[i]

[ii]

[iii]

Ireland in Fiction

A GUIDE TO
IRISH NOVELS, STORIES, ROMANCES,
AND FOLKLORE

BY
STEPHEN J. BROWN, S.J.

Author of A Reader’s Guide to Irish Fiction,
A Guide to Books on Ireland, etc.

Do chum glóire Dé agus Onóra na h-Éireann.

MAUNSEL AND COMPANY, LIMITED,
DUBLIN AND LONDON.
1916.

[iv]

[vi]

It might be useful to clarify from the start how this work differs from A Reader’s Guide to Irish Fiction published in 1910, which is now out of print. The differences can be summarized in four points:—

(1). The number of books covered is almost double that of the previous work.

(2). The setup is pretty different. In the previous version, the books were sorted by topic; in this one, they're organized by the names of the authors, listed in alphabetical order. Some lists are included where the books are categorized as historical novels, folklore, Gaelic epic, romantic literature, etc.

(3). A combined title and subject index has been included, both of which were missing in the previous book. Some new content is presented in the Appendix, especially some notes on fiction in Irish periodicals.

(4). In A Reader’s Guide, etc., a few notes on Authors were added at the end. In this work, biographical notes on a large number of the Authors are provided right before the notes on their books.

Apart from these differences, the two works have the same scope and aim. In both, the scope includes all fiction published in volume form that deals with Ireland or with the Irish abroad, and only those works. This book, therefore, is not, just like the earlier book, a guide to the works of Irish novelists—otherwise, Goldsmith, for example, would definitely have a spot. Also, it isn’t exactly a book of recommendations on what’s best to read. The aim has been to provide descriptive notes that are objective in nature, to record facts, not to express personal opinions or preferences. This is a straightforward reference book; it neither criticizes nor endorses. In this respect, it differs from several other guides to fiction that it might initially seem to resemble. The Abbé Bethléem’s most valuable *Romans à lire et romans à proscrire* has been mentioned in the previous preface. Its title makes its character clear. Some similar works by members of my own Order have come to my attention since then. It will be helpful to list their titles:

No. 1 has only one chapter focused on fiction. No. 2 offers a critical analysis from a moral perspective of 413 Spanish writers, 1,220 French, 150 English, 98 German, as well as Russian, Belgian, etc. No. 3 includes a section on Schöne Literatur, providing notes and bibliographical details. Symbols are used to indicate which books are suitable for readers of different ages. The same approach is taken in No. 4, but in much greater detail, and the entire work is on a larger scale.

I've said enough in the earlier preface about the goals of the notes. I've tried to make those goals clear, but I don't believe I've always achieved them, even in this updated version. Some of the reasons for the incomplete parts that made sense in the early stages of exploring this almost uncharted territory probably don't hold as much weight anymore. I've had time to explore new areas and reassess the ones already covered. On the flip side, the years since the last book have been filled with many responsibilities that left me with little time for writing. Still, even though I can't confidently say this work is[ix]completely exhaustive in terms of bibliographic detail, I hope it can be considered reasonably complete for practical purposes, which is what it’s meant for. I can’t take all the credit for even this result; I owe a lot to my many helpers, as will be shown in the Acknowledgements.

One more point needs to be addressed—the exclusion of fictional works written in the Irish language. I can do no better in this regard than to quote from the preface of a previous work[1] where this same issue was explained:—“I have not included books in the Irish language. My reasons for this are threefold. First, my own knowledge of Irish isn't sufficient yet to allow me to even edit notes on books in Irish satisfactorily.... Second, I don't believe a bibliography of works in Irish should just be an add-on or sub-section, as it inevitably would be, in a work like this one. Finally, it’s questionable whether the time has come to approach this task in the way it truly deserves.” This last reason is partly due to the large amount of Irish literature that remains in manuscript, which is probably much more than what has been printed and published. The publication of the National Library’s bibliography is mentioned in the Appendix on Gaelic literature as an additional reason for my omission of books in Irish.

Nevertheless, leaving out books in the Irish language from a Guide to Irish Fiction is still unusual, one of the many oddities caused by the historical events that have nearly wiped out the Irish language as the everyday speech of Ireland.

Dublin, September 1915.

The current Guide to Irish Literature is meant by the Author as the first part of a project aimed at providing notes on all sorts of books focused on Irish topics.

Before explaining what this section of the work covers, it's important to clarify what it is not. First of all, it does not claim to be a bibliography. This doesn’t mean that I’m okay with being inaccurate or careless; it simply means that I do not aim for complete thoroughness. Secondly, it is not a catalog of books by Irish writers. Finally, it does not focus solely on books printed or published in Ireland.

The author's goal has been to compile and print a categorized list of novels, stories, etc. (whether by Irish or foreign authors) related to Ireland—meaning, showcasing some aspect of Irish life or an event from Irish history—and to add a brief description for each title.

Two things here need some explanation: the list of titles and the descriptive notes.

As for the former, I have included everything I could find, with a few minor exceptions, as long as it fits the scope of this work, as mentioned above. It seemed wise to do this because a lot of fiction that might be considered flawed artistically or otherwise can still be useful as a source of ideas, facts, and imagination for future, better writers. After all, weren't the seeds of “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” “King Lear,” and “Othello” found in those seemingly worthless old stories and fragments of half-mythical history? There is still a significant number of novels and tales that, from what we can tell, seem to serve no real purpose. Some might argue that the best approach with such books is to let them fade into deserved obscurity. However, we must remember that booksellers and publishers will keep promoting these books because that's their job, and the public will continue to buy them, usually having no other way to learn about their contents than through the publisher's description, the title, or—the cover. Thus, a “Guide” would definitely be neglecting an important part of its job if it excluded bad books and failed to alert readers.

Next, regarding the descriptive notes: there are three points I want to clarify—the source of the information in these notes; their scope, meaning the nature and extent of the information they intend to provide to the reader; and, thirdly, the tone aimed for throughout the work.

Information about the books has been gathered in various ways. A significant number have been read by the Author. In fact, there are very few well-known writers included in the Guide whose works he can't discuss from personal experience. Among the remaining books, most have been specially read for this project by friends, who have written detailed accounts based on a specific format created for this purpose. In all cases, except for a very few—and these have been noted—the wording of the final remarks is mine. In the few instances mentioned, printed reviews or notices of the books have been referenced, with the source of the note indicated each time.

A note about the scope of the notes. My main goal in taking on this work was to assist those studying Irish topics. This goal shaped the notes' content. A few years back, an excellent book came out in France called Romans à lire et Romans à proscrire (Cambrai: Masson), by Abbé Bethléem, which has since gone through numerous editions. In this book, novels are categorized au point de vue moral. In the rare instances where the books[xii] on my list include material that could be seen as objectionable from a moral or religious perspective, I made sure to note that in the commentary. However, this was only a small part of the job. It should also be clear from what I've said that I'm not aiming to provide literary critiques of Irish fiction. Such literary assessments are available in other published works, a few of which are mentioned in the Appendix. While some level of critique is often necessary to avoid giving a misleading impression of a book, I've steered clear of it wherever it didn't contribute to the main aim. Let me emphasize that this aim is, above all, to provide information for potential readers. Therefore, I’ve tried to give, as best I could in the limited space available, a straightforward idea of the books' contents. In many cases, I also aimed to offer an appreciation, or more accurately, a characterization of the book in question, but this was not always feasible or even needed.

Of the tone I've used in these notes, not much needs to be said. I didn’t think it would help my purpose to try for that literary style and sharp wit often favored by reviewers in various magazines. Plus, that would go against my goal of being concise. Also, I want to make it clear that I have no intention of making "clever" remarks at the expense of any book, no matter how poorly it might deserve to be judged. I've tried to steer clear of technical jargon in criticism. Finally, I hope this little work hasn’t raised suspicions among any group of Irish people due to undue influence from religious or political bias.

Apologies are definitely in order for the shortcomings of this work. Unfortunately, they will likely be all too obvious. However, it’s important to remember that, aside from Mr. Baker's works, which I can't thank enough for their influence, I have had no guidance along this journey, as no writer, to my knowledge, has previously addressed Irish fiction in this way as a whole.

It might be asked, who is this book particularly for? First of all, I hope it will be useful to the general[xiii] reader interested in studying Ireland. Next, it may assist those who have the important and challenging task of selecting books for various purposes, such as giving gifts, awarding prizes in schools and beyond, and stocking shops and libraries—in other words, booksellers, library committees, heads of schools and colleges, librarians, pastors, and many others. Additionally, it may be helpful for lecturers and entertainers. I also hope that upcoming writers of Irish fiction can find inspiration in what has been done and what has yet to be explored for their future work. It may even contribute, in a small way, to the realization of a significant undertaking not yet attempted: writing a history of Anglo-Irish literature.

My sincerest thanks go, first and foremost, to the staff at Clongowes Wood College, whose unwavering support and encouragement made my task possible.

Next, I want to thank the publishers who kindly sent me copies of some of their books, specifically the Irish publishers, Gill; Duffy; Sealy, Bryers and Walker; Maunsel; and Blackie; along with the London publishers, Macmillan; Nelson; Methuen; Dent; Chatto and Windus; Burns and Oates; Sands; Blackwood; Nutt; Elliot Stock; and Smith, Elder. I would like to highlight the publications of these companies more, but the structure of this book doesn't allow for it. However, I can say that this little work, which I hope will help promote their books, wouldn't have been possible without their generosity.

To those who have helped with this work by reading books and providing information about them, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks. I would love to acknowledge each of you individually, but for obvious reasons, I need to keep this as a general acknowledgment. However, there are a few people I want to thank by name due to special obligations on my part. I am especially grateful to Mr. E. A. Baker, M.A., D.Litt., Librarian of the Woolwich Public Library, for allowing me to quote from his books and for his constant friendly advice and suggestions. To Dr. Conor Maguire from Claremorris, I owe most of my notes on books about Irish folklore, and to Mr. Edmund Downey, the well-known author and publisher, I am grateful for notes on Lever's books and many useful suggestions. Mr. Francis J. Bigger, M.R.I.A., from Belfast, a always enthusiastic supporter of every Irish endeavor, has provided me with valuable advice and encouragement. Mr. J. P. Whelan, Librarian of the Kevin Street Public Library in Dublin, has offered me all the assistance he could. Dr. J. S. Crone from London, Editor of the Irish Book Lover, has graciously opened the pages of his periodical to me on several occasions. Lastly, I sincerely want to thank many members of my own Order for their various kinds of help, especially Rev. M. Russell, S.J.; Rev. M. Corbett, S.J.; Rev. P. J. Connolly, S.J.; and Rev. J. F. X. O’Brien, S.J.—the last of whom generously took on the tedious task of reviewing my proofs.[2]

My gratitude to my various kind helpers in this work is even greater than it was for the previous book, and I'm struggling to find the right way to express it. I've already personally thanked them, but there are some collaborators who contributed so significantly to this book that I feel it's important to officially acknowledge my indebtedness to them.

For their valuable work at the British Museum Library over a considerable period, I want to thank Mrs. Pearde Beaufort, Miss C. J. Hamilton, and Miss G. B. Ryan. I'm also grateful to the Misses Chenevix Trench, who helped with the tedious work of rearranging the content from the earlier book and also provided many notes, and to Mrs. O’Neill from Dundalk. I owe numerous corrections, suggestions, and additions to Dr. Crone, whose willingness to assist with any Irish literary project is endless, along with the detailed task of revising my manuscript and correcting my proofs. Mr. Edmund Downey from Waterford kindly read part of the proofs. Many books were read for me, and notes were provided by Lady Gilbert; Mrs. Concannon from Galway; Mrs. L. M. Stacpoole Kenny from Limerick; Miss J. F. Walsh from Derry; Miss R. Young from Galgorm Castle, Co. Antrim; Mrs. Macken from the National University; Fr. MacDwyer from Killybegs; and, perhaps most notably, Fr. J. Rabbitte, S.J., from St. Ignatius College, Galway. Mr. D. J. O’Donoghue, Librarian of the National University, offered many suggestions and some useful notes on fiction in Irish periodicals. Mr. Frank Macdonagh also provided valuable help with notes and corrections. I am equally grateful to the authorities and staff of the National Library for their courtesy and assistance. I must also express my appreciation to the publishers (including all the Irish publishers and Messrs. Flynn from Boston), who, as before, made my work much easier by providing review copies of their books.

Lastly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone else, and there are many, who have helped me in various ways.

For the information in my notes about the authors, I owe a lot to Mr. D. J. O’Donoghue’s Poets of Ireland and to the articles in the Irish Book Enthusiast.

[xviii]

The place of publication has been mentioned for books that weren't published in Dublin or London. A list of Irish publishers can be found in Appendix B.

The price of most new novels when they first come out is 6s., not net. When new fiction is sold for less than that, that price is usually net. I didn't think it was helpful to include prices for books that are only available from second-hand sellers since those prices change all the time. The publication Book-Prices Current could be useful to check in some reference library. The price I've provided is usually the most recent price listed in the Publishers’ catalogue.

Dates in square brackets, like [1829], show the dates of first publication. Along with these, I've also noted the date of the most recent edition I know of.

The names of an Author placed in square brackets indicate that the name in question did not appear on the title page of the book it is now attached to, as the book was published anonymously or under a pseudonym.

Inverted commas are used like this “M. E. Francis” to show a pen name. The authors' works are listed under the name most known to the public, like Katharine Tynan and Rosa Mulholland instead of Mrs. Hinkson and Lady Gilbert. However, for older books, I didn't think it was helpful to list them under the literary disguise. I have listed them under the real name, with a cross-reference. I worry that perfect uniformity and consistency haven't been achieved, but I hope that the book's usefulness—utility, not scientific precision—has not been affected.

The publishers mentioned are, as far as I've been able to find out, the publishers of the latest edition, not the first.

Books published under a pseudonym that clearly isn’t a real name are listed as anonymous, unless I’ve discovered the real name, in which case it will be listed under the real name, along with a cross-reference from the pseudonym.

When the note relies primarily or solely on one published authority or source, this authority or source is cited at the end of the note.

Anonymous.

⸺ ADVENTURER, THE.

In Mitchel’s Life of Hugh O’Neill, there's a note about his courtship of Sir Henry Bagenal’s sister, mentioning that a novel was published based on this story, titled The Adventurer. (Query in I.B.L., vol. iv., p. 161.) This book doesn’t seem to be in the British Museum Library, but I found an old catalog listing a book called “The Adventurers; or, Scenes in Ireland in the Reign of Elizabeth, 1825.” This is likely the book Mitchel was talking about.

⸺ ADVENTURES OF FELIX AND ROSARITO, THE; or, The Triumph of Love and Friendship. Pp. 58. (Title page missing). 1802.

The hero is a guy named Felix Dillon. Even though the story starts and finishes in Dublin, most of the action takes place in France, and later, Spain.

⸺ ADVENTURES OF MR. MOSES FINEGAN, AN IRISH PERVERT. (N.Y.: Benziger). $0.30.

⸺ ALBION AND IERNE: A Political Romance; by “An Officer.” Pp. 192. (Marcus Ward). 1886.

An allegory where the characters represent countries and institutions. Ierne is obviously Ireland, and Albion is England. There are also minor characters like Dash, Dupe, Plan, and Sacrifice. This format shows the relationship between the two countries and the potential outcomes of separation. It concludes with the joyful union of Albion with Kathleen, Ierne’s sister, and the end of the long-standing feud.

⸺ ANNA REILLY, THE IRISH GIRL. (N.Y.: Pratt). $1.50.

⸺ BALLYBLUNDER: an Irish story. Pp. 291. (London: Parker). 1860.

Scene: the northeast coast of Ireland, with its rugged rocks and high cliffs. The story is about the kind family of “Ballyblunder,” whose sheep are being killed regularly. A priest incites the crime and encourages the wrongdoers. Mr. Kindly’s son sets out to catch the sheep killers; one of his friends is murdered, and Brady, the killer, falls off a cliff and dies. The Kindlys eventually sell the estate. Some social scenes are mixed in. Written with a tone of religious intolerance.

⸺ BALLYRONAN.

“A wonderfully engaging story, written in a light, lively style, with a cleverly crafted plot, plenty of humor, and lots of action. It has a distinctly Irish vibe and shows a deep personal understanding of the people, not just in their speech, but also in many of their unique habits and customs.”—(Press Notices).

⸺ BLACK MONDAY INSURRECTION. Pp. 135-328.

Bound up with “The Puritan,” q.v. The story starts in Bandon with the rescue of two main characters who had been kidnapped by Rapparees. Next, we see McCarthy More taking Bandon. The[2] battles of the Boyne and Aughrim, along with the sieges of Athlone and Limerick, are also covered, with the latter two described in detail. The perspective is from the Williamite side. The Irish are referred to as “barbarians,” “brave and savage party-goers;” the Rapparees are labeled as “infernal bandits,” etc., but overall, the tone is not overly aggressive. Throughout, there’s an interesting and curious narrative about the personal fortunes of several individuals. See The Last of the O’Mahonys.

⸺ BOB NORBERRY; or, Sketches from the Notebook of an Irish Reporter; ed. by “Captain Prout.” Pp. 360. Eighteen great illustrations by Henry MacManus, A.R.H.A., and others. Dedicated to C. Bianconi. (Duffy). 1844.

The Author (Pref.) tells us he wrote this book to defend the character of his fellow countrymen and to present Irish issues to English readers in an honest way. As a result, we have not just a novel, but more of a collection of vibrant scenes showcasing nearly every aspect of life in Ireland from before the Union up to the book's publication. It begins with the marriage of the hero's grandparents in Dublin at the end of the 18th century (1780). We catch a glimpse of penal laws in action and agrarian unrest, but the Author makes a point throughout the book to illustrate how the law functions in Ireland. There are shady lawyers, bribed and dishonest jurors, stacked juries, biased judges, endless court cases in Chancery, and much more. Young Bob is initially sent to a private school and then to Stonyhurst (which includes a description of the Jesuits). He is first meant for the priesthood and goes to Louvain, but ultimately becomes a reporter for a Dublin newspaper. This provides a glimpse into low-level journalism. Bob exposes various scams by self-proclaimed philanthropists and details the trial at Assizes involving Lord Strangeways' evicted tenants. This brings up a lot regarding the agrarian issue. The book concludes with his elopement to the Continent and marriage to Lady Mary Belmullet. There are countless minor stories and illustrations. The style lacks literary polish, and the imagery is painted in bold, bright strokes.

⸺ BRIDGET SULLIVAN; or, The Cup without a Handle. A Tale. 1854.

⸺ BY THE BROWN BOG; by “Owen Roe and Honor Urse.” Pp. 296. (Longmans). Illustrated by silhouettes. 1913.

An imitation of the Somerville and Ross stories, but with their main features exaggerated. Instead of Flurry, we have Fossy; instead of Slipper, there’s Tinsy Conroy. Instead of being narrated by an R.M., the stories are told by a young D.I. The same backdrop of funny and rough peasants is present, along with the usual Irish carelessness, carefree attitude, and widespread drunkenness. The accent is played up. Dark moonlighters show up once or twice. The events include hunting, racing, the local horseshow, and country petty sessions, etc. They are well told, with a lively style and a broad comedic tone. There’s a chapter that claims to recount experiences in “The Black North,” but most of the story takes place in West Cork. Some of these sketches were published in the Badminton Mag.

⸺ BYRNES OF GLENGOULAH, THE. Pp. 362. (U.S.A.)

“The events described in this story actually happened, although not in the exact order presented.” ... namely, “the trial and execution, in February 1846, in the town of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, of Bryan Seery for the murder of Sir Francis Hopkins, Bart.” “All the characters mentioned are real.” (Pref.) A sad and moving tale about the cruel treatment of the Irish peasantry by some landlords, highlighting the deep religious faith of the former and their enduring patience through suffering. The plot, which is thoroughly developed, revolves around the execution of Bryan Seery for the attempted murder of Sir Francis Hopkins, a crime he did not commit.

[3]

⸺ CAVERN IN THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS, THE; or, Fate of the O’Brien Family. Two Vols. 12mo. (Dublin, printed for the Author). 1821.

Told through letters between “Augustus Tranton” and “Sir Edward Elbe.” It’s stated on the title page to be “a tale based on true events.” Appears to be a re-release in a slightly modified form of The Irish Nationalist, q.v. The story is shared with “Aug. Tranton” by a man (O’Brien) who had been a member of the U.I., and as a consequence, lost everything and was then hiding in a cave near the Dargle river.

⸺ CHARACTERISTIC SKETCHES OF IRELAND AND THE IRISH. 16mo. Pp. 288. (Halifax). 1849.

A reprint of an earlier publication by Philip Dixon Hardy, the fourth edition of which was released in 1842. Contents: I. By Carleton:—“The Horse Stealers,” “Owen McCarthy,” “Squire Warnock,” “The Abduction,” “Sir Turlough.” II. By Lover:—“A Legend of Clanmacnoise” (sic), “Ballads and Ballad Singers,” “Paddy Mullowney’s Travels in France.” III. By Mrs. Hall:—“The Irish Agent,” “Philip Garraty.”

⸺ CHARLES MOWBRAY; or, Duelling, a story based on true events. Pp. 82. (Cork). 1847.

By the author of “The Widow O’Leary.” Dr. B., whose parents live in Y. (most likely Youghal), has a medical practice in England. He is called out for a duel by Sir J. C. He is killed, and his parents both die from the shock. A boring little book, filled with a lot of moralizing.

⸺ COLONEL ORMSBY; or, the real story of an Irish nobleman in the French army. Two Vols. (Dublin). 1781.

In the form of letters between the Colonel and Lady Beaumont, written in the most affectionate terms. There is no mention of Ireland and minimal reference to the history of the brave Colonel: the correspondence focuses entirely on the private romantic lives of the writers.

⸺ DUNSANY: an Irish Story. Two Vols. 12mo. Pp. 278 + 308. (London.) 1818.

The main character and a few others, like Mrs. Shady O'Blarney, were born in Ireland, and there's mention of the typical rundown castle somewhere in Ireland, but that's where the Irish aspect of the story ends. The setting is England, and the characters are completely English in their feelings and education. It's a sentimental and rather dull story focused mainly on helping broke sons and daughters get married. It offers an interesting view of Irish society at the time from an English perspective. No politics.

⸺ EARLY GAELIC ERIN; or, Old Gaelic Stories of People and Places. (Dublin). 1901.

⸺ EDMOND OF LATERAGH: a novel based on true events. Two volumes. (Dublin). 1806.

Two lovers, kept apart by harsh circumstances and evil plans, finally meet and are happy. This storyline connects many smaller plots, taking us from Ireland (near Killarney) to England, across the continent, and back again, while introducing a wide range of characters. Most of these characters are from the Anglo-Irish Protestant gentry—Wharton, Wandesford, Peyton, Ulverton, Blackwood, Elton—without mentioning any Irish names. There’s a lot happening, but it's not very engaging. There’s no historical or social context. It recounts several instances of wrongdoing. It mentions the “paraphernalia of Popish doctrine,” yet one of the best characters is Father Issidore (sic).

