Sullivan, John J.
Biographical Statement
John J. Sullivan, K.S.G. was a Chesterton enthusiast, had a wide interest in literature, and was a life-long educator. He spent his early years teaching in schools as well as in Adult Education Centers in London, and after assisting with war efforts during WWII became one of His Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools. Sullivan continued his involvement with adult education when he relocated to Manchester, and also wrote history textbooks for use in schools.
He retired in 1967 from the H.M. Inspectorate, and became head of the English department at St. Mary’s College of Education at Twickenham for the next three years. In 1970 he was awarded the papal knighthood of the Order of St. Gregory.
Sullivan’s interest in Chesterton spanned much of his life, resulting in this private collection of Chestertonia as well as several publications, including: G.K. Chesterton, A Bibliography (1958), Chesterton Continued (1969), Chesterton Three: A Bibliographical Postscript (1980), and G.K. Chesterton: A Centenary Appraisal (edited by Sullivan, 1974). He was also an avid follower of other modern authors, such as: Evelyn Waugh, Anthony Burgess, Flannery O’Connor, and Graham Greene.
Born in 1902, John Sullivan died in early 1983 after a short period of failing health.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
John Sullivan Collection
This archive contains materials from the Chesterton collection of John J. Sullivan, and other personal interests of his. Included is a large variety of newspaper clippings, correspondence, book catalogs, Chesterton-related events materials, and secondary critical work on Chesterton by Sullivan and others, both published and unpublished. Many materials were removed from this archive and incorporated into the Wade Center's Chesterton holdings.