Michael M. Rea loved literature and the literary world. He was particularly impassioned with the short story genre, as evidenced by his extensive library of first-edition story collections. He called the form ‘focused brevity’ or as John Updike mused, “somewhat between longer fiction–a novel–and a poem. It has the delicacy a poem can have, of not a word being out of place”. With an intent to affect a difference, Michael created the Rea Award for the Short Story in 1986; its mission was to “ennoble the form, to give it prestige”, an acknowledgment of a writer’s significant contribution to the short story form with an emphasis on originality. The Rea Award became the short story’s “little Nobel”, privileged by so many of North America’s most accomplished writers as jurors, nominees, and subsequent winners; an interaction of mutual admiration and respect which was a testament to its importance throughout its 30 year tenure. Michael Rea died in 1996 but with loving and attentive stewardship in honor of his legacy, his widow Elizabeth Richebourg Rea, a fine art photographer and curator, continued the tradition for another 20 years. In a tribute for the 20th Anniversary celebration, the writer and first Rea Award winner, Cynthia Ozick said, “Michael Rea was one who burned with fiction’s sacred fire; he was so to speak, its forge and its bellows. And….if anyone should doubt the breadth and robustness of the American short story, only turn to the dazzling roster of recipients of the Rea Award…”. To all who have participated in this project born of her husband’s passion, Elizabeth extends her gratitude for their contribution in making the Rea Award the success that it was in fostering the life of the short story.
The Dungannon Foundation, named after Michael Rea’s ancestral town, was the sponsor of the Rea Award and continues with its support of the Rea Visiting Writers and Lecturers at the University of Virginia and Selected Shorts at Symphony Space in New York City.