[4]

⸺ EDMUND O’HARA: an Irish Tale. Pp. 358. (Dublin: Curry). 1828.

By the author of “Ellmer Castle.” A controversial story with an anti-Catholic theme. The hero travels to Spain to prepare for the priesthood. He meets Hamilton, who converts him to Protestantism. They are shipwrecked off the Irish coast. A priest declines to lend them money to return to Northern Ireland, while the Protestants generously provide it. He falls in love with Miss Williams, who demands a year's probation so he can be adequately “adorned with Christian graces.” But he dies, and she marries Hamilton.

⸺ ELLMER CASTLE. Pp. 320. (Dublin: Curry). 1827.

By the author of “Edmund O’Hara,” q.v. Henry Ellmer journeys and returns changed, eager to convert his family. He mainly brings anger and chaos. They kick him out, and he leaves with a blessing. However, after some experiences, he comes back to his father's deathbed. It includes a lot of controversial topics.

⸺ EMERALD GEMS. (Boston). 1879.

“A Collection of Irish Fireside Stories, Historic, Domestic, and Legendary. Compiled from reliable sources.”

⸺ FATHER BUTLER; or, Sketches of Irish Manners. 16mo. (Philly). 1834.

I’m not sure if this is the American edition of a small Souper pamphlet by Carleton (q.v.) published by Curry in 1829, where Father Butler ultimately realizes that his religion is false and converts to Protestantism.

⸺ FATHER JOHN; or, Cromwell in Ireland (1649); by “S. E. A.” Pp. 477. (Whittaker, later Gill). Still reprinted. [1842].

A well-told story featuring a love interest and a mystery that's skillfully maintained until the end. The plot mainly revolves around the misfortunes and suffering caused by Father John’s commitment to keeping the confessional secret, a commitment that the author strongly criticizes. The hero is a young Irish Protestant who, by the end of the story, has converted the Catholic characters who aren't portrayed as villains. The story's moral highlights the wrongness and deceit of the Catholic religion, which the author displays a genuine horror towards throughout. The author’s political leanings are Ormondist, although Owen Roe O’Neill is portrayed positively. The massacres of Drogheda and Wexford are recounted. It is “by the Author of ‘The Luddite’s Sister,’ ‘Richard of York,’” & c.

⸺ FAVOURITE CHILD, THE; or, Mary Ann O’Halloran, an Irish tale: by a retired priest. (Dublin). 1851.

⸺ FOLKLORE AND LEGENDS (Ireland); edited by “C. J. T.” 16mo. Pp. 192. (Gibbings). 1889.

A volume from a well-known series that includes books on Oriental, English, German, American, and other folklores. Thirty-three stories selected from published collections, mainly from Croker. A solid selection. The humorous and extravagant elements are not too overwhelming. Some are in dialect. Some titles include: “Fuin” (sic), “MacCumhal and the Salmon of Knowledge,” “Flory Cantillon’s Funeral,” “Saint Brandon” (sic), “Donagha,” “Larry Hayes,” “The Enchanted Man,” “The Brewery of Egg-shells,” “The Field of Boliauns,” etc.

⸺ FORD FAMILY IN IRELAND, THE. Three Vols. (London: Newby). 1845.

Ford, an English merchant, arrives on the west coast of Ireland to invest in grain and brings his family with him. He gets imprisoned[5] due to a misunderstanding, and his daughter ends up marrying an officer named Macalbert, who becomes the leader of the pikemen and ultimately dies on the scaffold. The story is set in ’98, shortly after the French landed at Killala. The perspective is very sympathetic towards Ireland and critical of the Orange Order, with no religious bias. It’s a sad and dramatic tale.

⸺ FRANK O’MEARA; or, The Artist of Collingwood; by “T. M.” Pp. 320. (Dublin: McGlashan & Gill). 1876.

Frank, who is part of the working class, falls in love with the landlord’s daughter, Fanny. Their romance is uncovered, and Frank decides it's better to move to Australia. There, he has a series of adventures—bushrangers, gold mining, and more. The character of his servant, Jerry Doolin, provides a comedic touch with his sayings and antics. Meanwhile, Fanny’s father and a friend of his, who is also a widower, compete for the affection of the widow Daly—adding some broad comedy. At the same time, Fanny keeps her status in society by running a bookstore as she waits for Frank. In the end, everything turns out well. It’s a very enjoyable story overall. “Collingwood” is a village near Melbourne, and part of the story is set in Bray.

⸺ GERALD AND AUGUSTA; or, The Irish Aristocracy. Pp. 320. (Cameron & Ferguson). 6d. paper.

How Gerald, the orphaned son of Lord Clangore, is raised in London to be anti-Irish, while his sister is brought up by Mr. Knightly (a stay-at-home Irish squire fully focused on Ireland) to love Ireland. By chance, Gerald finds himself in Ireland, where he is completely won over to her cause. This twist of fate occurs due to a shipwreck off the west coast of Ireland, leading Gerald to temporarily fall into the hands of “Captain Rock.” Many funny adventures and situations follow. The author’s sympathies lean towards Ireland, but they are thoughtful and reasoned sympathies. It’s very well-written in both style and construction.

⸺ HAMPER OF HUMOUR, A; by Liam. Pp. 176. (Gill). 2s. 1913.

A collection of character and genre studies—the guy who's introverted, the drunk driver who wakes up in a hearse and thinks it’s his funeral, the American who comes back home, and the magistrates who help out their friends. In this last one and in several other pieces (especially the two about Cork railways), there's a hint of satire. There’s a lot of authentic humor that supports the title. The Cork accent is captured brilliantly; almost all the sketches have a Cork vibe.

⸺ HARRY O’BRIEN: a Tale for Boys. (N.Y.: Benziger. $0.25 net. Burns and Lambert). 1859.

By the author of “Thomas Martin.” A somewhat religious and moral Catholic story. The setting is in London.

⸺ HERMITE IN IRELAND, THE. Two Vols. 12mo. (Paris: Pillet Ainé). 1826.

“Observations on the customs and habits of the Irish at the beginning of the 19th century.” Interspersed with stories, taking up a large part of the book. Titles:—“The Cunnemara,” “The Shipwreck,” “Mogue the Lame,” “The Rebel,” “The Sorceress of Scollough’s Gap,” “The Good People,” “The Cluricaunes,” “Bill the Protestant,” “Turncoat Watt or the Apostate,” “The Double Vengeance,” “The Return of the Absent,” etc. These are clearly mostly taken from Whitty’s book, q.v.

⸺ HONOR O’MORE’S THREE HOMES. (N.Y.: Benziger). $0.25 net.

⸺ HUGH BRYAN: The Autobiography of an Irish Rebel. (Belfast). Pp. 478. 1866.

Scene: Valley of Blackwater, Lismore. Time: late eighteenth century (1798) and early nineteenth century. Can be described as a Souper[6] story. It aims to be a vivid depiction of the Gael's final fight against the English Planter, which ends in failure, leading the hero to convert to Protestantism. He ultimately marries an escaped nun he meets in an English town while doing charity work in the slums.

⸺ IRISH BUBBLE AND SQUEAK, THE. Pp. 160. (London: Clarke & Beeton). 1854.

“A selection [thirty-five in total] of the most popular Irish stories, anecdotes, humor, and wit, showcasing the customs and ways of the Irish peasantry.” There are plenty of hearty laughs in these tales, especially for us, as the Irishman always comes out on top. Some of the titles include:—“Serving a writ in Ireland,” “Anecdotes of Curran,” “Irish Bulls,” “Paddy Doyle’s Trip to Cork,” “Lending a Congregation,” etc.

⸺ IRISH COQUETTE, THE: a novel. Vol. I. 1844.

No more published. Scene: an old castle in the south of Ireland.

⸺ IRISH EXCURSION, THE; or, I Fear to Tell You. Four Vols. Pp. 1205. (Dublin: Lane). 1801.

How Mrs. M’Gralahan and her family arrived in London and what they heard, saw, and did there. The Irish are portrayed as untrustworthy, wasteful, and many other things, but all of this and more is supposed to be solved by the great cure—the Union—and the last of the four volumes ends with, “Bless the Beloved Monarch of the Union.” It’s filled with political debates and lectures directed at Ireland. What the Author “fears to tell” us isn’t clear.

⸺ IRISH FAIRY TALES. Illustrated by Geoffry Strahan. (Gibbings). 2sh. 6d.

A nice little book, beautifully illustrated, perfect as a gift for kids.

⸺ IRISH FIRESIDE STORIES, TALES AND LEGENDS. Pp. 400. (N. Y.: Kenedy). 63 cents. net. Illustr. 1910.

“It really showcases the true Irish wit, which that culture is known for.” —(Publ.).

⸺ IRISH GIRL, THE: a Religious Tale. Pp. 102. (London: Walker). One engraving by Parris. 1814. Second ed. same year.

By the Author of “Coelebs Married.” The girl starts her life in a rundown hut in filthy and horrible conditions. She's discovered in a barn and taken in by caring English people, and with a bit of guidance, she becomes a Protestant at fourteen, even turning into quite the theologian in her own right. A visit to a church in Cork and to Ardman, near Youghal, where the dust of St. Dillon is sold by the bushel for miraculous purposes, completes her conversion. The book is filled with the most outrageous slanders against the Catholic Church. The Irish are depicted as murderers and savages driven by their priests.

⸺ IRISH GUARDIAN, THE: a Sad Story; by “A Lady.” Two Vols. (Dublin). 1776.

Told through a series of letters to Miss Julia Nesbitt in Dublin, from Sophia Nesbitt at “Brandon Castle” in County Antrim, and from Sabina Bruce at “Edenvale,” County Antrim. The two Miss Nesbitts fall in love, and their love stories are the main focus of the letters. These letters are dated 1771. There's some vague description of Irish locations, but mainly, the writers focus on topics related to women. Available at Marsh's Library, Dublin.

⸺ IRISH LOVE TALES. (N. Y.: Pratt). $1.50.

[7]

⸺ IRISHMAN AT HOME, THE. Pp. 302. (McGlashan & Orr). Five Woodcuts by Geo. Measom. 1849.

“Characteristic Sketches of the Irish Peasantry.” In part reprinted from the Dublin Penny Journal. “The Whiteboy” (1828) Cahill, a scullogue, hanged an innocent man, for which the Whiteboys cut out his tongue. “The Rockite” is a man who took the oath of the secret society while drunk and had to go through with it. “The Wrestler” describes the Bog of Allen and a wake. “The False Step” is a heartbreaking story of an Irish girl's downfall, her broken heart, and her mother's death. “The Fatal Meeting” (1397). How a Palmer meets Raymond de Perrilleaux at St. Patrick’s Purgatory in Lough Derg, and what happened from that meeting. They mostly portray wild times. There is no religious bias, a lack of humor, and a lot of scenery description.

⸺ IRISHMAN, THE; or, The Favorite of Fortune. Two Vols. (London). 1772.

⸺ IRISHMEN, THE: a Military-Political Novel; by “A Native Officer.” Two Vols. 12mo. (London: Newman). 1810.

Title page:—“Where the unique style of each character is carefully maintained, and every effort is made to ensure that the lively expressions typical of the Irish are both entertaining and respectful.” Told through letters exchanged between Major O’Grady and Major-General O’Lara, Miss Harriet O’Grady, and Lady Arabella Fitzosborne. The letters are filled with italics and the trivial gossip of fashion and home life. All the characters reside in England. Letters from Patrick O’Rourke to Taddy McLenna—filled with dry humor. They seem to include no politics except for a brief mention of the war that was ongoing at the time (1808).

⸺ IRISH PEARL, THE: a Story from the Time of Queen Anne. Pp. 98. (Dublin: Oldham). 1850.

Reprinted from the Christian Women's Magazine for 1847 and published for charitable purposes. A religious story with a strong Evangelical and anti-Catholic theme, where Father Eustace, the hermit of Gougane Barra, shares with Lady Glengeary his journey to Protestantism and her mother's as well. Lady G. then shares her own conversion with Lady Ormond, who recounts the tale to Queen Anne.

⸺ IRISH PLEASANTRY AND FUN. Pp. 380. 9¼ + 7 in. (Gill). 3s. 6d. 16 illustrations by J. F. O’Hea. [1892] 1910.

Still reprinted without change, and just as popular as ever. Seventy-two stories, fourteen anonymous, with most of the rest by Carleton, Lover, and Lever. Maginn, Maxwell, and M. J. Barry each have two stories; Irwin, Lefanu, Lynam, Coyne, and Sullivan each have one. Almost all the tales are in the style of Lover (Handy Andy, q.v.), genuinely funny in their own way, but broadly comic, farcical, and full of Irish accent. Some of the illustrations are clever, but they're not artistic and are very much the stereotypical Stage-Irish style.

⸺ IRISH PRIEST, THE; or, What for Ireland? Pp. 171. 16mo. (Longman, Brown, Green, & Co.). 1847.

“This is shared with the sincere hope that it may ease prejudice and reduce opposition....” The author expresses his “deep sympathy for a wronged, overlooked, mistreated people.” It is said to be a manuscript given to a doctor in Western Ireland by another doctor on his deathbed. It’s sentimental and emotional in style, containing a wandering series of events in a priest’s life, with a lot of moralizing from a non-Catholic perspective. It recounts incidents of land agitation without explaining their causes. There are suggestions to make Ireland an ideal place, etc.

[8]

⸺ IRISH WIDOW, THE; or, A Picture from life of Erin and her Children; by the author of “Poor Paddy’s Cabin.” Pp. 205. 12mo. (London: Wertheim and Macintosh). 1855.

Like the author's earlier work, this examines the religious issues in Ireland from a Protestant (Evangelical) perspective. However, this time the characters come from the middle class, highlighting the reasons for their subjugation to Rome. It's packed with religious debate. See ch. xvi. “The Fruits of an Irish Church Missions sermon,” and ch. xviii., “Priest and Landlords.”

⸺ JIM EAGAN. (N.Y.: Pratt). $1.00.

⸺ KATE KAVANAGH. (NYC: Benziger). $0.45 net.

⸺ LAST DROP OF ’68, THE: a Picture of Real Life with Imaginary Characters; by “An Irish Bramwellian.” Pp. 127. (Hodges Figgis). 1s. 1885.

Begins in Dublin, with the narrator being a Dublin lawyer, but almost all the events happen outside of Ireland. All the characters are somewhat disreputable, including the narrator, but especially the main character, Helgate, who is a total scoundrel. The story mainly revolves around him, a drunk, con artist who tricks gullible people and leeches off them. The author doesn’t seem to take a specific moral stance. ’68 refers to the vintage of that year.

⸺ LAST OF THE O’MAHONYS, THE; and other historical stories of the English settlers in Munster. Three Vols. (Bentley). 1843.

Contents:—1. “The Title Story.” 2. “The Physician’s Daughter.” 3. “The Apprentice.” 4. “Emma Cavendish.” 5. “The Puritan.” 6. “Black Monday.” Scene: County Cork and mainly around Bandon. All stories address the troubled times of the 17th century from the settlers’ perspective, which the author sympathizes with. The Irish are depicted in an unflattering light. Useful historical notes are included. Longer descriptions of Nos. 5 and 6 are provided as examples of the entire collection.

⸺ LEGENDS AND FAIRY TALES OF IRELAND. With 50 wood engravings. Large 12mo. (NYC: Kenedy). 63 cents net.

Being a complete collection of all the Fairy Tales published by Crofton Croker and including all the volumes of Kenedy’s Fictions of the Irish Celts.

⸺ LIFE IN THE IRISH MILITIA; or, Tales of the Barrack Room. Pp. 255. (London: Ridgway). 1847.

The dedication (to O’Connell) is dated 1834, and the first words of the book are “In the summer of 1833....” It’s a very eccentric book, meant by the author (a woman) as a satire on the “fashionable depravities of the times,” aiming to “exhibit folly and vice to public scorn and reproach.” (Pref.). She criticizes proselytism, bigotry, hypocrisy, aristocracy, race hatred between Ireland and England, and all the abuses that weigh heavily on the people. This book consists of several parts:—I. “The Sojourner in Dublin”—a young Englishman living in lodgings who shares what he sees and hears. II. “The Modern Pharisees of the city of Shim-Sham in Ireland,” presented as a story. III. “Life in the Irish Militia”—a sharp critique of the militia, particularly a Northern and a Kerry regiment. IV. “A Visit to Killarney.” V. An Allegorical Tale.

⸺ MAD MINSTREL, THE; or, The Irish Exile. (Murray). 1812.

[9]

⸺ MICK TRACY, THE IRISH SCRIPTURE READER; or, The Martyred Convert and the Priest; by “W. A. C.” (Partridge). 3s. 6d. Illustrated, but without any connection to the story. n.d.

The hero is “a day laborer raised in the R.C. faith but, through mercy, able to see its deceptions and break free from them.” He is condemned by the priest and attacked by the parishioners. They face prosecution, but all that comes of it is moonlighting, murder, and the abduction of converts. Still, the number of converts keeps growing. The imitation of the accent is laughable. See Tim Doolin.

⸺ MISTLETOE AND THE SHAMROCK, THE; or, The Chief of the North. (Glasgow: Cameron & Ferguson). 6d.

In C. & F.’s “Sensation Series of Sixpenny Novels.”

⸺ MY OWN STORY: a Tale of Old Times. Pp. 168. (Curry). One illustr. by Geo. Petrie, engraved by Kirkwood. 1829.

James O’Donnell is sworn in by a priest and joins the rebels, but later he becomes a “Bible Christian,” turns traitor, and ends up getting hanged. Period: sometime during the reign of George III. The area around Fort nan Gall and the woods of Coolmore is described.

⸺ NATIONAL FEELING; or, The History of Fitzsimon: a Novel, with Historical and Political Remarks; by “An Irishman.” Two Vols. (Dublin). 1821.

A meandering tale of the adventures in Ireland (County Mayo and Dublin) and abroad of Edward F. It details his pursuit of Matilda, which is constantly disrupted by the schemes of a malicious lord. There are also a few minor love stories. Pages 103 sqq. of Volume I contain some depictions of Dublin life during that time, featuring public figures like the Duke of Leinster, Lady Rossmore, Mr. Justice Fletcher, Alderman M’Kenny, etc. The hero travels to the U.S. and then to South America. The title of the story appears to stem from his encounters with various people—Greeks, Argentinians, Chileans, etc.—who are fighting for their national independence. See pages 206, 217, 222. I couldn't find Volume II. The preface reveals the author’s Nationalist stance regarding his Irish views.

⸺ NICE DISTINCTIONS: a Tale. Pp. 330. (Hibernia Press Offices). 1820.

Scene: Co. Wicklow. The Courtneys of Glendalough Abbey have a tutor named Charles Delacour, who becomes friends with the clergyman’s family—Mr. Vernon, his wife, their son, and daughters. Eventually offered a position, he marries Maria Vernon. Many minor characters of no significance are introduced into this weak story, which has a stiff and unnatural style.

⸺ OLD COUNTRY, THE: a Christmas Annual. Pp. 200. Demy 8vo. (Sealy, Bryers). 1s. 1893.

Irish Stories (and Poems) by Katherine Tynan, F. Langbridge, Dick Donovan, Edwin Hamilton, W. B. Yeats, Edmund Downey, Nora Wynne, etc., etc.

⸺ OUTCAST, THE: a Story of the Modern Reformation. Pp. 172. (Curry). 1831.

The "Outcast" was trained for the priesthood, read Voltaire and Rousseau, but only really realized the flaws of the Roman "system" after he read Italy by Lady Morgan. He stops believing in Catholicism; is kicked out by his father, while his mother dies of a broken heart. There's a description of the Slaney. It includes a lot that would be very offensive to Catholics and some comments about Confession and Mass that would seem blasphemous to them.

[10]

⸺ PASSION AND PEDANTRY: a Novel Illustrating Life in Dublin. Three Vols. (London: Newby). 1853.

A pretty ordinary story about the fortunes of young Charles Desmond, an army officer, serves as a way to give a careful and detailed picture of the customs and manners of the time, as well as the Author’s views on Irish life, with minimal focus on politics or religion. The plot primarily revolves around whether Charles will inherit his old uncle’s money and, despite the rumors, marry the lady—he does both. The dialogue of some characters is filled with scholarly references and quotes in multiple languages. Dublin life is vividly captured by a sharp observer.

⸺ PEAS-BLOSSOM; by the Author of “Honour Bright.” (Wells, Gardner). 3£ 6d. 30 illustrations by Helen Miles. C. 1911.

“‘Peas-blossom’ can be seen as a lively, respectable Irish tale, with the young heroes named Pat and Paddy.... An incredibly enjoyable read.”—(Era).

⸺ PHILIP O’HARA’S ADVENTURES [and other tales]. Pp. 144. (Chambers). 1885.

A young man's experiences during the American Civil War. Only the first story has the slightest connection to Ireland.

⸺ POOR PADDY’S CABIN; or, Slavery in Ireland. By “An Irishman.” Pp. xii. + 242. 12mo. (London: Wertheimer & Macintosh). 2s. 6d. Second edition. 1854.

“A true representation of facts and characters,” with the names of people and places disguised. “His [the Author’s] aim has been, along with a straightforward representation of the actual situation in Ireland, to present in a parable ... a fair and accurate view of what the gracious dealings of the Almighty always are.” (Pref.). A pamphlet written in story form against the Catholic Church in Ireland and in support of the “Irish Reformation Movement.” Appendix, which fully endorses a strongly anti-Catholic article from the Timelines of November 29th, 1853 (?), and others of a similar nature from the Morning News (Oct. 22nd, 1853). The characters are taken from the peasant class.

⸺ POPULAR TALES AND LEGENDS OF THE IRISH PEASANTRY. Pp. 404. (Dublin: W. F. Wakeman). Illustrated by Samuel Lover. 1834.

Fifteen stories, including two by Carleton and one by Mrs. S. C. Hall. Five are by Denis O’Donoho, three by J. L. L., and one each by J. M. L. and B. A. P. Titles: “Charley Fraser,” “The Whiteboy’s Revenge,” “Laying a Ghost,” “The Wife of Two Husbands,” “Mick Delany,” “The Lost One,” “The Dance,” “The Fetch,” “The 3 Devils,” “The Rebel Chief, 1799,” etc., etc.

⸺ PRIESTS AND PEOPLE: a No-rent Romance; by the Author of “Lotus,” etc. Three Vols. (London: Eden, Remington). 1891.

“Lotus” is by I. M. O. A book driven by a deep dislike and disdain for Ireland. The opinions shared by the young English soldier (p. 101) appear to reflect those of the author throughout. The focus is almost entirely on the relationships between landlords, tenants, and the League, and there’s no effort spared to portray the latter two in the most negative light. It’s the work of an experienced writer, with strong descriptions and a well-told story. The accent is poorly caricatured. The author lacks understanding of Catholic issues.

[11]

⸺ PROTESTANT RECTOR, THE. Pp. 216. (Nesbit). 1830.

