J.P. Donleavy

"God
Bless
The
Poor."

- J.P. Donleavy from The Ginger Man

The Ginger Man, read by the author himself, is now available as an audio book on cassette in a very limited, signed edition exclusively from The Donleavy - Mitchell Organization (son, Philip Donleavy & Robert A. Mitchell). If you're interested in this limited edition, signed audio book, contact me and I'll get you in touch with the DMO for purchasing information. J.P. Donleavy Compendium. Included below are recordings and radio broadcasts by or having to do with JPD.

the Blues project

Vinyl LP | Elektra EKS 7264, 1964. Scarce.

Various folk blues artists on the scene at the height of the folk boom. Geoff Muldaur sings a song called "Ginger Man" which was inspired by JPD's book.

Derek Mahon Reads His Poetry

Vinyl LP | Ceirnin Records #CCT 11 Irish pressing. 1973

Among the poems by Derek Mahon on this record is a short piece, titled "J.P. Donleavy's Dublin."

"J.P. Donleavy "

Lamson Library Audiocassettes - 1978

Details being researched.

J.P. Donleavy

Audio cassette | Tapes for Readers, Washington, D.C., 1980 | Single cassette in clear, plastic case

An interview on audio cassette conducted by Stephen Banker. As always, Donleavy is the epitome of the gentleman, which seems to surprise interviewers, expecting someone more raucous and radical. Some good subjects and questions put to the author who sheds some light on his views beyond his books and writing. Banker is an adroit interviewer, keeping it moving along. My only criticism is that the tape isn't very long; indeed, there is a definite urge to reach for a nonexistent tape 2 upon completion of the second side. Stephen Banker's audio interview with J.P. Donleavy is available directly from Mr. Banker at Tapes for Readers. Email Stephen Banker for details and orders.

To purchase books by J.P. Donleavy, go to the Buyers' Guide.

"JP Donleavy Interviewed"

Radio interview with JPD. A.B.C., Sydney, 1980. Was issued on cassette tape. Very scarce.

The Ginger Man

7 Audio Cassettes [630 minutes] | Crane Library, Vancouver, B.C. Canada, 1981.

Read by ?

The Ginger Man

Audio Cassettes | Corgi Books in association with the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) Talking Books. TB No: 8471. Date?

"J.P. Donleavy Reads from Are You Listening Rabbi Löw and Talks About Critics and Writing for Amusement"

Radio reading by JPD and interview by Tom Vitale, A Moveable Feast. Date? Was once available on cassette but now is very scarce.

"A Singular Man"

A radio play produced for "Drama Wednesday" by A.B.C. (Australian Broadcasting Commission) Sydney, 1983. In a few libraries on audio cassette. Scarce.

The Onion Eaters by J.P. Donleavy

Audio cassettes (9:50 hrs.) | Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Toronto, 1985, read by George Guidall.

J.P. Donleavy's Ireland in All Her Sins and in Some of Her Graces

Audio cassettes | Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) Talking Books. TB No. 6657, year?

The Pogues - If I Should Fall From Grace

Original release,1988 vinyl LP, Island Records
Remastered CD release 2005, Rhino Records

Shane MacGowan, a long-time fan of JPD, wrote and performed with The Pogues a song titled "Fairytale of New York" on this album, inspired by JPD's book A Fairy Tale of New York. Shane and JPD remain good friends.

"Audio Interview with J.P. Donleavy"

A 47-minute radio interview with JPD by Don Swaim, recorded in 1988. The interview is downloadable at the Wired for Books site. (Real Audio format)

"When I Bought a Bear"

Qatar Broadcasting Service (QBS) - 1992, produced by Tim Frances for English-language radio in Qatar (Persian Gulf) as part of a series of works by contemporary fiction authors. "When I Bought a Bear" is a short story from JPD's collection of short fiction Meet My Maker The Mad Molecule. Many thanks to Tim Frances for contributing details of this broadcast.

Photo by Sophie Baker.

"A Singular Country"

CNIB, Toronto, 1992.

1 audio cassette, read by Richard Brown from the text by J.P. Donleavy, originally published by Norton, New York, 1990.

