the U.S.; the possibility of McGahern coming to teach at Colgate; arranging readings at Boston College (in which W.H. Auden was also reading); confirming news that McGahern is to get the O'Connor Chair at Colgate.
Letters on Princeton University creative writing programme headed paper, saying that Murphy has built a studio on Omey Island out of granite in the shape of a hexagon with detailed description of the studio, its construction and his work (29 Sep 1974); Update that the Minister for Local Government overturned Galway County Council order to demolish the studio. Also adds comments on The Leavetaking (8 Jan 1975); Makes offer of the Oratory on High Island for use by McGahern for his wedding ceremony (28 June 1970); Comments on McGahern's Memoir). Also detailed comments upon reading "That They May Face the Rising Sun" by Murphy (2002).
Two cards included which include hand coloured tapestry scenes from Sri Lanka. The cards are dated 1990 and 1992.
File also includes a pamphlet offprint of "The God Who Eats Corn" by Richard Murphy, reprinted from "The Reporter", New York, sign and dedicated to McGahern, with love from Murphy, 1 June 1964.

Letters from Robert (Bob) Blackmore, Chairman, Dept of English, Colgate University, NY, to John McGahern discussion possible return to Colgate by McGahern as O'Connor Chair of Literature. Letters also discuss personal and work matters, family, travel, writing etc.

File of letters from poet Robert Greacen to John McGahern. Includes comments on "The Power of Darkness", commenting that "every society is unwilling to face its problems/prejudices/intolerances." (31 Oct 1991); comments on McGahern's article on Bernard McLaverty in the Sunday Independent (20 Mar 1992) and that Greacen will be reviewing McGahern's "Memoir" for Books Ireland magazine.

File of MS letters from poet and critic Roger Garfitt, with samples of his writing for McGahern to comment on and also discussions and comments on McGahern's writing.

Manuscript letters from Roger McHugh, Professor of Anglo-Irish Drama, University College Dublin, to John McGahern, with discussion of short stories by McGahern, and also of McGahern's move to Colgate.

File of manuscript letters from Rosaleen McGahern to her brother John McGahern, and Madeline McGahern. The letters are personal is nature, relaying family and personal news and updates. The earliest letter of March 1961 is written from Leyton, London, and with plans on a visit by John and his sisters to meet in London, while updating that their father will not travel. LAter letters through the 1980s and 1990s update on the children of each sibling's households, arranging visits, family news and related updates. Occasionally John's writing and literary figures are mentioned.

Letters from various staff members at RTÉ including broadcaster Donncha Ó Dulaing (Head of Features and Current Affairs) arranging a recording time with McGahern (17 Sep 1971); Other letter from Ó Dulaing sets out recording schedule for McGahern's story "Swallows" (13 Sep 1971); Letter from P.J. O'Connor, Head of Radio Drama, inviting McGahern to write a radio play for a new season of radio plays by Irish writers (3 Mar 1980); Letter from Michael Garvey, thanking John and Madeline McGahern for their kindness recently and sending them a number of books.