At the welcoming Protestant rectory, even the priest is welcomed. This priest “performed several masses on Sundays”: he often gets drunk. He travels to Rome and, at the “terrifying sight” of the Pope treated like God, he is repulsed and has a change of heart. When he returns, he is once again embraced at the Rectory, where he converts many people and dies a holy death.

⸺ THE PURITAN. Pp. 134.

The main focus of this story is the religious differences of the time. The author supports “the calm and rational worship of the Church of England” in contrast to the new fanaticism of the Parliamentarians. The characters, like Obadiah Thoroughgood and Lovegrace, are well-developed. There’s minimal local color and no description of the scenery. The story is set in Bandon, Co. Cork. It is published as one volume with “Black Monday Insurrection,” q.v., which is Volume III of The Last of The O’Mahonys.

⸺ RIDGEWAY; by “Scian Dubh.” Pp. xx. + 262 (close print). (Buffalo (city): McCarroll). 1868.

“An historical romance of the Fenian invasion of Canada,” June, 1866. Introd. (pp. xx. close print) provides a perspective on Irish history and politics from a strongly anti-English standpoint. England has been “a traitor, a perjurer, a robber, and an assassin throughout the whole of her infamous career.” Append. consists of 5 pp. with an “Authentic Report” on the invasion of Canada. Fenianism is explored in depth, particularly in ch. vi. Career of Gen. O’Neill, ch. vii. A typical love story serves as a means to discuss politics and historical narrative.

⸺ ROBBER CHIEFTAIN, THE. Pp. 342. Post 8vo. (Duffy). 2s. [1863]. Still Available.

Scene mainly Dublin Castle. It shows the harshness under Ludlow during Cromwell's rule and the early years of the Restoration. The main outlaw is Redmond O’Hanlon, the Rapparee. The Ven. Oliver Plunket is also one of the characters. Some events reflect a Catholic perspective, but at times the book reads like a non-Catholic (though not anti-Catholic) narrative. The main characters are Protestant. It's filled with dramatic events, duels, ambushes by bandits, courtroom scenes, and bar fights. There are also many disturbing images of drunkenness among the local Irish, as well as murder, extreme vengeance, and various forms of villainy. Not really suitable for young readers.

⸺ ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST, THE. Pp. 298. (Curry). One illustration by Kirkwood. 1827.

A Catholic boy named Doyle puts his life on the line to save a Protestant boy from drowning. The boy’s father, grateful for his bravery, offers to send Doyle to T.C.D., assuring him that “he won’t have to make even a temporary renunciation of his religion.” However, the priest declines, and soon Doyle converts to Protestantism.

⸺ SAINT PATRICK: a National Tale of the Fifth Century; by “An Antiquary.” Three Vols. (Edinburgh.: Constable). 1819.

A story of love and revenge filled with druidic mysteries featuring St. Patrick as one of the characters. It has plenty of thrilling moments, some great scenes, and a solid depiction of druidism in the fifth century. It's well-written except for the awkward use of modern Irish accent and Scottish dialect. The religious perspective is that of the Church of Ireland, aiming to portray the Christianity of that time as fundamentally different from today's Catholicism. Locations include mainly Tara, Dunluce, the Giant’s Causeway, and the River Bann.

[12]

⸺ SEPARATIST, THE; by “A New Writer.” Pp. 323. (Pitman). 6s. 1902.

The love story of Stella Mertoun, a Royalist, and Philip Venn, who supports the Parliamentary side in the Civil War. Only a small part of the action happens in Ireland. The author's sympathies lean towards the Puritans, but the bias isn't obvious.

⸺ SIEGE OF MAYNOOTH, THE; or, Romance in Ireland. Two Vols. (Chelsea: Ridgeway). 1832.

A very long novel with a pretty confusing plot, but featuring some great scenes. It claims to be a manuscript given to her descendant by the old Countess of Desmond, who has seen better days, and it recounts exciting events from the Desmond wars and the rebellion of Silken Thomas, including the attack on Desmond Castle by the Butlers, the defeat and capture of Lord Grey in Glendalough, the escape of Lord Thomas Fitzgerald from the Black Castle of Wicklow, and the siege and betrayal of Maynooth Castle. Overall, it's written from the Irish perspective.

⸺ SIR ROGER DELANEY OF MEATH; by “Hal.” Pp. 228. (Simpkin, Marshall). 6s. 1908.

The Sir Roger in the story (he's the "10th baron Navan") is an older married guy, loud, cursing, lying, and cheating, but he's portrayed in a way that makes it unclear whether the author sees him as a hero or not. He falls for Lady Kitty, who loves someone else. Sir Roger tries to put the other guy in shady situations. They end up in a duel, and the story wraps up with Sir Roger seriously injured. The book has no sense of seriousness at all.

⸺ SMITH OF THE SHAMROCK GUARDS; by “An Officer.” (Stanley Paul).

⸺ STORIES OF IRISH LIFE, PAST AND PRESENT; by “Slieve Foy.” Pp. 160. (Lynwood), 1s. 1912.

Ten stories, both funny and sad, some of which have been published in the Weekly News and the Irish Emerald.

⸺ STORY OF NELLY DILLON, THE; by the author of “Myself and my Relatives.” Two Vols. (London: Newby). 1866.

Nelly Dillon, the daughter of a farmer from Tipperary, is taken under questionable circumstances by a former lover, who is involved in the Ribbonmen and illegal distilling. Her parents disown her, but she finds friendship and refuge with Bet Fagan, a strong character. Bet convinces the kidnapper, who is facing execution, to clear Nelly Dillon’s name in front of the parish priest, who later shares the truth from the altar. Though her parents want her back, she turns them down and ultimately dies. It’s a tragic tale, well told, with an important moral lesson.

⸺ TALES AND LEGENDS OF IRELAND. Two Vols. (Cork (as in the material): Bolster). 1831.

“Showing society, history, antiques, customs, and literature, with translations from Irish, biographies, essays, and more.”

⸺ THOMAS FITZGERALD THE LORD OF OFFALEY; by “Mac Erin O’Tara, the last of the Seanachies.” Three Vols. (London). 1836.

“The first in a planned series highlighting the history of Ireland.” (Title-p.) See also the Introduction (pp. xxx.), which includes some interesting insights about Irish[13] historical fiction. It aims to “depict the history as it truly happened.” The book is a fairly good attempt to tell the story of the rebellion of Silken Thomas in a romantic way (even without a love story) and to portray the era. The dialogues, although a bit drawn out, are in quite commendable Elizabethan English, reminiscent of Shakespeare. It begins with a description of Christmas in Dublin in 1533. The author isn’t overly Nationalist but is fairly balanced towards the Irish perspective.

⸺ TIM DOOLIN, THE IRISH EMIGRANT. Pp. 360 (close print). (Partridge). 3s. 6d. Illustr. Third ed., 1869.

By the Author of “Mick Tracy” (q.v.). Tim, the son of a small farmer in County Cork, has his house burned down and his cattle killed after converting to Protestantism. He emigrates to the U.S.A., but soon moves to Canada, where he helps fend off the Fenian raid. His family joins him, and they all live happily at Castle Doolin. This story is less provocative than “Mick Tracy” in its references to religious issues.

⸺ UNITED IRISHMAN, THE; or, The Fatal Effects of Believing Too Easily. Two Vols. (Dublin). 1819.

A United Irishman who escaped from Dublin Castle thanks to his sister's bravery shares his troubles with an Englishman he meets by chance. The Englishman then tells his own equally sad story. The author appears to be Catholic and seems to sympathize with the United Irishman. The book has the potential for a good story, but it's told in a disorganized way, lacking focus, and is overly sentimental. There's no effort to depict the events or the life of that era.

⸺ VIRTUE REWARDED; or, The Irish Princess. A New Novel. Pp. 184. 16mo. (London: Bentley). 1893.

This is No. III in Vol. xii of “Modern Novels,” printed for R. Bentley, 1892-3. Dedicatory Letter: “To the Incomparable Marinda.” (Pref.) “To the Unpleasant Reader.” A small foreign prince in the entourage of William III falls in love with an Irish beauty he sees through a window while passing through Clonmel. The story follows the ups and downs of his romantic pursuit. It also includes several minor incidents. The only historical reference is the mention of the siege of Limerick.

⸺ IRISH WIDOW AND HER SON, THERE; A true story. Pp. 36. (Paris: Delay). 1847.

A brief Protestant pamphlet explaining how a struggling Irish widow was convinced of Protestant beliefs through Bible readings.

⸺ WEIRD TALES. Irish. 256 pages. 18mo. (Paterson). [1890].

Eleven stories chosen from Carleton (“The Lianhan Shee”), Lover (“The Burial of O’Grady”), Lever, Croker (“The Banshee”), Mrs. Hall, and J. B. O’Meara, along with a few anonymous pieces.

⸺ WILLIAM AND JAMES; or, The Revolution of 1689; by “A Lady.” Pp. xiv. + 354. (Dublin). 1857.

“An Historical Tale, in which the main events of that ... period of our history ... are accurately and truthfully recounted.” Introduces William III, James II, Tyrconnell, Sarsfield, Richard Hamilton, etc. Describes the Boyne and Aughrim. The setting is mainly County Fermanagh. The tone is strongly Protestant (there are digressions on religious topics), but not offensive to the other side. It’s a somewhat wandering, poorly connected story, the work of an inexperienced writer. The author's initials appear to be J. M. M. K.

[14]

[ABRAHAM, J. Johnstone], originally from Coleraine. B.A., 1898; M.D., T.C.D., 1908; a consulting surgeon in London; currently serving in R.A.M.C. Author of The Surgeon’s Log.

⸺ THE NIGHT NURSE. Pp. 318. (Chapman & Hall). 6s. Fifth edition. 1913. 2s.

Life in a Dublin hospital, carefully observed. The issue of “the greater and the lesser love” is explored in a distinctly “biological” way. As a contrast to the main characters, who belong to the respectable Protestant classes, we have the undesirable “R.C.’s,” and, in the background, the completely disreputable Irish community of a western town. According to one of the characters, the four plagues of Ireland are Priests, Politicians, Pawnbrokers, and Publicans. The medical theme is prominent throughout. By the same Author: The Surgeon’s Log.

ADAMS, Joseph.

⸺ UNCONVENTIONAL MOLLY. Pp. 320. (Methuen). 6s. 1913.

The young heir of the old absentee landlord arrives incognito among his tenants in the West and lives their life. He meets the heroine who gives the book its title—with the expected outcome. The rest is a series of small episodes—fishing in a western mountain stream, a day of shooting on a moor, a sail on Clew Bay, a petty sessions court, matchmaking, a fair, etc., all set against the beautiful backdrop of Western scenery. It could have been written by a sympathetic and kind visitor who enjoyed his holiday.

ALEXANDER, Eleanor. Born in Strabane, she is the daughter of the late Dr. Alexander, Archbishop of Armagh (d. 1911), and Mrs. Cecilia Frances Alexander, both known for their poetry. She was educated at home. She has written poetry for the Viewer and other magazines. When the war broke out, she was getting ready to publish a collection of Ulster stories that showcase the unique humor of the North. Her Lady Anne’s Walk, a collection of historical memories centered around a location and a person who walked there long ago, includes a great example of Ulster dialect—the speech of the old gardener.

⸺ THE RAMBLING RECTOR. Pp. 344. (Arnold). Third impression, 1904. (N.Y.: Longmans). 1.50.

A story about love, marriage, and social interactions among different classes of Church of Ireland people in Ulster. It provides a compassionate view of clerical life, with the main character being a clergyman. Every character, and there are many intriguing types, is portrayed with clear and unique traits. There are no basic or uninteresting characters. John Robert is a fascinating and entertaining example of a specific type of servant. The writing is filled with keen observations and an understanding of human nature, at least in all its visible aspects. Very well written. By the same author: Lady Anne’s Walk, The Lady of the Well, &c.

ALEXANDER, Evelyn.

⸺ THE HEART OF A MONK. Pp. 318. (Long). 6s. 1910.

The love story of Ivor Jermyn, who, because of a family curse, is pushed by his mother to join a Benedictine order. Five years after becoming a monk, he runs into his past love at a country house during a vacation, and they start an affair. Confronted about this by his rival, he gets so shaken up that he starts seeing the family “ghost” — the “old man of horror.” This leads to a serious illness, and he ultimately leaves the field to his rival. It's written in a pleasant and light style, showing little understanding of Catholic customs and beliefs.

⸺ THE ESSENCE OF LIFE. Pp. 320. (Long). 6s. 1911.

Youth is “the Essence of Life,” shown through the heroine’s busy experiences in the social scenes of Dublin and London, ending with her marriage to Lord Portstow, but overshadowed by the tragedy of a beautiful actress, who turns out to be her mother. The novel doesn’t go beyond the ordinary.—[Times Literary Supplement].

[15]

ALEXANDER, L. C.

⸺ THE BOOK OF BALLYNOGGIN. Pp. 315. (Grant, Richards). 6s. 1902.

Stories of various types, mostly funny, written in a friendly and easy-to-read style. Shows limited understanding of Irish life. The working class is portrayed somewhat dismissively. The focus sometimes shifts to the absurdities of Irish politics and legal processes.

ALEXANDER, Miriam (Mrs. Stokes). Born in Birkenhead. Educated at home, except for a brief time at Alexandra College in Dublin. She is nearly done with another novel, this one about contemporary Irish life. She was very interested in the Gaelic League until she became disillusioned by recent events.

⸺ THE HOUSE OF LISRONAN. Pp. 312. (Melrose). 6s. 1912.

A story about the Williamite wars. Dermot Lisronan seeks revenge against the cruel Dutchman who forced him out of his family home and caused his mother’s death. This book tells that story of revenge. By a strange twist of fate, Dermot marries the Dutchman’s daughter, leading to a compelling internal conflict for her between love (the love for Dermot’s former best friend, Fitz Ulick) and her responsibility as a wife. The book is packed with thrilling and dramatic moments, maintaining its intensity from the shocking beginning to the tragic ending. The characters are well-defined and deserve to be: Bartley, the hedge-school teacher; Taaffe, the miserable coward, a sad result of Williamite rule; Father Talbot, the devoted priest during oppressive times; Barry Fitz Ulick, a kind of Sir Lancelot, among others. William III is depicted in the darkest light, and the harsh realities of the era he initiated are fully revealed, while we also get a glimpse of the persecution of Huguenots in France as a counterpoint.

N.B.—This novel won a £250 prize from the unanimous decision of three qualified judges. Six editions sold out in under two months.

⸺ PORT OF DREAMS, THE. Pp. 351. (Melrose). 6s. 1912.

Dedication: To Caitlín ni Houlihan. A captivating and vivid romance set during the Jacobite era (18th century) in Ireland, featuring some highly dramatic moments, like the escape of Prince Charles Edward. There are many threads in the story, but the main focus likely lies with a Jacobite who, after serving the cause faithfully for twenty years, faces the haunting fear of cowardice. To protect the cause from embarrassment, his cousin Denis steps up to take his place on the scaffold. The girl marries Clavering for the same reason, not out of love. The author occasionally pauses her narrative to share her thoughts on Celtic culture (which she is passionate about), religious persecution, and modern decline.

⸺ RIPPLE, THE. Pp. 367. (Melrose). 6sh. 1913.

Opens in Mayo (describing the scenery of Achill), but soon moves to Poland and then to France. It follows the adventures of Deirdre van Kaarew (the daughter of a disloyal Irishman who has adopted a Dutch name and converted to Protestantism), who has gone after her brother to save him from the schemes of a loathed relative. She falls in love with Maurice de Saxe (a careful and vivid portrait of him is presented), and the story of this “friendship” occupies much of the book. She ultimately rejects him and marries the despised relative. A great plot, filled with dramatic events.

⸺ MISS O’CORRA, M.F.H. (Melrose). 6sh. 1915.

Miss O’Corra, who has become a wealthy heiress, leaves her home in England and comes to Ireland to hunt. She knows nothing about horses, and she faces several funny challenges. She meets her destiny in the form of a young Irish sportsman.—(Press).

[16]

ALEXANDER, Rupert.

⸺ MAUREEN MOORE: a Romance of ’98. Pp. viii. + 355. (Burleigh). 6s. 1899.

A well-told story that introduces Lord Edward and the other leaders. Maureen, an American, is the niece of John Moore, who is pushed into rebellion by the persecution of the “Yeos.” His two sons, one a captain in the army and the other a priest, also join the rebel forces. A love story with conflicting intentions runs throughout the narrative. Larry Farrell is an amazing character, showcasing acts of bravery and experiencing equally remarkable escapes. The book strongly favors the rebel perspective. The battle at New Ross and the atrocities in Wexford are vividly depicted.

ALGER, Horatio. Author of more than fifty books for boys.

⸺ ONLY AN IRISH BOY. (N.Y.: Burt). $0.75. 1904.

ANCKETILL, W. R.

⸺ THE ADVENTURES OF MICK CALLIGHIN, M.P.: A Story of Home Rule; and THE DE BURGHOS: A Romance. Pp. 243. (Tinsley). Seven rather rough illustrations 1874. Second edition, Belfast, 1875. 1s.

1. Mick Callighin leaves Ballypooreen, near the Galtees, which is well described, to head for Dublin and then London. He meets his future wife in Kensington Gardens. The plot is minimal, but there's plenty of charming wit, a lot of political commentary, and a great deal of satire, not aimed at Home Rule but at those who support it.

2. Arthur Mervyn meets Col. de Burgho and his daughter, who just returned from Italy. An Italian count, who is also a pirate, kidnaps Nora, but she is saved and marries Arthur. It's a nice story, with some good descriptions of life among the upper classes in the West of Ireland.

ANDREWS, Elizabeth, F.R.I.A.

⸺ ULSTER FOLKLORE. Pp. 121. (Stock). 5s. net. Fourteen illustrations, mainly from photos. 1914.

A collection of papers presented to local scholarly societies or published in archaeological journals. An attempt to examine the belief in fairies from an archaeological perspective. The conclusion is that the "souterrains" were initially the home of a primitive pygmy race. Embedded in these pages (the result of extensive personal research) are many great fairy and folk tales.

ANDREWS, Marion.

⸺ COUSIN ISABEL. Pp. 147. (Wells Gardner, Darton). £1. 6d. Two illustrations 1903.

A story for young people about the Siege of Londonderry, the struggles of the defenders, and their brave endurance. Isabel, a true angel of mercy for her uncle and cousins, is an interesting character. Another great character is old Geoffrey Lambrick, pulled from his quiet life and his tulips into the chaos of battle.

[ARCHDEACON, Matthew].

⸺ LEGENDS OF CONNAUGHT, TALES, &c. Pp. 406. (Dublin: John Cumming). 1829.

Seven stories:—“Fitzgerald,” “The Banshee,” “The Election,” “Alice Thomson,” “M’Mahon,” “The Rebel’s Grave,” “The Ribbonman.” “Almost every incident in each tale is based on fact.” (Pref.). The first story (165 pp.) portrays Connaught “in a wild and chaotic society” towards the end of the eighteenth century, and recounts the daring actions and notable end of the well-known individual who is its hero.

[17]

⸺ CONNAUGHT: a Tale of 1798. Pp. 394. (Dublin: printed for M. Archdeacon). 1830.

The author grew up hearing stories about "the time of the French" and often had the chance to hear the insurrectionary events described by some of the participants themselves. (Pref.) The author is a loyalist but isn’t fiercely against the rebels. The rebellion isn’t depicted in an overly positive light, but it’s not distorted either. Humbert’s campaign is described vividly, but the historical aspect isn’t the only thing that captivates. The love story (with the lovers on the rebel side) is engagingly told, and there’s plenty of thrilling action. It’s well-written.

⸺ SHAWN NA SAGGARTH, THE PRIESTHUNTER. (Duffy). 6s. 1843.

A story from the Penal times.

ARCHER, Patrick, “MacFinegall.” Born in Oldtown, North County Dublin, around fifty years ago. He lives in Dublin, where he works as a Customs Official.

⸺ THE HUMOURS OF SHANWALLA. Pp. 162. (Gill). £2. 6d. Frontisp. photo of Author. [1906]. New edition, £1. 6d. 1913.

A collection of sketches showcasing the funny side of village life in the North County Dublin area, or something similar. They avoid caricature altogether; in fact, they aim to present the characters in a positive light and highlight their value. There’s a portrait of a priest who is earnest, dedicated, and completely focused on the well-being of his community. The humor is genuinely hearty and wholesome.

ARGYLE, Anna.

⸺ OLIVE LACY. Pp. 365. (Philly: Lippincott). 1874, and earlier editions.

Scene: Wicklow during the rebellion. The story is narrated in the first person by Olive Lacy, a peasant’s daughter who is adopted by a gentleman's family. Castlereagh and Curran are introduced, and a good example of Curran’s conversational style is provided. Olive’s father becomes a United Irishman, is betrayed by a foreign monk (who wears a habit and cowl!), escapes, gets rearrested, and ultimately is executed. There's a general overview of the uprising. The tone is upbeat. The story is well told, though there are some unlikely elements. Other works include: Cecilia; or, The Force of Circumstances. N.Y.: 1866; Cupid’s Album; The General’s Daughter.

Arthur F. B.

⸺ The Duchess. (Nelson).

Scene: mainly in Donegal. Standpoint: Protestant and English. Not unfair to the peasantry. A pleasantly told little story. The hero involved in the Fenian movement is arrested but escapes from prison thanks to the cleverness of his little daughter, “the Duchess.”

[ASHWORTH, John H.] Author of The Saxon in Ireland.

⸺ RATHLYNN. Three Vols. (Hurst & Blackett). 1864.

A young Englishman, the son of “Admiral Wyville,” takes on and develops a property in a remote area of Ireland. It’s narrated in the first person. The main focus appears to be on the jealousies and resulting intrigues stemming from romantic relationships.

“ATHENE” __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.

[18]

AUSTIN, Stella.

⸺ PAT: A Story for Boys and Girls. (Wells Gardner). £0.12. Illustr.

“One of the most charming stories about childhood. Even adults will really enjoy the spirited Irish boy”—(Christian Community). By the same Author: Stumps, Somebody, Tib and Sib, For Old Sake’s Sake, & c., & c.

“AYSCOUGH, John” [Mgr. Bickerstaffe Drew]. The author is a Catholic priest (a convert) who is currently (August 1915) serving as a chaplain in the British Army in France. He is one of the most well-known writers of the time.

⸺ DROMINA. Pp. 437. (Arrowsmith). 6s. 1909.

The Author brings together in a quirky old castle on the West coast the M’Morrogh, a descendant of a long line of Celtic princes, his children with an Italian wife, his French sister-in-law, and a group of higher-class gypsies, whose king is Louis XVII of France, who was rescued from his persecutors during the Terror and is mostly unaware of his origins. These are some of the characters in the story. It's notable that not one of the characters has any English ancestry. I won't reveal the plot of the story. The final section is filled with deep moral beauty. The boy Enrique, or Mudo, son of Henry M’Morrogh (whose mother was Italian) and a Spanish gypsy princess, is a remarkable creation. When the Author talks about Catholic themes (especially the religious life and the Blessed Sacrament), he does so accurately and with reverence and understanding. The one exception is the character of Father O’Herlihy, which feels disrespectful to Catholic sentiments and unnatural. The overall moral tone is elevated. One of the episodes involves the seduction of a peasant girl, but it's handled delicately and without being suggestive.

