After writing some words on the death of author Frank Delaney this morning, I was curious — I remembered his voice appearing on NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday from time to time, so how many times did he appear?
I turned to Google. The answer is six times.Stories by the Fire: Frank Delaney’s ‘Ireland’ – Delaney’s first appearance on Weekend Edition Saturday; he speaks with Scott Simon about his then-new novel, Ireland, and what growing up in Ireland meant to him. March 12, 2005
One Irishman’s Take on St. Patrick’s Day – Delaney talks with Scott Simon about St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland and the concept of an “American Wake.” March 17, 2007
Some Soccer Players ‘Oscar Contenders,’ Delaney Says – Delaney talks with Scott Simon about World Cup soccer and “diving” (ie., making a contact between players look more significant than it was in order to draw a penalty card). June 19, 2010
‘Ulysses,’ One Day, And One Line, At A Time – Delaney talks to Scott Simon about his “Re: Joyce” podcast, then celebrating its first anniversary. June 11, 2011
‘Jane Austen Made Me Do It,’ Authors Claim – Delaney and his wife, Diane Meier talk with Scott Simon about Dashiell Hammett and Jane Austen. October 22, 2011
A St. Patrick’s Poem on Shamrocks and Stereotypes – Delaney reads a poem about the cultural appropriation of St. Patrick’s Day. March 17, 2012
Just six times, and not in five years. I can remember hearing three of these stories on their original broadcast — his first appearance in 2005, the segment on “Re: Joyce” and Ulysses, and the segment with his wife. Delaney’s easy rapport with Scott Simon on Weekend Edition Saturday from his very first appearance gave the impression that he appeared many more times than he had. Even though he didn’t, the two men had an epic radio friendship that was clear, strong, and true. From the very first, they talked as though they had known each other forever, and their conversations were a doorway into a heightened world of words and ideas where they invited you to keep up with them because you just might learn something.
I downloaded all six Weekend Edition Saturday segments and listened to them. I had the thought — I must have worked the morning of his first appearance at EB Games, I must have heard the segment either on my way to the store or driving up Walnut Street to get change from the Wachovia at Cary Town Center. That segment, which I may not have heard in full, made an impression that has stayed with me over the years.
I think I may pull Ireland off the shelf tonight. It seems only appropriate.