"The Ginger Man - A Live Reading by Author J.P. Donleavy"

RTÉ Radio 1, April 12 - 16, 1998.

"The Ginger Man Returns to the Stage"

Irish Radio, New York, May 2000

Promo interview with JPD regarding the return of the play, The Ginger Man to be performed at The Irish Arts Center by The Dublin Theatre Company. I will check this link from time to time; presently, interview still on archive page.

Irish Radio, New York Donleavy Interview.

The Ginger Man

Audio cassette | Donleavy-Mitchell Productions, NY, 2000 - Nine 2-sided audio cassettes | copyright dates: © 1994, J.P. Donleavy; ® 1998, Donleavy-Mitchell Productions

Limited, signed edition in sturdy clamshell case (inscribed on spine). Wonderfully read by the author, capturing all the verve and every subtle nuance of the classic. Excellent recording quality throughout. A must for every serious Donleavy fan and collector. For purchase, email The Compendium and I will put you in touch with distribution.

Larger front view
Back of package
Signed spine
Inside view

"The Ginger Man"

CNIB, Toronto, 2000

2 audio cassettes, read by Garrick Hagan for Royal Institute for the Blind, London | ISBN 0616031475

"Writers Almanac"

NPR broadcast with host Garrison Keillor. Monday, April 23, 2001. JPD talked about on the show, along with other topics.

The Great Brian Cadd

3 CD set re-release containing hits originally released on LPs | Redx Records, February 8, 2002.

A major star in Australia, Brian wrote a song called "Ginger Man" inspired by the book by JPD. Brian cites JPD as being a great writer and an influence on him.

Billy - read by the author, Pamela Stephenson

Abridged audio book taken from the Overlook/Penguin 2002 edition of the printed book. Includes anecdotes about JPD and Bill Connelly's taking over the role of Beefy from Simon Callow in the London stage production of The Beastly Beatitudes of Balthazar B.
Four hours.
ISBN 1565117247 (cassette)
ISBN 1565117255 (CD)

"The Brenda Power Show 2004"

RTÉ Radio 1 March 27-29. The Edgeworth Literary Society hosted the 3rd annual Maria Edgeworth Literary Weekend. The event was formally opened by JPD, who also launched the third volume of The Edgeworth Papers with a reading of his work.

"DTR Downtown Radio"

The Bobbie Hanvey (The Ramblin' Man) show. JPD as a guest. Date & time?

"JP Donleavy"

RTÉ Rattlebag, Monday, April 24, 2006. JPD talks about his literary career to date.
Real Audio format.

"A Stand-up Guy Who's Serious About Books"

NPR in association with PPS, Sunday, June 25, 2006. Comedian Leo Allen talks about his favorite book and raves about The Ginger Man saying, "Donleavy. Amazing. Grabs you by the throat and punches you in the heart."

"JP Donleavy and The Ginger Man"

BBC 4 radio program with host Polly Feversham, celebrating the life and work of JP Donleavy - November 2, 2006. Repeated November 6.

"Desert Island Disc with guest J.P. Donleavy"

JPD was the guest on Desert Island Discs BBC 4 Sunday March 4, 2007 at 11:15 a.m. and was repeated Friday March 9 at 9:00 a.m. local time (Ireland). Kristy Young hosts the popular radio show where celebrities are asked which 8 musical recordings they would want with them if stranded on a desert island. The selections are then played with discussion between selections. JPD's picks.

"A Good Read"

BBC 4 radio program with host Sue MacGregor and reviewer guests talking about their favorite books. February 20, 2007. The Ginger Man was among reviewer Ray Connolly's choices.

"Keith Hampshire"

Music recording. 8th track titled "Ginger Man." Not known if it's an original or a cover of the Brian Cadd song. 2007 Universal Music, Canada.

"The Catacombs "

RTÉ Radio 1 broadcast, made and presented by Ciaran Cassidy. Back at the original site, JPD, Steve Willoughby, Joan De Frenay and Shelia Bradshaw talk about The Catacombs and the people who frequented the now famous hub of post-war Bohemian Dublin. First broadcast May 19, 2007. Listen to the show.