BANIM, John and Michael “The O’Hara Family.” John Banim (1798-1842) and Michael Banim (1796-1876) collaborated closely and have similar styles and approaches to their subjects. However, John's work is often dark and tragic, while Michael's is more humorous and uplifting. Both have a tendency toward melodrama and effectively depict intense and turbulent emotions. They lack a light-hearted sense of humor or literary finesse, but they often write with strength and significant realism. Michael Banim states that the purpose of the “O’Hara” Tales is “to subtly convey, through fiction, the reasons behind Irish discontent and also to suggest that if crime arises from that discontent, it’s not surprising; the reader should reach this conclusion through empathy with the criminals, not through the author's insistence.”

P. J. Kenedy, based in New York, publishes a ten-volume edition of the Banims’ works for seven dollars per set.

BANIM, John.

⸺ JOHN DOE; or, The Peep o’ Day. 1825.

The story of a young man who, seeking revenge, joins the Shanavests, a secret society that's a nightmare for landlords, tithe proctors, and even priests. The first of the Tales by the O’Hara Family, republished separately by Simms & M’Intyre, 1853; and Routledge, n.d.

⸺ THE FETCHES. (Duffy). [1825].

A dark tale that explores how superstitious beliefs affect two anxious and highly-strung individuals. The fetch is the spirit of someone who is about to die, said to show up to their friends. The narrative is somewhat brightened by the inclusion of two comedic characters.

[19]

⸺ THE NOWLANS. Pp. 256 (small print). [1826], 1853, &c.

The temptation and downfall of a young priest, leading to suffering that brings about repentance. Includes some of Banim's most impactful scenes.

⸺ PETER OF THE CASTLE. Pp. 191. (Duffy). [1826].

A sensational and romantic story. The opening chapters (by Michael Banim) provide a detailed look at rural matchmaking and wedding celebrations during that period, around 1770.

⸺ THE BOYNE WATER. Pp. 564. (Duffy). 2s. [1826]. Multiple editions released since then.

In this amazing novel, which closely follows Scott's style, scenes from the dramatic Williamite Wars unfold for the reader. Every detail of the setting and costumes is carefully depicted. Major historical figures are part of the action. The two rival kings and their top generals are portrayed with striking clarity. There are also characters like Sarsfield, Reverend George Walker, Galloping O’Hogan the Rapparee, Carolan the bard, and many others. The politics and pressing issues of the time are discussed in the conversations. The breaks between the significant historical events are filled with the adventures of fictional characters, thrilling to the point of sensationalism, well-told, although the deus ex machina is used somewhat frequently and the dialogue feels a bit outdated. The stunning scenery of the Antrim coast is vividly described, along with the places Sarsfield traversed on his famous ride. The perspective is Catholic and Jacobite, but there are considerable efforts made to ensure historical accuracy. The story concludes with the Treaty of Limerick.

⸺ THE ANGLO-IRISH OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. Three Vols. (Colburn). [1828]. Republished in one volume by Duffy in 1865 under the title Lord Clangore.

Opens in London. Several members of the Anglo-Irish Society are introduced—the Minister (Castlereagh) and the Secretary (Wilson Croker). There are long discussions on Emancipation, the conversion of the peasantry, etc. Gerald Blount, the younger son of an Irish peer, shares all the anti-Irish views of this group. After fleeing following a duel, he arrives in Ireland, where he has many thrilling adventures with the Rockites. Eventually, he inherits the title and settles down. The theme of mistaken identity plays a role in this story, as it does in many of Banim's works. A meeting of the Catholic Association where O’Connell and Shiel are debating is vividly described, along with a dinner party in Dublin that features Scott's son. The early part is a bit dull, but the later scenes are compelling.

⸺ THE CONFORMISTS. Pp. 202. (Duffy). [1829].

Period: reign of George II. A very unusual story, whose interest focuses on the denial of education rights for Catholics under the Penal Laws. A young man, heartbroken, decides to become a “conformist” or turncoat, thereby dishonoring his family and taking his father's property.

⸺ THE DENOUNCED; or, The Last Baron of Crana. Pp. 235. (Duffy). [1826]. (Colburn). 1830. (N.Y.: Benziger). 0.75.

Deals with the fortunes of two Catholic families in the period immediately following the Treaty of Limerick. Depicts their struggles to practice their religion and the challenges they faced from hostile Protestants. The story is filled with incidents, often sensational. There is quite a bit about the Rapparees in the tale.

[20]

⸺ THE CHANGELING. Three Vols. Pp. 315 + 350 + 414. (London). 1848.

Published anonymously. The preface tells us it was written a few years before the publication date. Scene: City of Galway and Connemara (including Aran). The main plot revolves around the mystery of the heir to Ballymagawley, who was removed early in childhood by the current owner, Mr. Whaley, only to return in disguise to reclaim his rights. The interest is threefold:—First, Mr. Whaley’s terrible secret, which the daughter, whom he loves deeply and who loves him in return, does not know, and the desperate measures he takes to prevent the truth from coming out; second, the exploration of character: Clara Whaley, noble, intelligent, unworldly, rejecting fashion and flirtation; the shrewd worldly intellectual Hon. Augustus Foster; the airheaded Miss Fosters; and so on; third, a series of quite charming and amusing vignettes of the petite bourgeoisie of Galway—the ostentatious and vulgar Mrs. Heffernan with her ridiculous accent, the matchmaking Mrs. Flanagan (an unforgettable portrait), the mischievous Peter Harry Joe, Considine the Butler, the self-important Captain O’Connor, and the endless flirtations of the eligible young ladies. The peasants are portrayed well, but it comes from an outside perspective on their lives. The conversations are clever, but at times they drag on, as do the Author’s reflections.

BANIM, Michael.

⸺ CROHOORE OF THE BILLHOOK. (Duffy). [1825].

Has been a very popular book. The story takes place during one of the darkest periods of Irish history, when the peasantry, weighed down by tithe-proctors, middlemen, and Penal laws, responded with the brutal actions of secret societies. One of these was the “Whiteboys,” which is a major focus of this book. The author doesn’t justify the violence but explains it by depicting the conditions that led to it. It’s a dark and terrible story. The setting is Kilkenny and its surroundings. It should be noted that most of the characters strongly resemble what we now refer to as the “stage Irishman.”

⸺ THE CROPPY. Pp. 420. (Duffy). 2s. Still being reprinted. [1828].

Opens with a lengthy and serious historical introduction. Following that, there are many pages of a love story among the upper classes that might not be very convincing. Examples of the abuses that pushed the people to revolt are provided. Then, there are several scenes from the heart of the rebellion itself, some gathered from conversations with eyewitnesses. The perspective is that of a mild Nationalist, or rather a Liberal, who watches with a mix of sadness and disdain the brutal actions of his misguided fellow countrymen. The rebellion is depicted in its most crude and least romantic form, with distressing accounts of rebel violence on Vinegar Hill and elsewhere. The one noble or even respectable character in the book, Sir Thomas Hartley, is portrayed as sympathetic to constitutional reform but utterly opposed to rebellion. The other main characters in the story are unappealing. They don’t empathize with the insurgents, and their roles are only tangentially related to the rebellion. The descriptive sections are filled with energy and vibrancy.

⸺ THE MAYOR OF WINDGAP. Pp. 190. (Duffy). [1834].

Romantic and sensational—attempted murders, abductions, etc. Not suitable for young readers. Interest and mystery are well maintained. Setting: Kilkenny in 1779. There was a Paris edition in 1835.

[21]

⸺ THE LITTLE BIT OF WRITING.

This is the title story of a collection of stories. First published in London, 1838. It represents Michael Banim’s humor at its finest. It’s a brilliant example of storytelling and also provides a detailed look at the language and ways of the peasantry. The “old admiral,” with his sailor slang, is especially entertaining. It was republished along with another story, The Ace of Clubs, by Gill, in a small volume of the O’Connell Press Series, pp. 144, cloth, 6d., 1886. The original volume, featuring twenty stories, is still published by Kenedy, New York.

⸺ FATHER CONNELL. Pp. 358. [1840].

The setting is Kilkenny. The main character is an Irish country priest. This character, based closely on a priest the author knows well, is one of the noblest figures in fiction. He embodies the ideal Irish priest, almost childlike in his simplicity, deeply pious, extravagantly charitable, meek, and patient, but formidable when circumstances drive him to act. His life story is intertwined with that of Neddy Fennell, his orphaned protégé, who is brave, honest, generous, and loyal. Father Connell is like a guardian angel to him, shielding him from suffering and misfortune, while also saving him from his own mistakes. The final scene, where Father Connell confronts the Viceroy to save his protégé from an unfair legal sentence and ultimately dies at his feet, is truly poignant. There’s an element of darkness and intensity. However, most of the book shines with a humor that is genuinely warm, relatable, and subtle, making the reader grow fond of the Author as they are revealed. The episodes showcase various aspects of Irish life. The character development is superb, as recognized by top critics. We meet Mrs. Molloy, Father Connell’s formidable housekeeper; Costigan, the murderer and thief; Mary Cooney, the unfortunate outcast, along with her mother, the potato-beggar; and many others. The Author accurately captures the speech of the peasants and engages with their perspective. It is widely regarded as the most enjoyable of the Banims’ novels.

⸺ THE GHOST HUNTER AND HIS FAMILY. (Simms & M’Intyre). [1833]. 1852.

Still published by P. J. Kenedy, New York: 75 cents. An intricate plot skillfully developed, never losing momentum, with a mystery expertly maintained until the very end. It offers intriguing insights into life during the early nineteenth century, particularly in a provincial town (Kilkenny). However, the style often clashes with modern sensibilities. The book tends to veer into rather crude, though thrilling, melodrama. Additionally, while the Author consistently upholds morality, there are excessive mentions of abduction, etc., and too many references to the loose morals of the era, making it unsuitable reading for certain audiences.

⸺ THE TOWN OF THE CASCADES. Two Vols. Pp. 283 + 283. (Chapman & Hall). 1864.

Scene: seaside town in the West. A gripping story centered around a tragedy caused by alcohol. The town appears to be Ennistymon, Co. Clare. The characters are from the working class and are portrayed with deep understanding. The work could comfortably fit into a reasonably sized volume.

"BAPTIST, Dad" __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.

Barbour, M. F.

⸺ THE IRISH ORPHAN BOY IN A SCOTTISH HOME. Pp. 87. (London). [1866]. 1872.

“A sequel to ‘The Way Home,’ etc.” A short religious pamphlet (Protestant) presented as a story.

[22]

BARDAN, Patrick.

⸺ THE DEAD-WATCHERS. Pp. 83. (Mullingar: Office of Westmeath Guardian). 1891.

“And other Folk-lore Tales of Westmeath.” The author is a member of the Royal Society of Antiquaries. This work is intended as a contribution to folklore. However, the main story (54 pages) is a fantastic tale told in a melodramatic modern style and has little or no connection with folklore. The rest includes ghost stories, warnings from spirits, and superstitions, mostly of local interest. There are also a few explanatory notes that are somewhat valuable.

BARLOW, Jane.

⸺ IRISH IDYLLS. Pp. 284. (Hodder & Stoughton). 6s. [1892]. Ninth ed. (N.Y.: Dodd & Mead). 2.00. 1908.

Doings at Lisconnell, a struggling little village, hidden away in a stretch of ugly bogland. These sketches have been aptly described as “filled with the sadness of basic tragedy.” Yet there's humor as well, and even fun, like in the story of how the shebeeners outsmarted the police. The illustrated edition features around thirty outstanding reproductions of photographs showcasing Western life and scenery.

⸺ KERRIGAN’S QUALITY. Pp. 254. (Hodder & Stoughton). 6s. Eight Illustr. [1893]. (N.Y.: Pratt). 1.75. Second edition.

In this story, the peasants only show up briefly. The main characters are Martin Kerrigan, an Irish-Australian who has returned home; the disabled Lady O’Connor; her son, Sir Ben; and her niece, Merle. The narrative is filled with profound, nearly hopeless sadness, but it’s also deeply uplifting. It contains beautiful snippets of description.

⸺ STRANGERS AT LISCONNELL. Pp. 341. (Hodder & Stoughton). 6s. [1895]. (N.Y.: Pratt). 1.75.

A second series of Irish Idylls showcases the Author’s talents perhaps even more than the first. It would be hard to find a more exquisite story than “A Good Turn.” Throughout, there is a deep sympathy for the poor people. The peasant dialect is never portrayed in a way that seems vulgar or absurd. It's filled with endless picturesque details and quirky expressions. No problems are explicitly discussed, yet the nearly impossible nature of life under landlordism is highlighted (see p. 15). There are depictions of various familiar types in Irish country life—the tinkers; Mr. Polymathers, the teacher (a very poignant figure); Mad Bell, the deranged wanderer; and Con the “Quare One.” It's worth mentioning that, while Miss Barlow’s stories contain a lot of pathos, there is a complete lack of emotional overkill.

⸺ MAUREEN’S FAIRING. Pp. 191. (Dent). Six illustrations, which aren’t very valuable. [1895]. (N.Y.: Macmillan). $0.75.

Eight short stories reprinted from different magazines in a charming little book. Like all of Jane Barlow’s stories, they depict the "tear and the smile" in humble peasant lives, with graceful humor or simple, heartfelt emotion. The stories are quite diverse in nature.

⸺ MRS. MARTIN’S COMPANY. (Dent). Uniform with Maureen’s Fairing. [1896]. (N.Y.: Macmillan). 0.75.

“Seven stories, mostly light and funny, with a very gentle touch in depicting the lives of the poor. There’s a moving look at childhood and a comedic scene from a police court.” — (Baker).

[23]

⸺ FROM THE EAST TO THE WEST. Pp. 342. (Methuen). 1s. 8vo. Cloth. First edition, 1898; new edition, 1905.

The first six stories in this collection of fifteen take us to foreign lands—Arabia, Greece, and more. The rest focus on the lives of Irish peasants. They reveal the romance and sadness found in lives that appear to be ordinary. “The Field of the Frightful Beasts” is a charming little tale filled with childhood imagination. “An Advance Sheet” is strange and has a tragic conclusion.

⸺ FROM THE LAND OF THE SHAMROCK. Pp. 318. (Methuen). 5s. (N.Y.: Pratt). 1.75. 1900. (N.Y.: Dodd & Mead). 1.50.

Fourteen stories, some funny, some sad, featuring some of the author’s best writing. There's the typical sympathetic understanding of the quirks and oddities of the peasant class, but not much about the deeper spiritual qualities of the people, as that isn't the author’s focus. One of the most entertaining sketches tells the antics of a young troublemaker, the bane of his elders.

⸺ THE FOUNDING OF FORTUNES. Pp. 335. (Methuen). 1s. Cloth. 8vo. [1902]. New ed. 1906.

The story of how Timothy Galvin, a scruffy street kid living in a rundown cabin and known mainly for his dishonesty and clever selfishness, gets a leg up in life from a stolen purse and uses his smarts to gain wealth. The exploration of the despicable nature of this social climber is sharp and unflinching. Other characters are introduced, including the traditional landlord and two reform-minded landlords, who also appear in Kerrigan’s Quality. The book showcases Jane Barlow’s talents in full.

⸺ BY BEACH AND BOGLAND. Pp. 301. (Fisher Unwin). 6s. One Illustr. 1905.

Seventeen stories that match the author's best work, featuring the usual blend of subtle humor, heartfelt moments that aren't overly sentimental, spot-on dialogue, and accurate character portrayals. The exploration in "A Money-crop at Lisconnell" of Widow M'Gurk's deep Celtic pride versus her caring nature is very entertaining. As always, there are charming depictions of children.

⸺ IRISH NEIGHBOURS. Pp. 342. (Hutchinson). 1907.

Seventeen stories of Irish life, mainly among the rural community. They all reflect Miss Barlow’s usual empathy and understanding, along with her subtle humor and positive perspective.

⸺ IRISH WAYS. Pp. 262. (George Allen). 15s. Sq. demy 8vo. Sixteen Illustr. in color. Headpieces to chapters. 1909.

Chapter I, “Ourselves and Our Island,” shares the author’s insights about Ireland, its appearance, the unique aspects of its social life, and its essence. It features a beautiful description of the Irish landscape. The next fourteen sketches are “chapters from the history of some Irish country folk,” who are portrayed as “social, fun-loving, quick-witted,” but also “tending toward melancholy and mysticism.” The final sketch provides a nearly photographic depiction of a small, remote country town and its surroundings. The illustrations are charming, and the artist, who, unlike many illustrators of Irish books, has clearly been to Ireland, has made a significant effort to capture as much local color as possible in his artwork. However, it seems to us that non-Irish traits frequently creep in despite his efforts.

⸺ FLAWS. Pp. 344. (Hutchinson). 6s. 1911.

Embroidered with a highly complex plot—where we meet a completely new group of characters four times—the author showcases their typical qualities: detailed observations and depictions of interesting aspects of personality,[24] clever and vivid snippets of conversation, and occasional striking views of nature. However, this time the cast consists of spiteful, petty, narrow-minded, and generally unpleasant individuals. Most of them come from the middle and upper classes in the South of Ireland, predominantly Protestant and Anglicized. The snobbishness, petty rivalries, and selfishness of some of these characters are portrayed with a satirical tone. The events include an unusually tragic suicide.

⸺ MAC'S ADVENTURES. (Hutchinson). 6s. 1911.

Eight stories featuring Mac, or more accurately, Macartney Valentine O’Neill Barry, who is four years old in the first story and six in the last, takes center stage. He acts like a little deus ex machina, or a good fairy, in the lives of the adults around him. Mac isn't a perfect kid or a child genius. He's simply a natural kid, with a playful love for mischief and messiness, and full of charming expressions. The tone is bright and cheerful.—(Press Notices).

⸺ DOINGS AND DEALINGS. Pp. 314. (Hutchinson). £0.30. 1913.

Thirteen stories, except for one (the longest), all focus on peasant life in the author’s usual style. They may not be quite as good as some of her earlier collections.

⸺ A CREEL OF IRISH STORIES. (Methuen). £1. Cloth. 8vo. (N.Y.: Dodd & Mead). $1.25.

The first of these, “The Keys of the Chest,” is a unique and original idea, highlighting the odd thoughts a child developed while growing up in an isolated mansion by the sea. The tale of the suicide is a masterpiece of storytelling. “Three Pint Measures” is a humorous sketch of everyday life in lower Dublin.

⸺ ANOTHER CREEL OF IRISH STORIES. Published, I think, in the U.S.A. (Available from Pratt: N.Y.). 1.75.

[BARRETT, J. G.], “Erigena.”

⸺ EVELYN CLARE; or, The Wrecked Homesteads. Pp. viii. + 274. (Derby: Richardson). 1870.

“An Irish story of love and landlordism.” It's a blatant melodrama with all the typical elements—a landlord, “Lord Ironhoof,” and an agent, “Gore”—evictions, farm-related murders, a priest in disguise, a secret Mass, a poteen still, a runaway couple, a changeling raised in luxury, a lover believed to be drowned, and an innocent man wrongfully convicted. There's no sense of reality. Setting: West of Ireland, c. 1850. Multiple anachronisms.

Barrington, F. Clinton.

⸺ FITZ-HERN; or, The Irish Patriot Chief. Pp. 122. (Glasgow: Cameron & Ferguson). n.d.

Scene: Galway Bay. A simple melodrama, without any historical significance. Dishonest married bishops, conniving foreign monks, and rude, overweight friars are the villains. But the hero, a noble-born smuggler, always manages to escape their grasp and eventually marries the heroine. Example of dialect:—“Arrah, gorrah, avic, father John, it’s the Pope o’ Rome ye bate, out and out.” (p. 13).

Barron, Percy.

⸺ THE HATE FLAME. Pp. 382. (Hodder & Stoughton). 6s. 1908.

The story of a noble life destroyed by racial hatred. The main character, a young Englishman named Jack Bullen, gets into a duel in Heidelberg with an Irish student and kills him. This tragic event creates years of conflict between him and the Irish girl he was supposed to marry—she is the cousin of the slain student and is forced against her will to seek revenge due to her father's influence—along with the scheming of her spurned lover and a priest. Bullen had initiated a large peat factory in Ireland to uplift the Irish people, and it had been thriving. This endeavor is shattered by the same forces that ruin his personal happiness. The author critiques cherished beliefs of Irish Nationalism and the contemporary Irish revival, contrasting them with English ideals and his own viewpoints. There is a noticeable bitterness towards the priests of Ireland. The descriptions of the scenes and the way the story is told are very skillful. There is nothing morally objectionable in the content.

BARRY, Canon William, D.D. Born in London, 1849. Educated at Oscott and Rome. He is a highly educated individual, a theologian, and a writer known for his novels (The New Antigone, etc.) as well as significant historical and religious works. He is currently the Rector of St. Peter’s, Leamington.

⸺ THE WIZARD’S KNOT. Pp. 376. (Unwin). 6s. Second ed. (N.Y.: Pratt). 3.00. 1900.

Dedicated to Douglas Hyde and Standish Hayes O’Grady. Scene: the coast of South-west Cork during the famine times, with some glimpses shown. There's a bit of Irish legend and quite a bit about superstition, but the events, characters, and conversations have little to no connection to real life in Ireland. It's primarily a study of basic human emotions. It could be described as a uniquely "creepy" and morbid dream. It's completely different from the Author’s New Antigone.

BAYNE, Marie.

⸺ FAIRY STORIES FROM ERIN’S ISLE. Pp. 131. (Sands). 2s. 6d. net. Illustrated by Mabel Dawson and John Petts. 1908.

Pretty and attractive picture cover. Six little stories told in a charming, poetic style, one about a fairy changeling, another about the mermaids. The “Luck of the Griddle Darner” is written in enjoyable, flowing verse. So is the “Sleep of Earl Garrett.” Although meant for young kids, none of the stories are childish.

BENNETT, Louie. Born in Dublin, educated there through private tutors and in London. Has done some journalism, but is mainly focused on social issues, especially the women’s movement and pacifism. Lives near Bray, Co. Wicklow.

⸺ THE PROVING OF PRISCILLA. Pp. 303. (Harper). 1902.

Scene: shifts between Mayo and Dublin. The story of an ill-matched marriage. The wife, daughter of a Protestant minister, is a true Puritan—simple, devout, and genuine. The husband is a trendy man who can’t grasp her “prejudices.” After a lot of arguing, they separate. Misfortunes strike both of them. In the end, his illness brings them back together—each has become more accepting. It’s quiet, straightforward, and well-written, with nothing inappropriate in the approach.

⸺ PRISONER OF HIS WORD, A. Pp. 240. (Maunsel). 6s. Nice cover. 1908. New edition. 1s. 1914.

