Autobiographical Writings
McGonagall left us several accounts of his life which were published in his volumes of “Poetic Gems”. They have a naive quality reminiscent of the Grossmiths’ Diary of a Nobody, but of course these accounts are true…
Brief Autobiography
A short account principally taken up with the epic trip to Balmoral.
Reminiscences
A tirade against publicans – one of whom was “the first man to throw peas at me”, with some insights into the economics of being a working poet.
A Summary History of Poet McGonagall
What appears to be an early account by McGonagall which concentrates on his family and his childhood in the Orkney islands.
The Autobiography of Sir William Topaz McGonagall
A long and detailed account of McGonagall’s life and adventures which has been divided into more manageable sections…
- Part 1
- Early days, his inspiration to become a poet and his first appearance on the stage.
- Part 2
- The famous journey to Balmoral and the reception he got there.
- Part 3
- A concert in the village of Fowlis and his adventures on the way home.
- Part 4
- McGonagall’s trip to New York and the things he saw there.
- Part 5
- He leaves Dundee for Perth, and receives a hearty highland welcome in Inverness.
- Part 6
- A practical joke results in his visiting London.
- Part 7
- Perth proves too small for a member of the Order of the White Elephant.
Official Documents
McGonagall in the Census
Every ten years the population was recorded in an official census. The entries provide a fascinating series of snapshots of the changes in the poet’s life and circumstances.
Newspaper Accounts
News of the Poet’s doings in and around the city was a regular feature of the Dundee newspapers. Often focussing on the near riotous disorder that generally ensued when the Poet attempted to display his talents in public, the following articles offer a vivid picture of his career:
| The First Poem | McGonagall's first ever poem, as it appeared in the Weekly News. | July 1877 |
|---|---|---|
| Poet McGonagall’s Tour Through Fife | An account, written by the poet himself, of a typically frustrating reading tour. | October 1879 |
| The Poet McGonagall Interviewed | A few words with the poet, before his going on stage in Newport. | April 1880 |
| McGonagall’s Return from London | The Poet's friends seek to cheer him up after his misadventures in the capital. | July 1880 |
| McGonagall in the Thistle Hall | A typically riotous and unprofitable stage appearance. | October 1880 |
| McGonagall in Excelsis | A slightly more successful performance, financially if not artistically. | November 1880 |
| McGonagall at Arbroath | For once it is the audience that is at risk of injury in this account. | February 1881 |
| A Dundee “Bard” at Brechin | Guess which one. | April 1881 |
| Montrose | Another venture into the surrounding towns for "The McGonagall". | May 1881 |
| McGonagall in Glasgow | Where a local journalist compares him with Walt Whitman! | April 1888 |
| Magnificent Gift to Poet McGonagall | McGonagall's American admirers send him some dubious shares. | August 1888 |
| McGonagal at the Nethergate Circus | McGonagall appears in the big top in this hair-raising account. | December 1888 |
| City Gossip | One of many appearances in the Weekly News' diary column, here the Poet tells us why he may leave Dundee, and how he could be persuaded to stay. | January 1893 |
| City Gossip | A rival greets the news of McGonagall's threatened departure. | January 1893 |
| City Gossip | McGonagall replies to his rival's poetic assault. | January 1893 |
| Presentations to Poet McGonagall | More backhanded gifts for the Poet, this time including a ridiculous hat. | March 1893 |
| City Gossip | McGonagall finally makes good his threat to leave Dundee. | October 1894 |
Obituaries
The passing of the great Poet and tragedian was marked in the following Dundee newspapers after his death on the 29th September 1902:
