Browne Popular Culture Library

Introduction | Biographical Sketch | Scope and Content | Series Description | Inventory

Introduction 

Andrew Greeley is a contemporary sociologist and Roman Catholic priest who has authored numerous nonfiction and fiction works. Eight spiral-bound drafts, one galley, one page-proof, two screenplays plus one critical analysis by Ingrid H. Shafer comprise the core of this collection.

In 1989, Michael Marsden transferred the first manuscripts in this collection of Andrew M. Greeley's works to the Browne Popular Culture Library, Bowling Green State University. The collection is open for research, but photocopying or other duplication of manuscripts must comply with applicable copyright laws. This register was compiled by Debbie Chimahusky under the supervision of Jean Geist, Popular Culture Library Associate II in February 1999. It was updated in September 2009 by Patricia Falk.

Biographical Sketch  

Andrew Moran Greeley was born in Oak Park, IL, February 5, 1928 to Andrew T. (corporate executive) and Grace (McNichols) Greeley. He received a bachelor's degree in 1950 from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary and a licentiate in sacred theology from the same institution two years later. The University of Chicago awarded Greeley both an M.A. and Ph.D. in 1961 and 1962, respectively. He continues to hold several university posts, including professor of social science, University of Chicago; adjunct professor of sociology, University of Arizona; and professor of sociology of education, University of Illinois at Chicago.

As of this writing, Greeley has written 33 novels including Nora Maeve and Sebi (1976), The Magic Cup (1979), Death in April (1980), The Cardinal Sins (1981), Thy Brother's Wife (1982), Ascent into Hell (1984), Lord of the Dance (1987), Love Song (1988), All About Women (1989), The Search for Maggie Ward (1991), The Cardinal Virtues (1991), An Occasion of Sin (1992), Wages of Sin (1992), Fall From Grace (1993), Angel Light (1995), and Irish Lace (1996).

Father "Blackie" Ryan Mystery novels include Virgin and Martyr (1985), Happy Are the Meek (1985), Happy Are Those Who Thirst for Justice (1987), Rite of Spring (1987), Happy Are the Clean of Heart (1988), St. Valentine's Night (1989), Happy Are the Merciful (1992), Happy Are the Peacemakers (1993), Happy Are the Poor in Spirit (1994), Happy Are Those Who Mourn (1995), White Smoke (1996), The Bishop at Sea (1997), and The Bishop and the Three Kings (1998).

Father Greeley also wrote four books of Science Fiction: Angels of September (1986), God Game (1986), The Final Planet (1987), and Angel Fire (1988).

In addition to his novels, Father Greeley has written numerous books and scholarly articles in the fields of sociology, education, and religion. He continues to write a popular newspaper column that is syndicated by the New York Times Religious News Service. Greeley is considered to be a controversial figure among church hierarchy but his novels, many staying on the bestseller lists for months, remain very popular among the laity. When asked about his reasons for writing fiction, Greeley replied in the New York Times Magazine, (May 6, 1984), "Stories have always been the best way to talk about religion because stories appeal to the emotions and the whole personality and not just to the mind."

Awards received by Father Greeley include the award for best short story for young people from the Catholic Press Association (1965), the prestigious Freedom to Read Award (1989) and five honorary Doctorates, including Doctorate of Humane Letters from Bowling Green State University in 1988. In 1993 the U.S. Catholic Award for furthering the cause of women in the church and the Illinois Outstanding Citizen Award were conferred on Father Greeley.

Scope and Content 

The Andrew M. Greeley Collection houses original drafts for eleven of his works and one critical dissertation of his novels by Ingrid H. Shafer. These manuscripts form a particularly strong core for this collection, for they address not only the various types of publishing drafts of a book, but the method by which a book is turned into a screenplay.

Researchers interested in popular fiction, including science fiction, mysteries, and the publishing process, will find this collection useful.

Series Description 

Literary Productions

Series

Literary Manuscripts

1985, 1986, 1987, 1988

Original donation arranged in chronological order

Typed, draft manuscripts and screen plays

Inventory 

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