“A tale of real happenings” (sub-title). Opens in Ballynahinch, Co. Down, in June 1797. A pleasant, exciting romance, written in a strong and lively style. A young Englishman joins the Northern rebellion. He vows to avenge his friend, who was captured after the fight at Ballynahinch and executed as a rebel. The story details how he fulfills that vow. The only historical figure included is Thomas Russell. His tragic failure in 1803 to spark another rebellion in Ulster is recounted. The young heroine, Kate Maxwell, is well-developed.

[26]

Mrs. E. M. Berens

⸺ STEADFAST UNTO DEATH. Pp. 275. (Remington). Frontispiece by Fairfield. 1880.

“A story about the Irish famine today.” Time: 1879-80. Location: Ballinaveen, near Cork. Black Hugh, a kind of outlaw from the mountains, is the main character. He loved Mrs. Sullivan before she married the drunk, worthless Pat. He promises her on her deathbed that he will take care of the children she’s leaving behind, and her useless husband. Hugh takes the fall for Pat’s crime and is hanged in Dublin. The family is saved by kind-hearted English people. It's a well-told but very sad story. The hardships of the people are deeply portrayed. The perspective comes from a compassionate Englishwoman who feels pity but doesn't truly understand Ireland.

BERTHET, Elie.

⸺ LAST IRISHMAN, THE. Three Vols. 16mo. (Brussels: Meline). 1851.

Ireland in the 1840s. An unsuccessful uprising led by one of the O’Byrnes from Wicklow (Le dernier Irlandais). O’Connell stands as the main opponent to all of this. The rebellion, which quickly falls apart, starts after an insult to O’Byrne’s sister by a womanizer named Clinton. O’Byrne escapes to Connemara (sic) with Nelly Avondale, the landlord’s daughter from Glendalough, and gets trapped there in a fortress. Nelly goes back to marry the aforementioned womanizer, and O’Byrne flees. The author clearly isn’t intentionally hostile to Ireland, but he knows little about it. The peasants are portrayed poorly. They are shown as heavy drinkers, messy, cunning, petty, and lawless. There are some descriptions of the scenery in Wicklow and Connemara.

Mrs. W. M. Berthold

⸺ CONNOR D’ARCY’S STRUGGLES. (N.Y.: Benziger). 2s. 1914.

BESTE, Henry Digby, 1768-1836. He was the son of the prebendary of Lincoln. He converted to Catholicism in 1798. An engaging biographical sketch of him (mostly autobiographical) is included at the beginning of the novel mentioned here. It contains a complete account of his conversion.

⸺ POVERTY AND THE BARONET’S FAMILY: An Irish Catholic Novel. Pp. xxxii. + 415. (London: Jones). 1845.

Bryan O’Meara, the son of a poor Irish migrant worker, is educated as a gentleman by Sir Cecil Foxglove, from Denham, near Grantham, out of gratitude for Bryan’s father rescuing his child. As he reaches adulthood and is rejected by the Baronet’s daughter, he goes back to his father’s people in Athlone, where he spends some time pretending to be a farmer’s boy—and rebelling. But a lucky opportunity brings him great wealth, and he returns to marry the Baronet’s daughter. The story offers interesting insights into Catholic life during the penal days (it begins in 1805) when Catholicism faced severe repression in England. The Dublin Review states (1848, Vol. xxiv., p. 239): “The hero is a devout pedant, a fierce guy, and a self-satisfied talker. The story itself lacks purpose; it’s bitter in sentiment and filled with endless small talk.” However, the “small talk” is, if anything, overly serious and moral.

“BIRMINGHAM, George A.” Rev. James Owen Hannay, Master of Arts, Canon of St. Patrick’s Cathedral (1912). Born in 1865, he is the son of Rev. Robert Hannay, vicar of Belfast. He was educated at Temple Grove, East Sheen; Haileybury; T.C.D. He served as the curate of Delgany, Co. Wicklow, and was the rector of Westport from 1892 to 1913. He has resigned this position to focus on his writing. He is a member of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland. He has demonstrated his talent in political satire, humorous fiction, and historical fiction. He supports the ideals of the Gaelic League and has actively expressed this support. Overall, he appears to hold Nationalist views but has no connection with the Parliamentary Party. His earlier works showed a strong dislike for the Catholic Church, but except for perhaps Hyacinth, he has never aimed to depict it negatively, and he opposes all forms of intolerance.

⸺ THE SEETHING POT. Pp. 299. (Arnold). 6s. 1904.

Main theme: the seemingly hopeless entanglement of politics and ideas in Ireland. Various aspects of Irish issues and living conditions are explored. Many of the characters represent contemporary Irish life, while some are thinly veiled portrayals of modern Irish people, such as Dennis Browne, a poet, aesthete, and egoist; Desmond O’Hara, a freelance journalist (reportedly based on Standish O’Grady); Sir Gerald Geoghegan, a nationalist landlord; John O’Neill, the Irish leader who is abandoned by his party and undermined by clerical influence; and several others. All of this is incorporated into a romance that includes a love interest and plenty of action.

⸺ HYACINTH. (Arnold). 6sh. 1906.

A story, shared through a simple plot, about current events and people in Ireland. Most of these are mocked and even exaggerated, particularly “Robeen” Convent, which appears to refer to Foxford Mills, run by the Sisters of Charity (see New Ireland Review, March, 1906). A greedy, ruthless selfishness is depicted as one of the main traits of the Catholic Church in Ireland.

⸺ THE BAD TIMES. Pp. 312. (Methuen). 6s. [1907]. New edition, 1s. 1914.

Period: primarily Isaac Butt’s Home Rule movement. Stephen Butler, a member of a landlord family with strong Nationalist beliefs, decides to fight for Ireland. He joins the Home Rule Party, but he detests agrarian violence, which makes him unpopular in his district despite all his efforts. The author presents types of nearly every class of people influential in Ireland at the time: a priest who supports the new agrarian movement and one who opposes it, a hopelessly narrow-minded English Resident Magistrate, an old Fenian, and so on. The overall impression one gets is quite similar to that of the Seething Pot. The author's views are strongly Nationalist, and there isn't any harsh criticism directed at any group of Irishmen, except for the current Parliamentary Party.

⸺ BENEDICT KAVANAGH. Pp. 324. (Arnold). £6. 1907.

Dedication in Irish. Foreword in which the Author states that by “Robeen” Convent he did not mean Foxford (cf. Hyacinth). A critique of Irish political life, free from bitterness and favoritism towards any specific group of Irish people, expressing strong support for the Gaelic League and its values. The hero faces a crossroads, choosing between “respectability” and comfort, or fighting for Ireland. The book should prompt people to question why Irish people—regardless of their beliefs or political views—struggle to unite for their shared country.

⸺ THE NORTHERN IRON. Pp. 320. (Maunsel). Bound in Irish linen. 1907. New edition at 1s., 1909. Cheap edition (Everett), 7d., 1912.

Scene: Antrim; a few events from the uprising intertwined into an exciting and intense romance. Awesome depictions—the United Irishmen James Hope, Felix Matier, and Micah Ward, the loyal Lord Dunseverick, brave and fearless, Finlay the Informer, and others. A vivid portrayal of the emotions and thoughts of the era, without excessive bias, yet drawing all the reader’s sympathies toward Ireland.

[28]

⸺ SPANISH GOLD. (Methuen) £0.30. 1908. Cheap edition, £0.05. (N.Y.: Doran). $1.20.

A comedy about Irish life, filled with the funniest situations. Setting: a remote island off the coast of Connaught, where treasure is hidden. The story follows the adventures of various characters who arrive on the island—an Irish chief secretary, a retired colonel, a baronet, a librarian, a Catholic priest, and a Protestant curate. The last, Rev. J. J. Meldon, is a truly unique character. There are hints of social satire throughout, but it's presented in a way that's not harsh or offensive.

⸺ THE SEARCH PARTY. Pp. 316. (Methuen). 6s. 1909. (N.Y.: Doran). 1.20.

“How a crazy Anarchist made bombs in a secluded house on the west coast of Ireland and kept the local doctor captive, fearing he would expose the secret. Mr. Birmingham’s reckless humor and understanding of Irish character shown in his more serious works keep the farce moving swiftly.” —(Times Literary Supplement).

⸺ LALAGE’S LOVERS. Pp. 312. (Methuen). 6s. (N.Y.: Doran). 1.20. 1911.

The main idea—if we're treating this book seriously—can be summed up like this: How much can one young person (aged 14 and up) with complete honesty and boldness shake up the lives of comfortable people, who are just going along with the routines of convention and compromise? Lalage starts with her governess, then moves on to the bishops, but really makes waves by interrupting an election with her Association for the Suppression of Public Lying. It's all full of fun and laughter. L. has been described as “an especially adventurous and slangy schoolboy in a skirt.”

⸺ THE MAJOR’S NIECE. Pp. 302. (Smith, Elder). 6s. 1911.

Rev. J. J. Meldon in new situations. Major Kent expects a grown niece from Australia, but she turns out to be a mischievous little girl of ten. Mr. Meldon had made countless plans for welcoming and caring for the young lady. How does he handle this new situation? There are great supporting characters—Doyle the hotel keeper, Father MacCormack, and the housekeeper, Mrs. O’Halloran.

⸺ THE SIMPKINS PLOT. Pp. 384. (Nelson). 2s. net. (N.Y.: Doran). 1.20. 1911.

Scene: “Ballymoy.” Problem: how to get rid of Simpkins, a nosy busybody. The plot mainly revolves around the funny efforts of Rev. J. J. Meldon (the hero of Spanish Gold) to marry Simpkins off to a mysterious “Miss King,” a woman believed to be the same as Mrs. Lorimer, who was recently acquitted, despite the Judge's stance, of killing her husband. It's full of humor, witty dialogue, and skillfully drawn character sketches. Sabina Gallagher, Sir Gilbert Hawksby, and Major Kent are all well portrayed, and their nationalities are unmistakable.

⸺ THE INVIOLABLE SANCTUARY. Pp. 370. (Nelson). 2s. 1912.

How Frank Mannix comes for vacation to Rosnacree (in the wildest west of Ireland) in all the glory and dignity of a Haileybury prefect. How, due to a sprained ankle, he has to spend the time sailing in the bay with Priscilla, his adventurous fifteen-year-old cousin. How various exciting adventures unfold, including the unexpected and funny discovery by a Cabinet Minister of his daughter, who had run away with a clergyman, and how Frank and Priscilla played a role in bringing everyone back together. Told with all the author’s sense of fun and flair for comic situations. But why do all Irish peasants have to be portrayed as liars?

[29]

⸺ THE RED HAND OF ULSTER. Pp. 318. (Smith, Elder). 6s. Cheap ed., 6d. 1912.

How an Irish-American millionaire orchestrates a revolution in Ireland, pulling in the fanatical Orangemen, who are deadly serious, the Tory M.P. who just intended to bluff, and the members of the Irish Tory aristocracy who didn't have any specific goals. Among this group is poor Lord Kilmore, who narrates the story and was an unwilling participant in the whole situation. The book combines sharp satire (like Babberley, M.P., the Dean, and McConkey), where all sides get their due, and Gilbertian absurdity. The ending is both entertaining and surprising.

⸺ DOCTOR WHITTY. Pp. 320. (Methuen). £0.30. 1913.

Types and personalities of a village in West Connaught—the parish priest, the Protestant rector, Colonel Beresford, Thady Glynn, owner of “The Imperial Hotel,” chairman of the League, and a popular demagogue, a justice of the peace, a general philosopher, and the village's authority figure, and then the Doctor himself, friendly, sociable, “all things to all people” to a degree that often gets him into tricky situations, which aren’t always in line with moral standards. There are broadly humorous situations from which the Doctor manages to escape, coming out as bright as ever. The darker side of Irish life is portrayed in the Author’s typical satirical style.

⸺ GENERAL JOHN REGAN. Pp. 324. (Hodder & Stoughton) 6s. Second ed., 1913.

A very simple plot revolves around the construction of a statue for an imaginary native of Ballymoy. The real appeal lies in the author's satirical portrayal of Irish life, along with his humorous depictions of characters like Dr. O’Grady, Doyle the corrupt hotel owner, Major Kent, who we've encountered in Spanish Gold, Thady Gallagher, the editor of the local newspaper, and a rather undignified and not entirely honest parish priest. The underlying message, if there is one, seems to be that the Irishman is so clever and funny that he allows himself to be tricked and will even trick himself just for the fun of tricking others.

⸺ MINNIE’S BISHOP, and Other Stories of Ireland. Pp. 320. (Hodder & Stoughton). 6s. 1915.

Not all of these stories are about Ireland, and those that are vary greatly in style. Some showcase the author's most humorous side, while others have a more serious tone. In several stories, he pokes fun at government methods in the West, and some highlight the funny aspects of gun-running, dispatch riding, and other volunteer activities. In the background, there's often a glimpse of the desperate poverty faced by the Western peasant.

BLACK, William. Born in Glasgow, 1841. One of the leading English novelists of the nineteenth century. He published his first novel in 1864; thirty-three more were released before his death in 1898, in Brighton, where he had lived for many years.

⸺ SHANDON BELLS. Pp. 428. (Sampson, Low). £2.6. [1883]. (N.Y.: Harper). $0.80. New and revised ed. 1893.

Scene: partly in London, partly in the city and county of Cork. A young Irishman heads to London to seek his fortune. After being let down by his first love, he finds solace in his love for nature. The book showcases all the qualities that W. Black is known for. It contains heartfelt references to Irish life and stunning descriptions of the Irish landscape in Cork. Willy Fitzgerald, the main character, is inspired by William Barry, a talented young man from Cork who worked as a journalist in London.

[30]

“BLACKBURNE, E. Owens.” Elizabeth O. B. Casey, 1848-1894. Born in Slane, near the Boyne. She spent the first twenty-five years of her life in Ireland before moving to London to pursue a career in journalism. In 1869, her first story was accepted, and in the early seventies, her In at the Death (later published as A Woman Scorned) was featured in The Nation. Until the end, she wrote under the pen name “E. Owens Blackburne.” Other works include A Modern Parrhasius, The Quest of the Heir, Philosopher Push, Dean Swift’s Chest, and The Love that Loves Always. “Her stories mainly focus on depictions of Irish peasant life, a subject she was intimately familiar with, earning her comparisons to Carleton. They are generally dramatic and vivid; she skillfully crafted plots that kept readers engaged.”—(Irish Lit.)

⸺ A WOMAN SCORNED. Three Vols. (Tinsley). [1876]. Also one Vol. (Moxon). 1878.

Out-at-elbows Irish household—upper class—brother, sister, and young step-sister (the heroine) Katherine. Captain Fitzgerald falls in love with Katherine. The older sister (the woman scorned), filled with jealousy, plots to marry K. off to a rich, elderly suitor. The plan fails, and she dies a miserable death. Scene: near the Boyne. Some good descriptions of river scenery.

⸺ THE WAY WOMEN LOVE. Three Vols. (Tinsley). 1877.

Hugh O'Neill, a man from Donegal, after a failed career as an artist in London, moves to a place near Weirford (Waterford). He has two daughters—Moira, beautiful, proud of her ancient heritage, and a poet, and Honor, plain and homely. The story revolves around the romantic lives of these two. It really captures local society. The local newspapers and their editors get poked fun at a lot; several real-life characters, slightly altered, are introduced. The accents are portrayed very well.

⸺ A BUNCH OF SHAMROCKS. Pp. 306. (N.Y.: Munro: “Seaside Library”). [1879]. 1883.

A collection of stories and sketches that mostly showcase the darker aspects of the national character, seemingly from a Protestant perspective. In one story, “The Priest’s Boy,” there’s a lot of emotional depth.

⸺ MOLLY CAREW. Three Vols. (Tinsley). n.d. (1879).

A story about the unrequited love of a talented Irish girl from a humble background for a selfish and rough English author named Eugene Wolfe. She falls in love with him as a child and then, as a young woman, becomes even more deeply infatuated with the idealized version of him that she creates from his books. Nothing can extinguish or even discourage this love, and for it, she makes the utmost sacrifices, but all in vain. The two main characters are well-developed and consistent, and there are some dramatic moments. The action mainly takes place in London, where Molly Carew has followed her ideal.

⸺ THE GLEN OF SILVER BIRCHES. Two Vols. (Remington). 1880. (N.Y.: Harper). 1881.

Nuala O’Donnell’s extravagant father has mortgaged his estate in the Donegal Highlands, near Glenvich (The Glen of Silver Birches). A scheming lawyer tries to trap the family and marry N. His plan fails, and N. ends up marrying Thorburn, an English landlord who has purchased the neighboring estate. There are some likable characters, such as the kind old Aunt Nancy and N.’s nationalist poet cousin.

[31]

⸺ THE HEART OF ERIN: An Irish story of today. Three Vols. (N.Y.: Munro: “Seaside Library”). [1882]. 1883.

Standish Clinton, a skilled orator, rises to a top position in Parliament. As he enters higher social circles, he ends his relationship with his loyal partner, Mary Shields. The truth about his background is revealed in the end, and he becomes the legitimate heir to the Hardinges family mansion. The activities of the Land League, which the Author supports, serve as the backdrop. The well-known letter from Dr. Nulty of Meath is referenced as a justification for land reform. It paints an intriguing picture of the peasantry.

BLAKE-FORSTER, Charles Ffrench.

⸺ A COLLECTION OF THE OLDEST AND MOST POPULAR LEGENDS OF THE COMMON PEOPLE OF CLARE AND GALWAY.

⸺ THE IRISH CHIEFTAINS; or, A Struggle for the Crown. Pp. 728, demy 8vo. (M’Glashan & Gill). 1872.

An account, in the form of a story, of the Williamite Wars, from the landing of James II at Kinsale to the surrender of Galway, including all the battles and sieges (except Derry). This narrative is interwoven with significant sections of the family history of the O’Shaughnessy and Blake-Forster clans from County Galway. This latter tale extends past the Treaty of Limerick all the way to the final dispossession of the O’Shaughnessys in 1770. It includes many episodes from the history of the Irish Brigade in France and the events of the period at home (including the Penal Laws and the activities of the Rapparees). A surprising amount of knowledge drawn from public and private documents is included in the volume. The notes run from p. 429 to 573. An Appendix, pp. 574 to the end, contains many valuable documents, primarily about family history but also related to political history. The perspective is Jacobite and national.

“BLAYNEY, Owen,” Robert White.

⸺ THE MACMAHON; or, The Story of the Seven Johns. Pp. x + 351. (Constable). £6. 1898.

Founded on a County Monaghan tradition, Colonel MacMahon, fleeing from defeat at the Boyne, entrusts his infant son to John M’Kinley, a settler. The boy grows up, falls in love with M’Kinley’s daughter, and after failing to win over her father, he kidnaps her. M’Kinley recruits six other settlers named John, chases the runaways, captures them, and hangs MacMahon on the windmill at Carrickmacross. It's a powerful story that provides an accurate depiction of the times. The Ulster dialect is well done.

[BLENKINSOP, A.]

⸺ PADDIANA; or, Scraps and Sketches of Irish Life, Past and Present. Two Vols. (Bentley). [1847]. Second ed. 1848.

By the Author (an Englishman, see p. 2) of A Hot Water Cure. Contents:—1. “Mr. Smith’s Irish Love.” 2. “Mick Doolan’s Head.” 3. “Still-Hunting.” 4. “A Mystery among the Mountains.” 5. “The Adventure of Tim Daley.” 6. “Mrs. Fogarty’s Tea Party.” 7. “A Quiet Day at Farrellstown.” 8. “A Duel.” 9. “Mr. H⸺.” 10. “The Old Head of Kinsale.” 11. “Barney O’Hay.” 12. “Headbreaking.” 13. “Cads, Fools, and Beggars.” 14. “The Mendicity Association.” 15. “The Dog-Fancier.” 16. “Dublin Carmen.” 17. “Horses.” 18. “Priests: Catholic and Others.” 19. “An Irish Stew.” Vol. II.—1. “Executions.” 2. “Ronayne’s Ghost.” 3. “The Last Pigtail.” 4. “The Green Traveller.” 5. “Larry Lynch.” 6. “Potatoes.” Then (pp. 142-275) follows “Irish History”—fragments from various Irish annals and histories, told in a humorous and critical tone. All the old slurs are brought up and noted here. The Author concludes that the Irish are an uncivilized people, and that their national character is “a jumble of contradictions.” The stories are told with considerable flair.

[32]

BLESSINGTON, Countess of. Marguerite Power, born near Clonmel in 1789, was the daughter of Edmund Power and Ellen Sheehy. In 1818, she married the Earl of Blessington and became a prominent social figure in London, then in Paris, and then back to London. She wrote over thirty books—novels, travel narratives, memoirs, etc. She passed away in 1849.

⸺ THE REPEALERS; or, Grace Cassidy. (London). [1833].

“Contains hardly any plot and few character descriptions, most of it is made up of dialogues, critiques, and reflections. The lady is sometimes sarcastic, sometimes moral, and more often personal. One female portrayal, that of Grace Cassidy, a young Irish wife, reveals that the Author was most comfortable among the settings of her early days.”—(Chambers’ Encyclopedia of English Literature).

⸺ COUNTRY QUARTERS. Three Vols. (London: Shoberl). [1850]. Port. Second ed. 1852.

In Vol. I., pp. iii.-xxiii., a memoir of the Author by M. A. P. Scene: South of Ireland (descriptions of Glanmire and mentions of Waterford and the Blackwater), among local residents and garrison folks. There's a lot about their romances and weddings, plenty of light conversation, and pages of thoughts. Grace, the main character, is loved by two officers who are friendly competitors. Mordaunt prompts Vernon to propose. Vernon is turned down, but Mordaunt can't afford to marry. However, after many ups and downs, Grace ends up with Mordaunt. It's full of sentimentality.

BLOOD SMITH, Miss, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__

BODKIN, M. M’Donnell, K.C.; County Court Judge of Clare since 1907. Born in 1850. Son of Dr. Bodkin from Tuam, County Galway. Educated at Tullabeg Jesuit College and Catholic University. Served for several years as Nationalist M.P. for North Roscommon. In addition to fiction, he has published a historical work on Grattan’s Parliament. Lives in Dublin.—(Who’s Who).

⸺ POTEEN PUNCH. (Gill). 1s. 1890.

“After-dinner stories about romance, fun, and conflict,” meant to be shared in front of Lord Carlisle, one of the Viceroys, in a house at Cong, where he had to go after being denied a place to stay at Maam by order of Lord Leitrim. The stories have a strong nationalist tone, some are funny, and some are quite touching.

⸺ PAT O’ NINE TALES. (Gill). 1894. (N.Y.: Benziger). 0.90.

Stories of all kinds, all told in a delightful way. The first and longest is a touching story that vividly depicts an eviction scene. Among the other tales, there’s “The Leprechaun,” which is funny and told in dialect; a ghost story; a story about unexpected evidence at a trial; and a tale of Fontenoy, etc. The last one, “The Prodigal Daughter,” may not be appropriate for certain groups of readers due to its subject matter.

