Interviewer
Earl J. Wilcox
Files
Download Interview (214.6 MB)
Abstract
Robert O’Neil Bristow (1926-2018) was an accomplished writer, author, and professor of journalism at Winthrop College from 1962-1987. In this interview, Bristow discusses writing his first story while he was in the Navy, his experience in World War II, inspiration for one of his protagonists, his parents, the effect of childhood trauma on his novels, his issues with authority, his work on a newspaper, his experience as an undergraduate at the University of Oklahoma, publishing his early pieces in magazines, his first novel, his development as a writer, inspirational works and authors (such as Nelson Algren, Robert Penn Warren, John Steinbeck), and his writing process and style. Bristow also discusses his novel, Night Season, which was published in 1970. In reference to this novel, Bristow discusses his experience with preaching at a Black church in Oklahoma around 1956-57, writing Black characters, moving to South Carolina in the 1960s, his perspective on reviews of his novels, his experience with conducting research for Night Season, and writing female characters. Bristow also discusses teaching at Winthrop, his earlier life in Oklahoma, as well as his use of intimacy and sexuality in his work. Bristow also discusses his novels Time for Glory and Laughter in Darkness.
Publication Date
5-15-1974
Unique Identifier
OH 002
Format
Cassettes; MP3; WAV;
Length
03:54:24
Restrictions
This interview is open for use.
Series
Faculty and Staff
Disciplines
Law
Keywords
Writing; Family; English; Teaching
Recommended Citation
Bristow, Robert O'Neil, "Interview with Robert Bristow - OH 002" (1974). Winthrop University Oral History Program. OH 002.
https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/oralhistoryprogram/37
LC Subject Headings
Bristow, Robert O’Neil, 1926-2018--Interviews; Bristow, Robert O’Neil, 1926-2018--Family; Winthrop College--Faculty; College teachers--South Carolina--Rock Hill; College teaching; Journalism teachers--South Carolina--Rock Hill; Journalism--Study and teaching; Oklahoma--Biography; Authors; Authorship; United States. Navy
Notes
Low/poor audio from 02:35:08 (hour: minute: second) through 02:45:56 and 02:54:46 through 03:01:01