O'Connor, Frank

Irish writer. His short stories are rooted in the provincial life of his native county, but he brings to his work a wide human sympathy and careful elegance. Collections include Bones of Contention (1936), Crab Apple Jelly (1944), Traveller's Samples (1950), Collection Two (1964), and Collection Three (1969), published after the author's death. He also wrote two novels, several plays, poetry – both original and in translation – and a history of Irish literature. His study of the short story, The Lonely Voice (1963), is recognized as a basic work in the field.

Born in Cork, O'Connor worked as a librarian in Cork and Dublin, where he was a director of the Abbey Theatre 1935–39.