⸺ LORD EDWARD FITZGERALD. Pp. 415. (Chapman & Hall). 1896.

The story of Lord Edward's early years is intertwined with the love story of Maurice Blake. It depicts Irish social life from that time in a lively and vivid way. Hepenstal, the “walking gallows,” Beresford and his riding school, and the infamous yeomanry and their actions all feature prominently in the book. The perspective is strongly national. “History provides the most romantic part of this historical romance. The main events of Lord Edward’s remarkable career, including his adoption into the Indian tribe of the Great Bear, are entirely true. Some liberties have, however, been taken with dates.”—(Pref.).

⸺ THE REBELS. Pp. 358. (Duffy). 2s. [1899]. (N.Y.: Benziger). $0.60. 1908.

Sequel to Lord Edward. The later years of Lord Edward’s life. It depicts Castlereagh and Clare plotting the rebellion. It reveals government bribery and dealings with informers. We also get some insights into the fighting led by Father John Murphy, as well as Humbert’s invasion and the Races of Castlebar. It’s an exciting and energetic story, with a strong nationalist tone.

⸺ SHILLELAGH AND SHAMROCK. (Chatto). 3s. 6d. 1902.

Short stories focused on the wild scenes of old election days. Depictions of evictions and the old-school fox-hunting, whiskey-drinking landlord. Always on the side of the peasants. Tales filled with lively humor and energy. The peasants' conversations are faithfully and vividly captured.

⸺ IN THE DAYS OF GOLDSMITH. Pp. 309. (Long). 6s. 1903.

A tribute to Goldsmith, focusing on his time in England. Discussions featuring Reynolds, Beauclerk, Johnson, and others, with Johnson's conversations captured with Boswellian accuracy. It also paints a picture of the lifestyles and customs of the era, expressed so openly that the book is not suitable for some audiences.

⸺ PATSY THE OMADHAUN. Pp. 260. (Chatto). 3s. 6d. (N.Y.: Benziger). 0.60. 1904.

A dozen short stories where the village tailor shares the adventures of Patsy, who turns out to be far from the fool he appears to be, and helps himself and his friends get out of all sorts of funny situations. All told in a strong accent. Somewhat absurdly funny.

⸺ TRUE MAN AND TRAITOR. (Duffy). 1910.

The story of Robert Emmet, from his time at Trinity to his tragic end, is told in the Author’s usual engaging style. Emmet is portrayed as a skilled and practical organizer, but his love for Sarah Curran is also highlighted. The historical facts are richly intertwined with romance—Emmet’s dangerous journey to France in a fishing boat, his detailed meetings with Napoleon, the character of Malachi Neelin, the traitor; these and many other aspects are woven into the narrative of real events.

[BOLES, Agnes], “J. A. P.”

⸺ THE BELFAST BOY. Pp. 464. (Nutt). £5. 1912.

Opens in Belfast during the major riots of twenty-five years ago. The hero, wrongfully accused of murder, escapes to South Africa, where he becomes a millionaire and is known as “The Belfast Boy.” The heroine, as she is about to marry him, fails to mention that she is leaving behind a son and his father (the villain) in Belfast. These characters are conveniently disposed of, one by lightning and the other by a lightning-like smallpox. Several real people are included as characters in the story. Many of the events are dramatic, there’s a lot of dialect, and the style in some places is quite rough. A deep love for Belfast and its surroundings permeates the book.—(Press Notices).

BOVET, Ms.

— Emerald Isle.

Bowles, Emily.

⸺ IRISH DIAMONDS: A Chronicle of Peterstown. Pp. 219. (Richardson). 1864.

A story about a landlord and tenant, illegal distilling, and converting others to a cause. A Bible reader, an agent, and the landlord's sister are the antagonists. The tone is strongly Catholic and anti-Protestant. There’s a love story and some adventure, which aren’t overshadowed by the themes of Souperism. In 1878, a writer in the Dublin Review said of it: “It has not been surpassed since it was written.... The characters are so well drawn that even those in the simplest outline are interesting and unique.... Told in the brightest, most natural, and most subtly humorous way.” Miss B. published more than a dozen other books, mostly translations.

[34]

BOYCE, Rev. John, D.D. [From Inishowen and Tirconnell, by W. J. Doherty]. Born in Donegal, 1810. Ordained in Maynooth, 1837. Emigrated to the U.S.A. in 1845. Died in 1864. In addition to the three novels mentioned in this work, he published lectures on the Influence of Catholicism on the Arts and Sciences, Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth, Charles Dickens, Henry Grattan, etc.

⸺ SHANDY MAGUIRE; or, Tricks upon Travellers. (N.Y.: Pratt). 1.75. [1848]. Also (Richardson) 1855, and Warren, Kilmainham, n.d.

“First appeared in a Boston magazine under the pen name Paul Peppergrass. It quickly caught the attention of Bishop Fenwick of Boston. Dr. Brownson, in his Quarterly Review, gave the book rave reviews and placed the author on par, if not above, other Irish romance writers. Shandy Maguire was acknowledged by the London Press and the Dublin Review as a work of significant merit. It has been successfully adapted for the stage and translated into German” (from Inishowen and Tirconnell, by W. J. Doherty).

⸺ THE SPAEWIFE: or, The Queen’s Secret. [1853]. Still in print. (Boston: Marlier). 1.50.

Begins at Hampton Court. The way Father Boyce has Nell Gower, the Scottish Seer (a woman gifted with second sight), speak in a thick Scottish dialect, in contrast to the formal and commanding language of Elizabeth, shows an impressive ability to switch styles. There’s no better character than Alice Wentworth, the daughter of Sir Geoffrey Wentworth, who represents an old English Catholic baronetage and faced persecution under Elizabeth; meanwhile, Roger O’Brien, connected to the Court of Mary Queen of Scots, provides a chance to showcase the spirited and courageous traits that should be associated with an Irish gentleman. Elizabeth doesn’t come across in a very positive light.

⸺ MARY LEE; or, The Yankee in Ireland. (U.S.A.). (N.Y.: Pratt). 1.75. (Baltimore: Kelly & Piet). 1864. Pp. 391. Frontisp. by J. Harley.

The last story written by this Author, for whom see General Note. It is considered to show a deep understanding of Irish character and to provide an excellent description of the typical Yankee. The setting is Donegal. Time 185-.

BOYLE, William. Born in Dromiskin, Co. Louth, 1853; educated at St. Mary’s College, Dundalk. He has written numerous poems, songs, and plays, including some of the finest modern Irish comedies. The atmosphere of his stories is distinctly Irish, and their humor and emotion are authentic.

⸺ A KISH OF BROGUES. (O’Donoghue). Pp. 252. 2s. 6d. 1899.

The humor and emotion of rural life in Co. Louth. The author really understands the people and knows them well. There’s a lot of accurate character portrayal of various Irish peasant types and a few great poems.

Boyse, E. C.

⸺ THAT MOST DISTRESSFUL COUNTRY. Three Vols. (F. V. White). 1886.

A story about love and marriage. Scene: first in Wexford, opening with nice glimpses of country house life and festivities. Then there's a description of some minor events during the rebellion, told from a loyalist perspective, emphasizing the brutal cruelty of the rebels. Next, the scene shifts to London, and then to Dublin, where we see life in military society. Finally, the setting moves to Tuam, where news arrives about Humbert’s campaign in the West. The writing is enjoyable, but the dialogues, full of banter and nonsense, feel stretched out. The author mentions in the preface that the incidents are based on private letters or eyewitness accounts.

[35]

Lady Bray.

⸺ EVE’S PARADISE. (Wells, Gardner). 6s. Etched frontispiece and title page.

“Lady B.’s descriptions of childhood are impressive, keenly observed, and skillfully executed.”—(Pall Mall News).

⸺ A TROUBLESOME TRIO; or, Grandfather’s Wife. (Wells, Gardner). 2s. 6d. Second ed.

BRERETON, F. S.

⸺ IN THE KING’S SERVICE. Pp. 352. (Blackie). Good-looking cover. Eight illustrations by Stanley L. Wood. (N.Y.: Scribner). $1.50. n.d. (1901).

Exciting adventures full of dramatic moments, featuring an English cavalier during Cromwell’s Irish campaign. The main events are described from the perspective of the English cavalier. Humorous accent. Youthful.

BREW, Margaret W. Wrote extensively for the Irish Monthly Magazine and other Irish publications.

⸺ THE BURTONS OF DUNROE. Three Vols. Pp. 934. (Tinsley). 1880.

Scene: Munster c. 1810, also Dublin and (in the third vol.) Spain, when the hero, William Burton, fights in the Peninsular War. Robert marries someone beneath his station, leading to his disinheritance by his disappointed father, who had intended him for his cousin Isabella. Rose, Robert’s wife, passes away. Robert goes off to war and returns celebrated to marry Isabel and settle into a life of respectable prosperity. It’s conventional and a bit dull. There’s plenty of brogue for comic relief alongside the overall appeal to tender emotions.

⸺ CHRONICLES OF CASTLE CLOYNE. Three Vols. (Chapman & Hall). 1886.

Highly praised by the Time, the Standard, the Morning Update, the Scottish person, etc., the Irish Monthly Magazine says: “It is a fantastic Irish story, full of truth and empathy, without any harsh stereotypes on one side or any condescending sentimentality on the other. The main characters, Oonagh M’Dermott, the Dillons, Pat Flanagan, and Father Rafferty, are all well-drawn portraits in their own right, and some of the minor characters are very effectively portrayed. The dialogue of the everyday people is full of wit and common sense; and the changes in the story allow for moments of pathos, contrasting with the humor that predominates. Miss Brew has a deep understanding of the Irish heart and language; and overall, her “Pictures of Munster Life” (which is the second title of the tale) is one of the most satisfying additions to the collection of Irish fiction from Castle Rackrent to Marcella Grace.”

[BRITTAINE, Rev. George]. He was the Rector of Kilcormack in the Diocese of Ardagh. He passed away in Dublin in 1847. The Library on December 14, 1839, commented on the first three works mentioned below: “The unfortunate material presented here as a depiction of the social condition of the Irish peasantry doesn’t need any rebuttal; in his eagerness to slander, the Author has overlooked the boundaries of possibility, and when those are crossed, the intended impact of the slander is overshadowed by its ridiculousness.” All of this author's books appear to have been published anonymously.

⸺ CONFESSIONS OF HONOR DELANY. Pp. 86. (Dublin: Tims). 1s. 6d. [1830]. Third ed., 1839.

She admits to receiving a pension as a reward for "turning."

⸺ IRISH PRIESTS AND ENGLISH LANDLORDS. Pp. 249. (Dublin: Tims). [1830]. Second ed., 1839; others 1871, 1879.

“By the author of Hyacinth O’Gara.” A priest has the bishop's permission to marry a girl to a man even though she doesn't want to. She declines, and later dies—a martyr for the Protestant faith.

[36]

⸺ RECOLLECTIONS OF HYACINTH O’GARA. Pp. 64. (Dublin: Tims). 6d. Fifth ed., 1839.

The three books mentioned above were originally written by Rev. Geo. Brittaine, Rector of Kilcormack, Co. Limerick. They were “rewritten and completely revised” by Rev. H. Seddall, Vicar of Dunany, Co. Louth, and published by Hunt, London, in 1871. They are openly proselytizing stories aimed “to give a true picture of the Irish peasantry, and how priestcraft has infiltrated all their concerns.” (Pref.) The peasantry are depicted as very degraded, while the priesthood is shown as ruthless and selfish tyrants. Religion is essentially the only theme throughout. There is hardly any mention of contemporary issues. One reviewer notes: “There is nothing more vivid in all the pages of The Absentee, or Castle Rackrent than the account of Kit M’Royster’s disclosures to his brother, the Popish Bishop, about the so-called purity of their niece; or the description of Priest Moloney’s speech about the offerings at the funeral of old Mrs. O’Brien.”—Christian Examiner.

⸺ IRISHMEN AND IRISHWOMEN. Pp. 219. (Dublin: Tims). 1831.

⸺ JOHNNY DERRIVAN’S TRAVELS. Pp. 36. (Dublin: Tims). 6d. [1833]. Second ed., 1839.

Not religious in topic. Covers Irish entertainment, drinking, etc.

⸺ MOTHERS AND SONS. Pp. 297. (Dublin: Tims). 1833.

A woman becomes a Methodist at the age of 44. The Author seizes this opportunity to criticize dyed hair and wigs, along with many other things. The story features a murder in which a Curate is the victim. The murderer dies crying out for the priest.

⸺ NURSE M’VOURNEEN. Pp. 33. (Dublin: Tims). Second ed., c. 1839.

⸺ THE ELECTION. Pp. 331. (Dublin: Tims). 1840.

Election maneuvers described. There's a murder in the story. Tone is very anti-Catholic.

[BRONTE, Rev. Patrick, B.A.]. 1777-1861. A man from County Down, father of the renowned novelists.

⸺ THE MAID OF KILLARNEY; or, Albion and Flora. Pp. 166. (Baldwin). [1818]. 1898.

Albion, an Englishman, visits Killarney and falls in love with Flora Loughlean. The story shows the anti-Catholic bias of the period.

BROOKE, Richard Sinclair, D.D. (1802-1882). He was the head of Mariners’ Church in Kingstown and later became the Rector of Eyton. He published several volumes of poetry and prose. He was the father of Stopford Brooke.

⸺ THE STORY OF PARSON ANNALY. Pp. 429. (Drought). 1870.

A lengthy, somewhat complicated story, partly reprinted from Trinity College Dublin Magazine. It includes some fantastic descriptions of the scenery in Donegal—Glenveagh and Barnesmore.

BROPHY, Michael, former Sergeant, R.I.C.

⸺ TALES OF THE ROYAL IRISH CONSTABULARY. Pp. xx. + 192. (Dublin: Bernard Doyle). 2s. [1888]. 1896.

Intended as the first book in a series. The introduction provides a brief history of the Force. This is followed by a lengthy story based on real events—“The Lord of Kilrush, Fate of Marion, and Last Vicissitudes of Lord Edward Fitzgerald’s Estate.” This story explains how Sub-Constable Butler, quite a “character,” purchased the property of Lord Edward near the Curragh of Kildare in the Encumbered Estates Court, but was later dispossessed—a fascinating tale filled with lesser-known information, including an investigation into Pamela’s parentage. Next are “Episodes of ’48” (Ballingarry, etc.), and “The Story of a Sword” (8 pp.). Sub-Constable Butler and Sub-Inspector Tom Trant are entertaining characters.

[37]

BROWN, Rev. J. Irwin. Minister of the Scottish Church in Rotterdam, and son of Rev. Dr. Brown, from Drumachose, Derry, who was a well-known public speaker and a supporter of the Irish tenant farmers during his time.

⸺ IRELAND: Its Humor and Pathos. (Rotterdam: J. M. Bredee). 1910.

The book has some spicy stories and is engaging and easy to read from start to finish.—I.B.L.

BRUEYRE, Loys. Born in Paris, 1835. A French folklorist, Vice-President of the Société des Traditions Populaires. A regular contributor to French folklore magazines.

⸺ POPULAR TALES OF GREAT BRITAIN. Pp. 382. (Paris: Hachette).

Contains 100 stories. Very few are in English (mainly Cornish), and none are Welsh. The majority are Scottish (mostly from Campbell’s collection), but there are quite a few Irish stories taken from Croker and Kennedy. The book is entirely in French.

BUCHANAN, Robert, 1841-1901. Born in Staffordshire, son of Robert B., “Socialist, Missionary, and Journalist.” Educated at Glasgow. He published many volumes of poetry and several plays, including a dramatized version of Harriett Jay’s Queen of Connaught (see entry). In 1876, he published his first novel—The Shadow of the Sword. Many others followed. In 1874, he settled in Rosspoint, Co. Mayo, but left Ireland in 1877. Father Anthony was written during this time but wasn’t published until later. See the notice in D.N.B., and the Life, published in 1903, by Harriet Jay, his adopted daughter.

⸺ FATHER ANTHONY. (Long). 6s. Sixteen illustrations. Many editions. 1903. New edition, 6d. 1911.

Scene: a country village in the West of Ireland. Father Anthony is a young priest who has given up a worldly career for the sake of his brother, choosing instead to dedicate himself to God's less fortunate. He finds himself compelled, by the nature of his sacred role, to uphold the secret of the confessional even when a single word could save his brother from the hangman's noose. The emotional turmoil faced by the young priest is conveyed with powerful intensity and empathy. The other priest, Father John, represents the true, traditional parish priest—deeply connected to the community, cheerful, down-to-earth, and genuinely loved by those around him. The author, despite being different in faith and background, shares that he had a deep bond with and affection for both the priests and the people during his time in Ireland.

⸺ THE PEEP-O’-DAY BOY: A Romance of ’98. (Dicks). 6d. n.d.

A typical sensational story, not much better than a “shilling shocker,” featuring secret societies gathering in underground caves, kidnappings, informants, an absentee landlord, the Earl of Dromore, whose daughter is in love with the exiled owner, The O’Connormore, and so on. The three chapters about the uprising are from Cassell’s History of Ireland. The story hardly does justice to this Author.

BUCKLEY, William. Born in Cork and educated at St. Vincent’s Seminary and Queen’s College. His first literary work was published in Macmillan's Magazine. Lives in Dublin.

⸺ CROPPIES LIE DOWN. Pp. 511. (Duckworth). 6s. 1903.

Scene: Wexford, during the uprising. The Author strips away all romance and artistic flair, focusing instead on the brutal realities of the time with unflinching realism. Beyond its historical significance, the book is exciting as an adventure story. The tone is neutral, but it’s clear the writer intends for the events and scenes portrayed to support the Irish perspective. The New Ireland Review states that “it outlines the origin and progression of the Wexford insurrection with a level of accuracy that would impress a professional historian”; it also commends the Author’s “exceptional literary talent” and the “vivid reality of his characters.” “The English authorities (e.g., Castlereagh), Irish Protestants, and even government spies are given somewhat more than their due.” —(Baker, 2).

⸺ CAMBIA CARTY AND OTHER STORIES. Pp. 230. (Maunsel). 1s. 1907.

Close descriptions of the lower and middle classes in modern Youghal. In some places, this will be unpleasant reading for the people of Youghal. The portrayal of Cork snobbery is definitely unflattering to Cork residents, and overall, it feels disagreeable and grim.

BUGGE, Alexander, Professor at the University of Christiania, ed.

⸺ CATHREIM CELLACHAIN CAISIL: The Victorious Career of Cellachain of Cashel. Pp. xix. + 171. (Christiania). 1905.

The original Irish text from the Book of Lismore is presented in a scholarly format, along with an English translation, notes, and an index. There's an engaging introduction. It's a story about the conflicts between Cellachan and the Danes in the tenth century.

BULLOCK, Shan F. Born in County Fermanagh, 1865. He was the son of a Protestant landowner on Lough Erne. He passionately and truthfully portrays the area where the Protestant North meets the Catholic and mostly Irish-speaking West. Sometimes, there's an odd bleakness in his perspective that affects his popularity. However, his work is “extraordinarily sincere, and at times marked by a unique sadness and beauty.... He always writes with clear passion for the beauty of his country, and a somewhat poignant desire to embrace, in a sense, national ideals, of which one still sees him a bit doubtful.”—(Stephen Gwynn).

⸺ THE AWKWARD SQUADS. (Cassell). 5s. 1893.

The author’s first book has all the qualities that his later works are known for. It examines the people from his home country—the borders of Cavan and Fermanagh—their political beliefs, overall perspective, quirks, and shortcomings, as well as their unique dialect and ways of thinking. There are four stories in total: “The Title Story,” “The White Terror,” “A State Official,” and “One of the Unfortunates.”

⸺ BY THRASNA RIVER. Pp. 403. (Ward, Lock). 6s. Illustr. 1895.

The experiences of two boys on a farm in Ulster, where the Author sets most of his scenes. There are many smart portrayals of rural characters. The main character is an Englishman, a funny guy. The story of his failed romance with the “Poppy Charmer” is narrated by one of the boys we know as Jan Farmer. There's nothing inappropriate in the book. Chapter XXI, “Our Distressful Country,” is great reading.

⸺ RING O’ RUSHES. Pp. 195. (Ward, Lock). 1s. 6d. (Chi-town: Stone). 1.00. 1896.

A collection of eleven stories exploring different facets of Ulster life around Lough Erne. In “His Magnificence,” a wealthy peasant comes back to his hometown to flaunt his success. “Her Soger Boy” tells the tale of a mother’s naive deceit and her soldier son’s brutal revenge.—(Baker, 2).

[39]

⸺ THE BARRYS. Pp. 422. (Methuen). 1s. Full-sized cloth. 1899. (N.Y.: Doubleday). 1.25.

Book I is set on Innishrath, an island in Lough Erne. Frank Barry, visiting his uncle from London, betrays a peasant girl named Nan. In Book II, we find Nan in London. She learns about Frank’s betrayal, and so does Frank’s wife, bringing the consequences of his actions back to him. However, Nan finds comfort with her loyal lover, Ted. It’s a study in temperaments.

⸺ IRISH PASTORALS. Pp. 308. (Grant Richards). £6. (N.Y.: McClure). $1.50. 1901.

A collection of images—the Planters, the Turf-cutters, the Mowers, the Haymakers, the Reapers, the Diggers, etc.—offering an almost complete perspective on life among the rural communities in County Cavan. These images serve as the backdrop for country stories, whether humorous, touching, or tragic. In all of them, there's a sense of reality, a detailed accuracy that can only come from someone who has experienced the life they depict and has a deep personal connection with the people. The descriptions of natural landscapes, the weather, etc., are excellent.

⸺ THE SQUIREEN. Pp. 288. (Methuen). 1s. Cloth, full-sized. (N.Y.: McClure). 1.50. 1903.

A study of Ulster marriage customs. Jane Fallon is almost sold to the Squireen by her family, and after much resistance, she gives in and marries him. Tragic outcomes ensue. Most of the characters are Ulster Protestant farmers. “The Squireen” examines the old-fashioned fox-hunting gentleman-farmer type.

⸺ THE RED LEAGUERS. Pp. 315. (Methuen). £6. (N.Y.: Pratt). $0.75. 1904.

Scenes from an imagined rebellion in Ireland are presented as if narrated by a Protestant who has joined the rebels and leads the men of Armoy, a barony just north of the Woodford River (the Thrasna of the story), which flows into Lough Erne about two miles west of where the River Erne meets it. With England having nearly abandoned Ireland's garrison, most Protestants are either killed or captured, and the Irish Republic comes out on top. The country then descends into a reckless celebration filled with carefree joy and drunken partying. In "a handful of weeks," the "land is hungry, wasted, lawless, disorganized, an Ireland gone to ruin." The story concludes with the news of English troops arriving in Cork, Derry, and Dublin. The author does not write solely from the perspective of the dominant class, nor is he simply anti-Catholic or anti-Irish. He instead lacks faith in the wisdom and resilience of Irish character. He aims to depict the realities of the rebellion in their rawness, avoiding all romanticism. He manages to be strangely vivid and realistic with apparent ease. Among the Irish leaders, one is a coward and braggart, another is bloodthirsty, and all are selfish and vulgar. The heroes are on the opposing side.

