Cormac McCarthy, American Novelist

Collected Fiction from 1964-2007

May 14, 2009 William Padgett

Readers, researchers, and scholars, one of America's most highly praised writers, Cormac McCarthy, has finally made his papers available for study in San Marcos, Texas.

Beginning May 18, 2009, ninety-eight boxes worth of McCarthy’s draft work and writing materials will be accessible at the Texas State University-San Marcos Southwestern Writers Collection. The university recently made the startling purchase, making their already impressive collection quite astonishing.

Southwestern Writers Collection Beginnings

In 1986 Bill and Sally Wittliff founded the Wittliff Collection, located on the university library’s seventh floor, which includes the Southwestern Writers Collection and the Southwestern and Mexican Photography Collection. These institutions exhibit on public display the works and possessions of writers and artists such as J. Frank Dobie, John Graves, Selena, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. The collection’s artifacts span the Southwestern gamut, ranging from a 1555 edition of Cabeza de Vaca’s La relación y comentarios to original art and storyboards from Mike Judge’s King of the Hill. The McCarthy papers, however, stand out as a rare jewel in this collection of treasures.

Master of the Writing Craft

Named by eminent literary critic, Harold Bloom, as one of the four great writers of his period, McCarthy receives the height of critical acclaim. Just to name a few of his accomplishments, he is the recipient of the William Faulkner Foundation Award, Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellowships, the National Book Critics Circle Award, a Pulitzer Prize, and the Cohen brothers’ adaptation of his novel No Country for Old Men won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Doubtless, McCarthy is one of America’s most cherished writers.

With the majority of his texts now directly accessible, individuals can gain insight into McCarthy’s craft and genius. Included, but not limited to, in the collection are complete materials from The Orchard Keeper, Child of God, Suttree, Blood Meridian, All the Pretty Horses, The Crossing, Cities of the Plain, No Country for Old Men, and The Road. Perhaps even more exciting is the presence of unpublished works, a screenplay, Whales and Men, and novel, The Passenger. Unfortunately, these resources will remain inaccessible until post-publication. A comprehensive and user friendly guide to the housed works, provided by the university, allows for easy navigation of the extensive information.

A New Home

Currently, in response to this fantastic purchase, Texas State University is remodeling the Wittliff Collection. The university predicts completion of construction by the end of this summer. Specifically paying attention to regional architecture and influences, the renovations aim to convey a deep appreciation for the collected pieces through a vibrant, Southwestern aesthetic. While under construction, people wishing to view the McCarthy papers must do so by appointment only.

A Brighter Future for Literary Scholarship and Criticism

For McCarthy fans and scholars, this is a very exciting time. Expect commentary and perspective on his writing to surge like never before. Additional information on McCarthy and his writing can be found through the Cormac McCarthy Society.

The copyright of the article Cormac McCarthy, American Novelist in American Fiction is owned by William Padgett. Permission to republish Cormac McCarthy, American Novelist in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

The Collection Measures 46 Linear Feet in Paper

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