OPAL Reads Opal, Learn More

OPAL’S WORK

The Fairyland Around Us / Opal Whiteley
A digitized copy of Opal’s first book, which she self-published in 1918.

The Story of Opal: The Journal of an Understanding Heart / Opal Whiteley
Opal’s diary as originally published by the Atlantic Monthly Press in 1920.

The Flower of Stars / Opal Whiteley
A self-published collection of poetry by Opal, published in 1923.

ARCHIVAL COLLECTIONS

Opal S. Whiteley Photographs
Digitized photographs from Opal’s archival collection at the University of Oregon Libraries.

Opal Whiteley Papers
A finding aid to the collection of Opal’s papers and other materials held at the University of Oregon Libraries.

BIOGRAPHIES OF OPAL

Opal Whiteley (1897-1992) / Tim Barnes
A concise biography overview of Opal’s life and work from the Oregon Encyclopedia.

Curiouser and Curiouser: Embracing Opal Whiteley / Robert Leo Heilman
An article in Oregon Quarterly that describes Opal’s life, her mental health struggles, and the controversies around her.

Opal Whiteley / Oregon Public Broadcasting
This short documentary tells the story of Opal’s life through historical photographs and interviews.

Opal: A Life of Enchantment, Mystery and Madness / Kathrine Beck
The most thoroughly researched of Opal Whiteley biographies.

Opal Whiteley Memorial / Steve Williamson
A website full of history, biography, and local details by Cottage Grove’s Steve Williamson.

The Singing Creek Where the Willows Grow / Benjamin Hoff
This book provides a biographical section about Opal, the complete text of Opal’s diary, and an epilogue about the author’s quest to meet with Opal at Napsbury Hospital before she died.