Duggan, Eileen May (1894–1972)

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Duggan, Eileen May (1894–1972)

New Zealand poet and writer. Name variations: Pippa. Born Eileen May Duggan, May 21, 1894, at Tuamarina, near Blenheim, New Zealand; died Dec 10, 1972, in Wellington, New Zealand; dau. of John Duggan (railway worker) and Julia (Begley) Duggan; Victoria University College, BA, 1917, MA, 1918.

The 1st New Zealand poet to gain international reputation, began career teaching at St. Patrick's College, Wellington (1926); became assistant lecturer at Victoria University College (c. 1927); published historical and critical writings, short stories, and weekly column in New Zealand Tablet, under pen-name Pippa (late 1920s); lived reclusive life with partner Julia McLeely, publishing poems in New Zealand Tablet, and contributing essays to the Sun, Christchurch Press, Sydney Bulletin, London New English Weekly and New York Commonweal; also published Poems (1922), New Zealand Bird Songs (1929), Poems (1937), New Zealand Poems (1940), and More Poems (1951). Named OBE (1937) and honorary fellow of Royal Society of Literature (1943).

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 4).