N.B.—The setting of this story is also the backdrop for the Author’s other studies and sketches from the North of Ireland.

⸺ THE CUBS. Pp. 349. (Werner Laurie). 6s. 1906.

A story about life in an Irish school, noted by the Author's former classmates for its strong similarities to the Author's old school in Farra, near Mullingar. It's generally seen as somewhat autobiographical. It tells the tale of a deep friendship and also features some scenes from home life.

[40]

⸺ DAN THE DOLLAR. (Maunsel). 3s. 6d. [1906]. New edition. 1908.

A study of national identity and human nature that is sensitive, confident, and authentic. The entire exploration focuses on five characters. First, there’s the portrayal of the neglected farm owned by the easy-going Felix. His wife contrasts sharply with him in every way, yet they have a harmonious relationship. Then there’s Mary Troy, a Catholic girl living with them, a beautifully crafted character, and Felim, the dreamer. Suddenly, Dan enters their lives after years of tough, gritty work in the States, where he amassed his fortune. He brings his hard, practical American mindset to improve “this God-forsaken country,” with results that the reader will discover. There’s an extraordinary love story woven in, addressed with subtlety and a keen understanding of human nature. The narrative is filled with pathos and moral beauty.

⸺ MASTER JOHN. Pp. 281. (Werner, Laurie). 6shilling. 1909.

Master John is a powerful man who makes his way in the world and comes back wealthy to settle in Fermanagh. The place he buys is cursed, and strange things occur. The story is narrated by an old servant—now a driver—whose long-windedness and tendency to ramble are quite charming and entertaining.

⸺ HETTY: The Story of an Ulster Family. Pp. 322. (Laurie). 6s. 1911.

Basically, as the subtitle implies, it's a domestic story, focusing on character development as its main draw. Old Dell is likely the central figure, a reserved and silent Northern farmer who's traditional and deeply attached to his land, unwilling to give up his authority right up until the end. Then there’s the contrast between Hetty, who is quiet, shy, and peace-loving, and her headstrong, free-spirited younger sister Rhona, who is lively, sharp-tongued, and beautiful. Rhona’s arrival disrupts Hetty’s happiness and nearly brings tragedy to the family. It’s a slow-moving story, deeply rooted in reality. "Problems" are present in the background but aren’t overly detailed. There are occasional moments of humor, but a lot of genuine emotion as well.

BUNBURY, Selina. Daughter of Rev. Henry Bunbury. Born around 1804, likely in Kilsaran House, County Louth, and lived at Beaulieu. Her first work was published in 1821, and for fifty years she was a prolific author, with her last work appearing in 1870. After her parents passed away, she started traveling and visited every country in Europe except Turkey, documenting her adventures in numerous volumes. Her most successful work was Coombe Abbey: An Historical Tale of the Days of James 1st. (Curry, Dublin, 1843). She died in Cheltenham sometime in “the seventies,” and some of her works are still reprinted.

⸺ CABIN CONVERSATIONS AND CASTLE SCENES. Pp. 173. (Nisbet). One illustration 1827.

Period 1815, but public events are not addressed.

⸺ MY FOSTER BROTHER. Pp. 134. (Tims). [1827]. Second edition, 1833.

Alick, the foster brother of Mr. Redmond's son, leads the boy to faith with a Bible in hand. The boy dies with a sense of devotion.

⸺ THE ABBEY OF INNISMOYLE: A Tale of another Century. Pp. 336. (Curry). [1828]. Second edition, 1829. Engraved frontisp.

Consists mostly of the history of the Abbey from its founding in the twelfth century. The narrative is quite meandering and unclear. It casually brings in a “cold, ambitious plotting Jesuit” and criticizes the “monstrous creed of Jesuitism.” The Abbey is located in “a remote part of the north-western coast of Ireland.” We leave it under Protestant control.

[41]

⸺ TALES OF MY COUNTRY. Pp. 301. (Curry). 1833.

Viz. 1. “A visit to Clairville Park, and the Story of Rose Mulroon.” 2. “An Arrival at Moneyhaigue, and the Doctor’s Story of Eveleen O’Connor.” 3. “A Tale of Monan-a-gleena.” 4. “Six Weeks at the Rectory.” In 3, the Irish are portrayed as having a wicked desire for revenge. 4 is a lengthy lecture. 1 is a story from '98.

⸺ SIR GUY D’ESTERRE. Two Vols. (Routledge). 1858.

Sir Guy is a young soldier initially serving under Sir Philip Sidney and then under Essex. Before joining Essex, he goes to Ireland—“the most cursed land,” in his view—where he gets captured and taken to the Castle of the O’Connors. It’s here that he falls in love, and his troubles begin. Enemies plot against him. He gets thrown into the Tower but is freed by Essex and joins him in Ireland for his ill-fated campaign. The book features detailed and engaging portrayals of Elizabeth, Essex, Hugh O’Neill, and other historical figures. It’s a well-written and captivating historical novel that is not Nationalist, but rather fair and even sympathetic towards Ireland. There's no religious bias. Essex's meeting with O’Neill is detailed in V. II., p. 151.

Burke, Edmund.

⸺ A CLUSTER OF SHAMROCKS. Pp. 312. (Lynwood). 6s. 1912.

“Very enjoyable and relatable stories about simple life, Swiss, Breton, Norwegian, English, etc.; some of them are influenced by Hans Christian Andersen.” —(T. Lit. Suppl.). “Well-written short stories gathered from various sources, both local and European. There’s a sense of purity in them that makes them especially good for young readers.” —I.B.L. The author demonstrates his appreciation for flowers and nature in general. Press mentions refer to him as Mr. E. Burke from Liverpool, an M.A. from T.C.D.

BURKE, John.

⸺ CARRIGAHOLT: a Story from Eighty Years Ago. Pp. 77. (Hodges Figgis), 1s. 1885.

A story of Ireland (S.W.) in the early days of the 19th century. It depicts the easygoing, wasteful landlord, the local moneylender, the charming young ladies whose education has been “completed” in Belgium, the wealthy young men whose goals in life are sports and seeking the attention of the young ladies; and the reckless youth, who barely avoids being hanged for forgery.

BURROW, Charles Kennett.

⸺ PATRICIA OF THE HILLS. Pp. 330. (Lawrence & Bullen). 6s. 1902.

A love story set during the Famine years and the Young Ireland movement. The hero, who narrates the story, is clearly sympathetic to the latter, although no controversial topics are discussed. The characters (exceptionally well developed) are both archetypes and very real personalities. The location isn't specified. It's an interesting and unique tale. By the same author: The Lifted Shadow, The Way of the Wind, &c.

BURTON, J. Bloundelle.

⸺ THE LAND OF BONDAGE. (F. V. White). 6s. 1904.

Ireland and England in 1727; then the colony of Virginia, adventures with Native Americans, etc. The last pages take us to 1748.—(Nield).

BUTLER, A.

⸺ SHAMROCK LEAVES. (Sealy, Bryers). Pp. 84. 1s. 1886.

“The five stories are based—not on unreliable, secondhand information—but genuine facts.”—(Preface). “A warm Irish spirit flows through these Tales.”—Country.

[42]

BUTLER, Mary E. Mrs. O’Nowlan. Daughter of Peter Lambert Butler and granddaughter of William Butler from Bunnahow, Co. Clare. Educated privately and at Alexandra College, Dublin. Married (1907) the late Thomas O’Nowlan, who was a Professor of Classics and Irish at University College and Maynooth. Lives in Dublin.—(Cath. Who's Who).

⸺ A BUNDLE OF RUSHES. Pp. 150. (Sealy, Bryers). 1s. 1899.

A small collection of short stories, nicely written; Irish in style and poetic. It was well-received by the media and the public—(Press Notice). There are fifteen stories in total. Six are prose idyls inspired by ancient Celtic themes, while nine are lively modern sketches where he and she end up happily married.—(I.M.).

⸺ THE RING OF DAY. Pp. 360. (Hutchinson). 6s. 1906.

A romance focused on the ambitions of the Irish Ireland movement. It's highly idealized but filled with deep sincerity and conviction. The characters are archetypes and speak accordingly. Eoin, however, stands out as a strong personality.

BUTT, Isaac. Born in Glenfin, Co. Donegal, 1813. Son of Rev. Robert Butt, Rector of Stranorlar. Educated at the Royal School, Raphoe, and T.C.D. Helped to establish the Dublin Uni Magazine in 1833 and served as editor from 1834-38. Called to the Bar, he distinguished himself there. He opposed O'Connell and the Repeal movement. Defended Smith O’Brien in 1848 and the Fenian prisoners from 1865-9. Became a Home Ruler, practically founding the party in 1870, and worked tirelessly for it. Died in 1879. Wrote significant works on a variety of subjects, both Irish and others.

⸺ IRISH LIFE IN COURT AND CASTLE. Three Vols. (London). 1840.

Story of a young lawyer named Tarleton, who, while studying in London, forms a close friendship with Gerald MacCullagh (actually O’Donnell), who becomes a nationalist leader. Despite his intentions, Gerald watches the national movement become filled with violence and theft, leading to a nighttime attack (fully described) on Merton Castle, somewhere in County Clare. Tarleton, refusing to abandon his friend, is disowned by his father and moves into a boarding house in Dublin. There are vivid depictions of life in Dublin, with humorous quirks of a unique part of the upper classes accurately portrayed. The author shares his perspectives on various current issues and illustrates how the Bar was harmed by rampant corruption. While there are several incidents, they may not be enough to elevate the book from being boring.

⸺ THE GAP OF BARNESMORE. Three Volumes, each around 335 pages. (London). 1848.

“A tale of the Irish Highlands and the Revolution of 1688.” Appeared without the author's name. An attempt to portray, without favoritism, the events of the time and the bravery of both sides in the Williamite Wars. The entire issue between the colonists and the native Irish is thoroughly discussed in a conversation between Father Meehan, representing the latter, and Captain Spencer, representing the former. Every word of it resonates, just as it was intended to, in modern times.

⸺ CHAPTERS OF COLLEGE ROMANCE. Pp. 344. (London). 1863.

A reprint of stories that first appeared in the Trinity College Dublin Magazine, some of them dating back to 1834. The purpose and nature of these stories are well explained in the Preface:—“When I say that these pages are the romance of truth, I mean that they are true.... I’m sure that if I manage to simply show the reader the life and death of [43] many whom I remember as cheerful and carefree.... I will have done something to impress upon his mind the lesson, ‘remember thy Creator.’” He also tells us, “I was a resident of Alma Mater much longer than the average of her students.” Five stories, mostly tragic, namely I. “The Billiard Table” (the destructive effects of gambling). II. “Reading for Honours” (a heartbreaking story about the deadly consequences of jealousy). III. “The Mariner’s Son.” IV. “The Murdered Fellow; an incident of 1734.” V. “The Sizar,” “a story of a young heartbroken in the struggle for distinction.”

⸺ KIDS OF SADNESS.

An obituary in, I believe, the Irish Times calls this Butt’s first attempt at fiction, but the book isn’t in the British Museum Library, and I haven’t been able to locate it.

BUXTON, E. M. Wilmot-, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.

[BYRNE, E. J.]. Author of Without a God.

⸺ AN IRISH LOVER. Pp. 271. (Kegan Paul). 6s. 1914.

A melodrama filled with twists, murder, and narrow escapes, where the hero fights through incredible dangers posed by con artists, assassins, jealous rivals, and all the other characters typical of melodrama. The hero and heroine begin their story as peaceful youth in Tipperary from the small farmer class. Their parents are against the relationship, leading the hero to Dublin, where he gets mixed up with a gang of outlaws. The story then moves to America, only to return to Ireland for the wedding at the end. The Irish peasant back home is described with appreciation, focusing on their deep sense of faith.

Cecilia Mary Caddell, 1814-1877.

⸺ NELLIE NETTERVILLE; or, One of the Transplanted. (N.Y.: Catholic Publication Co.). 1878.

“A story of Ireland during the time of Cromwell.”

CALLWELL, J. M. Mrs. Callwell, a member of the renowned family, the Martins of Ross, Galway, often writes for Blackwood's Magazine and is the author of Old Irish Life, 1912.

⸺ A LITTLE IRISH GIRL. Pp. 240. (Blackie). 2s. 6d. Four great pictures by Harold Copping. (N.Y.: Pratt). 1.25. 1908.

Scene: West of Ireland. The experiences and adventures of a group of very real and “human” kids, especially the spirited, wild little heroine, and Manus, a typical English-raised schoolboy. Peasants are portrayed alongside the upper class, but with sympathy and understanding. No moralizing.

CAMPBELL, Frances. A woman from County Antrim.

⸺ LOVE, THE ATONEMENT. Pp. 345. (Digby, Long). 6s. Second edition. 1902.

A very charming and highly idealized little love story about marriage, with a serious life lesson lingering in the background the whole time. It begins—and ends—in an old noble mansion somewhere in the West of Ireland, but most of the story takes place in the vice-regal society of Australia. Two quirky Australian kids provide delightful moments.

[44]

CAMPBELL, J[Iain] F., from Islay.

⸺ POPULAR TALES OF THE WEST HIGHLANDS. Four Vols., containing a total of 131 + 1743 pages. (Paisley: Gardner). [1861]. New edition, a precise reprint of the first, 1890. Stylish binding.

Ranks among the world’s greatest collections of folklore. It's of great scientific value to folklorists, as each tale is presented “exactly as it was collected.” (Preface). Additionally, the table of contents includes the title of each story, the name of the storyteller and collector, along with the date and location of the telling. Most, if not all, of the stories are of Irish origin. The Gaelic text is provided alongside the translation. It features an exceptionally interesting Introduction—accessible, well-written, and packed with intriguing information.

CAMPBELL, J. F.

⸺ THE CELTIC DRAGON MYTH. Pp. li. + 172. (Edinburgh: Grant). 6s. net. Good illustrations in color by Miss R. A. Grant-Duff. 1911.

The author recorded the entire Celtic Dragon legend—possibly the most significant and widespread of myths, which serves as the foundation for the state myths of England, Russia, and Japan—in English, based on numerous oral sources available between 1862 and 1884. Additionally, this includes “The Geste of Fraoch and the Dragon” in Gaelic, with a translation by G. Henderson, a lecturer in Celtic at Glasgow University. It also features the Gaelic text of “The Three Ways” and “The Fisherman.” The introduction is 40 pages long, along with notes that are filled with Irish names, references, and incidents. The English translation is straightforward and enjoyable. The whole book is beautifully produced.

CAMPBELL, John Gregorson, from Tiree.

⸺ THE FIANS. Pp. xxxviii. + 292. (Nutt). 7s. 6d. net. One illustration by E. Griset. 1891.

Introduction by A. Nutt discusses the nature and history of Gaelic folk tales, theories about the Fenian cycle, and how the texts are classified. He also makes some interesting comments about their significance and meaning. His notes at the end mainly reference D’Arbois de Jubainville’s List of Irish Sources and Campbell of Islay’s Leabhar na Féinne. The book gathers a wealth of floating and incomplete oral traditions about the Fians. The sources are entirely oral, with many translators not knowing any English. Throughout most of the book, the collector shares what he heard, but he also includes many tales, poems, and ballads verbatim in Gaelic, along with English translations. Elements of nature myths, god myths, folk stories, and hero tales, both prose and poetry, are mixed together. Naturally, the quality varies widely. Some tales are extravagant and even silly. Many have become so corrupted in oral transmission that they are no longer understandable. Some are very old, while others are modern. A few are noble heroic legends in verse, but the literal prose translations make them somewhat unclear. Index.

CAMPION, Dr. J. T. Born in Kilkenny, 1814. Contributed a lot of poetry and some short stories to national publications, like The Nation, Irish Patriot, The Irish Criminal, Irish People, Shamrock, etc.

⸺ THE LAST STRUGGLES OF THE IRISH SEA SMUGGLERS. Pp. 119. (Glasgow: Cameron & Ferguson). 1869.

Scene: Wicklow coast, around Bray head, “about 50 years ago.” Conflicts between smugglers and government officials, featuring a romantic subplot and a moral lesson. It has the elements of a really good story, but it's excessively lengthy and presented in a style that's off-putting to modern readers.

[45]

⸺ MICHAEL DWYER, THE INSURGENT CAPTAIN. Pp. 128. (Gill). 1s. 6d. Really cheap paper and print. n.d.

A reprint of a book first published many years ago. It tells the story of the life, adventures, and death of a Wicklow outlaw from 1798-1805. The anecdotes are mostly shared as passed down among the Wicklow peasantry. They aren't organized in any specific order. Many of them are so amazing that they’re almost unbelievable, but most are generally well documented. The writing style is overly complex and dramatic to the point of being ridiculous.

CANNING, Hon. Albert S., D.L. for Counties Down and Derry. Born in 1832, he is the second son of the 1st Baron Garvagh. He lives in Rostrevor, Co. Down. He has published around thirty works, mainly focused on Scott, Macaulay, Dickens, and Shakespeare. He has also written religious works and two books about Ireland.

⸺ BALDEARG O’DONNELL: a Tale of 1690. Two Vols. (Marcus Ward). 1881.

This O’Donnell was briefly an independent, semi-guerilla leader on the Irish side. Later, after being promised a pension, he switched sides to the English. “He had the superficiality, the arrogance, the overconfidence, the lack of sincerity and patriotism that too many Irish leaders have”—(D’Alton: History of Ireland).

⸺ HEIR AND NO HEIR. Pp. 271. (Eden Remington). 5s. 1890.

The scene starts in Dalragh (Garvagh, Co. Derry), moves to London, and then back again. Time: the night before the outbreak of ’98. The people, with their sharply divided religious and political views, are well portrayed, and the northern accent and expressions are spot-on. Two priests, Father O’Connor and his assistant O’Mahony, one with loyalist beliefs and the other leaning towards the United Irishmen, are depicted in a natural and sympathetic way. The story is based on the well-known tale of George Canning’s disinheritance, the father of the Prime Minister, here referred to as Randolph Stratford, a likeable and popular troublemaker who gets easily influenced. It’s an enjoyable, engaging, and well-told story.

Cannon, Frances E.

⸺ IERNE O’NEAL. Pp. 446. (Whitcomb & Tombs). 3s. 6d. net. 1911.

A long, gentle, and enjoyable story about an Irish girl from a good family, beginning with her childhood with her grandfather in Ireland, continuing to her life in London society (which includes a brief stint as a factory worker) and her marriage.—(Times Literary Supplement).

“CARBERY, Ethna”; Anna Macmanus. Mrs. Macmanus, the wife of Seumas Macmanus, was formerly Miss Johnston. She was born in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, in 1866. Her untimely death in 1902 took away a genuinely charming person from her friends and deprived Ireland of one of its most promising poets. Her poems in The Four Winds of Erinn are filled with a deep passion for Ireland. A brief overview of her life can be found at the beginning of the volume just mentioned.

⸺ THE PASSIONATE HEARTS. Pp. 128. (Gill). 2s. 1903.

Studies of the heart, gentle, passionate, and profound, expressed in beautifully refined language. No one else has written, or likely ever will write, about pure love from the perspective of a simple peasant girl like this. These are prose poems, crafted with the same artistic precision as a sonnet. They are also rich with a love of nature, depicted in the valleys and coastlines of Donegal. They all carry an intense sadness, but without being morbid or pessimistic.

[46]

⸺ IN THE CELTIC PAST. Pp. 120. (Gill). 1904.

Contents: “The Sorrowing of Conal Cearnach”; “The Traveling Scholars;” “Pursuit of Diarmuid and Grainne;” “The Death of Diarmuid O’Dubhine;” “The Shearing of the Fairy Fleeces;” “How Oisin convinced Patric the Cleric,” etc. Told in elegant and poetic language.

Mrs. Stanley Carey.

⸺ GERALD MARSDALE: a Tale of the Penal Times. (N.Y.: Benziger). 1.50, 0.30, 0.63.

Sub-title:—or, “The Out-Quarters of St. Andrew’s Priory: a Tale of the reign of Queen Elizabeth.” This story was announced for serial publication in Duffy’s Hibernian Magazine, 1861, and ran through the Vols. for 1862-63 under its sub-title.

CARLETON, William. Born in Prillisk, Clogher, Co. Tyrone, 1794. His father, a tenant farmer supporting fourteen children on the same number of acres, was known for his remarkable memory and had a deep knowledge of Irish folklore. The family spoke both Irish and English. Carleton mainly received his education at hedge schools and a small classical school in Donagh (Co. Monaghan). Around 1814, Carleton went on the Lough Derg Pilgrimage, which he later wrote about in a story with the same title for the Christian Examiner. During this time, he seems to have gradually lost his faith and became a Protestant, but for most of his life, he was indifferent to all forms of religion. After going through many ups and downs, he moved to Dublin, where he faced a variety of tough experiences while trying to make a living. He wrote for the Christian Examiner, the Family Magazine, the Trinity College Dublin Magazine, etc. He also contributed to the Country, although, as Mr. O’Donoghue noted, “Carleton was never a Nationalist and was quite incapable of adopting the principles of the Young Irelanders.” The Nationalist pieces he wrote were motivated by the need to earn a living. Despite being well-known long before his death, he never escaped financial problems. Died 1869. See D. J. O’Donoghue’s Life of Carleton, two vols., which includes Carleton’s Autobiography.

⸺ AMUSING IRISH TALES. Two Series in One. Fourth edition. 256 pages. (Published 5.).

Not to be confused with Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry by the same author. This is a completely different book. It includes:—“Buckram Back, the Country Dancing Master”; “Mary Murray, the Irish Matchmaker”; “Bob Pentland, the Irish Smuggler”; “Tom Gressley, the Irish Sennachie”; “Barney M’Haigney, the Irish Prophecy Man,” and ten others.

⸺ ANNE COSGRAVE.

“A strong effort to showcase the customs and traditions, and especially the religious sentiments, of the Ulster people. Some chapters are very lively, and Carleton’s unique humor is definitely present.”—(O’Donoghue).

⸺ FATHER BUTLER AND THE LOUGH DERG PILGRIM: Sketches of Irish Manners. Pp. 302. (Curry). 1829.

Published anonymously. Two of Carleton’s most aggressively anti-Catholic writings. The second one, in particular, includes passages that are considered blasphemous by Catholics.

⸺ THE POOR SCHOLAR; and other Tales. Pp. 252. (Duffy). 1s. Still available. [1830].

Selections featuring some of Carleton’s best work, free from religious and political bitterness. The Poor Scholar is full of human interest.[47] Carleton powerfully engages all our best emotions. His depiction of deep and tender family bonds is particularly moving (he was a caring father himself). The portrayals of the hedge-schoolmaster’s brutality and the days of the plague are vivid. In this story, he clearly sides with the peasant. This little volume also includes eight other stories, mostly humorous, all of which are excellent.

— Stories of Ireland. [1834].

Contains: “The Death of a Devotee;” “The Priest’s Funeral;” “Lachlin Murray and the Blessed Candle;” “Neal Malone;” “The Dream of a Broken Heart,” &c. This last has been described as one of the purest and noblest stories in our literature; but the rest are among Carleton’s weaker efforts and are full of blatant bigotry.

⸺ FARDOROUGHA THE MISER. Pp. 280. (Downey). [1839]. n.d. (N.Y.: Haverty). 0.50.

Prefaces by the Author and by D. J. O’Donoghue. A powerful novel, full of strong character exploration, and deep, tragic emotions, balanced by humorous moments. Carleton tells us that all the characters except one are based on people he knows well. The original of the miser’s wife, a perfect example of the Catholic Irish mother, was his own mother. Una O’Brien is one of the most beautiful of Carleton’s heroines. Honor O’Donovan is almost as admirable. The mental struggles of the miser, torn between his love for his son and his love for money, are portrayed beautifully.

⸺ THE FAWN OF SPRINGVALE; THE CLARIONET, AND OTHER TALES. Two Vols. 1841.

⸺ PADDY GO EASY AND HIS WIFE NANCY. (Duffy), 1s. [1845]. Still reprinted.

Racy portrayal of a humorous, easygoing, but lazy, careless, and useless Irishman, depicted with a lot of humor and the accuracy of a sharp observer. However, the book gives readers the ridiculous impression that this character represents the average peasant. The story is a model for the well-known Adventures of Mick M’Quaid. The original title of this book was Parra Sastha.

⸺ VALENTINE M’CLUTCHY. (Duffy). 2s. [1845]. Many editions since. Continues to be reprinted. (N.Y.: Sadleir). 1.50.

A detailed study of the character and career of an Irish land agent of the worst kind. It puts the reader on close terms with the prejudices, feelings, goals, and behaviors of the Orangemen of the time, and sharply criticizes them. It offers vivid depictions of both Anglican and Dissenting conversion efforts. Written from a strongly national and even Catholic perspective. Contains several remarkable character sketches. There’s Solomon M’Slime, “the religious attorney,” self-righteous, preachy, and hypocritical; Darby O’Drive, M’Clutchy’s violent bailiff, a former Papist; the Rev. Mr. Lucre, a highly regarded absentee clergyman of the Establishment, and a passionate converter; and the old priest, Father Roche, portrayed with great sympathy. The bias throughout is very strong and clear. There are some absurdly uproarious scenes, but there are also powerful moments of tragedy. “Nothing in literature,” says Mr. O’Donoghue, “could be more terrible than some of the scenes in this book.” He describes it as “one of Carleton’s most astounding works.” Of the book overall, Mr. Krans says: “It is one of the most audacious portrayals of Irish country life ever created.” And Mr. G. Barnett Smith refers to the eviction scene as “unmatched in its sadness and emotional depth.”

[48]

⸺ RODY THE ROVER. (Duffy). 1s. [1845]. Still in print.

Study of the origin of Ribbonism, and its effects on the countryside. The hero is an envoy of the Society. The Society is depicted as being organized and operated by a group of self-serving tricksters who misled the peasants with promises of addressing their complaints, while they were actually pursuing their own interests and were often being paid by the Castle at the same time. The government’s spy system is condemned.

⸺ DENIS O’SHAUGHNESSY GOING TO MAYNOOTH. Pp. 200. (Routledge). 1845. Illustrated by W. H. Brooke.

⸺ ART MAGUIRE. (Duffy). 1s. [1847]. Still being reprinted. (N.Y.: Sadleir). 0.15.

The story of a man destroyed by alcohol. Traditional and clearly written with a specific goal, yet brought to life with moments of humor and emotion, crafted in Carleton’s finest style. It is dedicated in very praising words to Father Theobald Mathew and is flawless from a Catholic perspective. There’s also a fascinating depiction of one of Father Mathew’s gatherings. Father Mathew himself valued the book highly.

⸺ THE BLACK PROPHET. Pp. 408. (Lawrence & Bullen). [1847]. Introd. by D. J. O’Donoghue, and Illustr. by J. B. Yeats. 1899. (N.Y.: Sadleir). 1.50.

The story revolves around a murder mystery set in a rural area, but it weaves together many different storylines. The backdrop features the Famine and the typhus epidemic of 1817, depicted with shocking intensity and realism. The Author was a witness to these events and insists that he hasn’t exaggerated any of the horrors. Throughout the narrative, there are moments of genuine and heartbreaking emotion, contrasted with the humorous interactions between Jemmy Branigan and his boss, the middleman, Dick o’ the Grange. Various unique characters from that time appear, including Skinadre the miser and Donnell Dhu the Prophet. There isn’t a single word in the book that could offend Catholic or national sentiments.

⸺ THE EMIGRANTS OF AHADARRA. [1847]. (Routledge). $1. (N.Y.: Sadleir). $1.50.

A story about rural life that beautifully and poignantly captures the sorrow of emigration. The book is primarily a love story and doesn't have a moral lesson. It features one of Carleton’s most beautiful portrayals of an Irish peasant girl. The tension between her love and her strong, uncompromising dedication to her faith is skillfully portrayed. O’Finigan, with his slightly tipsy and grand way of speaking, is also well done. A warm spirit runs throughout the book, and it's mostly free from the poor taste, coarseness, and bitterness that can sometimes appear in Carleton's work.

⸺ THE TITHE-PROCTOR. (Belfast: Simms & M’Intyre). [1849].

Founded on true events, the murder of the Bolands represents a terrible agrarian crime. It’s written with a fierce resentment towards his fellow countrymen. D. J. O’Donoghue describes this book as “a vicious picture of the worst passions of the people, a bitter portrayal of the rightful struggle of the peasantry against tithes, and some of the most despicable types of the race are depicted to evoke disdain, not as rare instances of villainy, but as examples of humanity that are quite commonly encountered.” However, there are compelling characters and impactful scenes. Among the former are Mogue Moylan, the Cannie Soogah, Dare-devil O’Driscoll, Buck English, and the Proctor himself. The latter, despised by the people, is portrayed in a negative light. “As a study of villainy,” Mr. O’Donoghue states, “the book is convincing. There is one moving and beautiful scene—where the priest secretly brings a sack of oats to the starving Protestant minister and his family.” “As a study of Irish life,” Mr. O’Donoghue adds, “even during the anti-tithe war period, it distorts facts and presents a grotesque collection of melodramatic horrors.”

[49]

⸺ JANE SINCLAIR; or, The Fawn of Springvale. [1849].

A sad tale about middle-class life, featuring many realistic details, but filled with a sentiment that seems a bit forced and somewhat bland by today’s standards. It includes a very praiseworthy depiction of a nonconformist minister, John Sinclair—Calvinistic, instructive, yet warm-hearted and genuinely charitable.

⸺ TALES AND SKETCHES OF IRISH LIFE AND CHARACTER. (Dublin). Illustrations by Phiz. 1845. This is the original 1s. edition of the following and Amusing Irish Tales, before.

⸺ TALES AND SKETCHES OF THE IRISH PEASANTRY. 1851.

Is as good as the Traits, and also has very little that is problematic.

⸺ THE SQUANDERS OF CASTLE SQUANDER. [1852]. Two Vols. Pp. 326 + 311. Illustr.

An attempt to depict the life of the gentry, a task for which Carleton wasn’t really suited. “At a quick glance,” says Mr. O’Donoghue, “it reminds one of Lever, but it's far below any of that writer's works. It's filled with bitterness and anger, making it painful and frustrating to read: the best thing you can say about it is that there are a few pages here and there that reflect the Author’s better self. The latter part of the book is a bitter political argument.” There’s a funny story about a prank pulled on a gauger.

⸺ WILLY REILLY AND HIS DEAR COLLEEN BAWN. (Duffy). 2s. [1855]. 1908.

Introduction by E. A. Baker, M.A., LL.D., who included this in his series, “Half-Forgotten Books.” (Routledge). 2s. 1904. The most popular of Carleton’s works, having gone through over fifty large editions. A fun, engaging romantic melodrama, based on the well-known ballad, “Now rise up, Willy Reilly,” which talks about an event from the Penal days, c. 1745-52. It is mostly free from political and religious bias, but is significantly less impressive than his earlier works.

⸺ THE BLACK BARONET. Pp. 476, close print. (Duffy). 2s. [1856]. Still being reprinted.

A tragedy set in upper-class society. The main focus is on the complex plot, which is quite melodramatic. There's minimal effort to accurately depict the society the book talks about, and there's little character development. The tragedy is offset by humorous scenes of peasant life. In the Preface, the Author shares that the events in the story actually took place. It includes a moving portrayal of an evicted tenant who leaves the home where his wife has passed and his children are sick to try to survive through a life of crime. “There is nothing,” says G. Barnett Smith in The 19th Century (Author of notice of C. in D.N.B.), “more dramatic in the whole of Carleton’s works than the closing scene of this novel.” And he rates it very highly.

⸺ THE EVIL EYE; or, the Black Spectre. (Duffy). 2s. [1860]. Still reprinted.

“Probably the weakest of his works.” Awfully close to being ridiculous in style and plot.

⸺ REDMOND O’HANLON. Pp. 199. 16mo. (Duffy). 1s. [1862]. Still being reprinted.

The adventures of a bold bandit. A great subject poorly handled. From a national perspective, the book isn’t motivating. The plot is minimal, mainly featuring O'Hanlon rescuing a kidnapped girl. The moral tone is positive. An appendix (32 pages) by T. C. Luby provides the historical facts related to the hero.

[50]

⸺ THE RED-HAIRED MAN’S WIFE. Pp. viii. + 274. (Sealy, Bryers). 1889.

Exploits of one Leeam O’Connor, a notorious "lady-killer." One of the main characters, Hugh O’Donnell, is involved in the Fenian movement. Father Moran and Rev. Mr. Bayley, the priest and the rector, close friends, are well depicted. There are glimpses of Carleton’s earlier talents throughout. Mr. O’Donoghue (Life of Carleton, ii., p. 321) mentions that part of the original manuscript was lost in a fire, and that the missing sections were filled in after Carleton’s death by a Mr. MacDermott and first published in the Carlow College Newsletter (1870), then later in book form as mentioned above.

⸺ TRAITS AND STORIES OF THE IRISH PEASANTRY. Many editions, e.g. (Routledge). One Vol. 3s. 6d. N.Y.: (Dutton). 1.50.

Perhaps the best edition is the one edited in four volumes, 3s. 6d. each, by D. J. O’Donoghue, published in 1896 by Dent. Its special features are: attractive binding, print, and overall design; reproduction of the original illustrations by Phiz; portraits of Carleton; inclusion of Carleton’s Introduction; biography and critical introduction by the Editor. The original edition was first published between 1830-33. Contents: (1) “Ned M’Keown;” (2) “Three Tasks;” (3) “Shane Fadh’s Wedding;” (4) “Larry M’Farland’s Wake;” (5) “The Station;” (6) “An Essay on Irish Swearing;” (7) “The Battle of the Factions;” (8) “The Midnight Mass;” (9) “The Party Fight and Funeral;” (10) “The Hedge School;” (11) “The Lough Derg Pilgrim;” (12) “The Donagh, or the Horse Stealers;” (13) “Phil Purcel, the Pig Driver;” (14) “The Leanhan Shee;” (15) “The Geography of an Irish Oath;” (16) “The Poor Scholar;” (17) “Wildgoose Lodge;” (18) “Tubber Derg;” (19) “Dennis O’Shaughnessy going to Maynooth;” (20) “Phelim O’Toole’s Courtship;” (21) “Neal Malone.”

This work provides the most complete and authentic view ever offered of peasant life in the early part of the last century. It's particularly interesting because it portrays an Ireland that is completely different from today’s Ireland, a situation that has long disappeared. Referring to the Traits, Mr. D. J. O’Donoghue states that, “overall, nothing in Irish literature comes close to them for completeness, variety, character portrayal, humor, pathos, and dramatic power.” Most Irish people would agree with him. There’s no doubt about the lifelike reality of his peasants. However, we need to consider his fairness and impartiality. In the 1854 edition, he included an introduction where he expresses his aim “to help eliminate many absurd prejudices ... against his fellow countrymen,” especially the idea of the “stage Irishman.” He goes on to defend and praise the national character, which aligns with national sentiment. Still, many of the stories were originally written for a fiercely anti-national and anti-Catholic publication. As a result, some of the Traits were tainted by offensive remarks, some of which the author later regretted. He often shows bitterness toward the religion he left behind. He never treated the Catholic clergy fairly, and in some of the Traits, he ridicules them, for example, in “The Station.” Yet in other stories, like “The Poor Scholar,” Catholic themes are handled appropriately. In 1845, Thomas Davis wrote a very positive article about Carleton for the Country. The illustrations by Phiz are quite clever, but many of them are just caricatures of the Irish peasantry.

⸺ STORIES FROM CARLETON, with an Introduction by W. B. Yeats. Pp. xvii. + 302. (Walter Scott), 1s. n.d.

Contains: “The Poor Scholar;” “Tubber Derg;” “Wildgoose Lodge;” “Shane Fadh’s Wedding;” “The Hedge School.” Mr. Yeats says of Carleton: “He is the greatest novelist of Ireland, by right of the most Celtic eyes that ever gazed from under the brows of a storyteller.”

[51]

CARMICHAEL, Alexander.

⸺ DEIRDRE AND THE LAY OF THE CHILDREN OF UISNE. Pp. 146. (Gill, &c.). 1905.

Orally collected in 1867 from the recounting of John MacNeill (aged 83), from the Island of Barra. Scottish Gaelic and English on opposite pages. Differs from the typical Irish version in many details.

Rev. P. J. Carroll

⸺ ROUND ABOUT HOME: Irish Scenes and Memories. Pp. 234. (U.S.A.: Notre Dame, Ind.). $1. 1915.

Idylls of Irish country life (West Limerick), told simply and sincerely in language full of emotion and often beautiful. Memory has likely created a golden glow over the scenes and characters, idealizing them a bit, but they feel very real nonetheless. Most of them are written as stories and are shared with enthusiasm. Some are quite sad, but that sadness is softened by the warm, friendly spirit of the storyteller. The writer definitely shares a deep connection with the people. Many unique characters (Micky the Fenian, the bell-man, Mad Matt the tramp, the polite beggar, the believer in ghosts, etc.) are portrayed in these sketches. “There is not one of the twenty-six sketches that isn’t, in its own way, a masterpiece.”—(C.B.N.).

CASEY, W. F.

⸺ ZOE: a Portrait. Pp. 376. (Herbert & Daniel). 6s. 1911.

A study of a really unpleasant girl from Dublin, a chronic flirt in society. The story mainly focuses on how she treats her different suitors, including a loveless marriage she enters with one of them just to get back at another. There are also some insightful character studies, like Major Delaney, Barry Conway, and Maurice Daly. Some of these are probably drawn from real life. Additionally, there’s a smart and accurate depiction of the Dublin middle class, complete with its golf, bridge games, and theaters. The author has written successful plays for the Abbey Theatre.—(Press Notices).

CASSIDY, Patrick Sarsfield.

⸺ GLENVEAGH; or, The Victims of Vengeance. (Boston). 1870.

First appeared in the Boston Guide; later released in book form. The author was born in Dunkineely, Co. Donegal, in 1852. Around 1869, he moved to America, where he became a journalist. This work discusses the famous Glenveagh trials, which stemmed from issues between landlords and tenants, and the author attended these trials during his childhood. He also wrote The Borrowed Bride: a Fairy Love Legend of Donegal. Pp. 255. (N.Y.: Holt). 1892. It’s a lengthy narrative in verse.

Rev. Thomas Cawley

⸺ AN IRISH PARISH, ITS SUNSHINE AND SHADOWS. Pp. 189. (Boston: Angel Guardian Press). 1911.

Stories collected from magazines where they first appeared (“Irish Rosary,” “C.Y.M.,” “Irish Packet”). They provide insightful and skillfully crafted portrayals, with a good dose of humor about local celebrities and their political lives. It pokes fun at the murky aspects of local politics and shows the damage caused by alcohol. However, the moral isn’t too pushy. Father Cawley is a curate in Galway City.

⸺ LEADING LIGHTS ALL: a Controversial Volume. Pp. 129. (Galway: The Connaught Tribune). 6d. 1913.

Reprinted from “An Irish Parish,” see above.

[52]

[CHAIGNEAU, William].

⸺ THE HISTORY OF JACK CONNOR. Two Vols. 12mo. (Dublin). Plates. [1751]. Fourth edition. 1766.

Dedicated to Lord Holland (then Henry Fox). A series of adventures of Jack Connor, also known as Conyers. Born in 1720, he was the son of a Williamite soldier. Although pretending to support morality, the writer goes into detail about an extensive series of scandalous adventures in Dublin, London, Paris, and more, involving the hero. The gaps between these adventures are filled with discussions on various topics, like the plans of well-meaning landlords, etc. A humorous tone is maintained throughout. There’s no actual depiction of contemporary manners or politics. The foreword to this edition indicates that the previous edition included even more objectionable content. It reflects fairly accurately the average Protestant's views on priests and “popery” at that time.

CHARLES, Mrs. Rundle.

⸺ ATTILA AND HIS CONQUERORS. Pp. 327. (S.P.C.K.). £2.

Episodes of the Huns invading and their interactions with Christianity, mainly through St. Leo, whose writings provide much of the content. Two young Irish converts of St. Patrick are captured by British pirates. The tale recounts their adventures on the continent. St. Patrick’s historical letter to Coroticus is included. The narrative is somewhat in the typical Sunday School style, clearly meant only for imparting moral lessons. It has no specific denominational bias.

Louey Chisholm.

⸺ CELTIC TALES. Pp. 113. 12mo. (Jack). 1s. 6d. (N.Y.: Dutton). Eight colored pictures by K. Cameron. [1905]. 1911, &c.

In the “Told to the Children” series. Three stories:—“The Star-eyed Deirdre,” “The Four White Swans,” “Dermat and Grauna.” Fairly well written.

CHRISTINA, Sister M., originally from Youghal, is currently a member of the Community of Loreto Convent in Fermoy, County Cork. Her only published book so far is the one mentioned below, but she has also written serials in both French and English for various magazines, including “Kilvara,” “The Forbidden Flame,” “A Modern Cinderella,” “Sir Rupert’s Wife,” “A Steel King” (all with Irish themes), “Yolanda,” “A Royal Exile,” “Une gerbe de lis,” and “Mis à l’épreuve.” She is passionate about promoting literature that is genuinely Irish yet maintains a Catholic spirit.

⸺ LORD CLANDONNELL. Pp. 166. (Washbourne). 2s. 1914.

An clever and devout little story, well-written, filled with events (secret marriage, lost documents, rightful heir returned in an amazing way), and a range of characters. The setting moves between Donegal, Italy, America, and Rostrevor. The Clandonnell family, despite the narrow-minded old Lord, is welcomed back into the Catholic Church.—(I.B.L. and C.B.N.).

CHURCH, Samuel Harden.

⸺ JOHN MARMADUKE. (Putnam). 6s. 0.50. [1889]. Fifth edition, 1898.

Opens in 1649 at Arklow. Captain M., who narrates the story, is an officer under the Cromwellian General Ireton. It wraps up shortly after the massacre at Drogheda. The author mentions in his Oliver Cromwell, a History (p. 487): “He (Cromwell) had put down a bloody rebellion in Ireland and turned the chaotic lives of those people into industry and peace.” In other places, he talks about Cromwell’s “pure patriotism, his dedication to duty, his public wisdom, and his efforts to find the right path in every challenge.” The novel is written in the same spirit as the history, serving as a tribute to Cromwell. It is filled with[53] battles, sieges, and thrilling adventures. The author reveals that he “went to Ireland, retraced the steps of the Cromwell Invasion, and devoted time to studying the country’s language and literature” (Pref.). It has an anti-Catholic tone.

CLARK, Jackson C.

⸺ KNOCKINSCREEN DAYS. Pp. 308. (Methuen). 6s. Illustr. 1913.

Episodes in a village by Lough Neagh that are filled with broad comedy, featuring Mr. Peter Carmichael, a young squire looking for fun, and his reckless yet clever friend Billy Devine as the main characters. The story tells how they managed to beat the Nationalist candidate for the dispensary and how two members of the police arrested the County Inspector for drinking on a Sunday. The local details and dialect are spot on, and the local characters are well developed.

CLARKE, Mrs. Charles M.; “Miriam Drake.”

⸺ STRONG AS DEATH. Pp. 538. (Aberdeen: Moran). 6s.

The setting is in Ulster: the characters are Irish Presbyterians. The author supports the rebels, but she fairly represents the men on the loyalist side. The book features many exciting adventures, but is far from being just sensationalism (Publ.).

CLERY, Arthur E.; “A. Synan.” Born in Dublin, 1879. Educated at Clongowes Wood College and the Catholic University School. Professor of Law at University College, N.U.I., since 1910. Author of The Idea of a Nation and several books on law. Common pen name “Chanel.”

⸺ THE COMING OF THE KING: a Jacobite Romance. Pp. 143. (C.T.S. of Ireland). 1s. Nice binding. 1909.

Deals with a fictional landing of James II to lead a rebellion in Ireland. Scene: first on the shores of Bantry Bay, then in Celbridge. A plan to take Dublin Castle, where the King is supported by Swift, falls apart due to divisions caused by sectarian hatred. A fast-paced story filled with many exciting moments. While it doesn’t provide an in-depth portrayal of the era, countless small details demonstrate the Author’s deep knowledge of the history and literature of the time. The writing style is enjoyable, and the conversations rarely feel too modern in tone.

COATES, H. J.

⸺ THE WEIRD WOMAN OF THE WRAAGH; or, Burton and Le Moore. Four Vols. Pp. 1224. (London: Newman). 1830.

Wild adventures in 1783 sqq. The Wraagh is a cave near Baltinglass. The scene often shifts from one part of Ireland to another—Cork, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Cashel (historical sketch included), etc. There are kidnappings, narrow escapes from robbers, a duel, and a love story between Walter (whose identity remains a mystery) and Lena Fitzgerald, culminating in their marriage. Several longer stories are woven in here and there. The tone is quite patriotic. Overall, it's well-written.

⸺ LUCIUS CAREY; or, The Mysterious Woman of Mora’s Dell. Four Vols. Pp. 1007. (London: Newman). 1831.

Dedicated to O’Connell. Lucius travels to England with his supporters, fights for the Royalists, and eventually returns to Ireland. Loyalties: Royalist and Irish. However, most of the noble characters are English, while some of the Irish characters come off as mere clowns. The book is rich in astrology. It contains some intriguing references to Irish heroic legends.

[54]

⸺ THE WATER QUEEN; or, The Mermaid of Loch Lene, and other Tales. Three Vols. (London: Newman). 1832.

A very romantic story set in Killarney during the time of Elizabeth's wars with Hugh O’Neill. Sir Bertram Fitzroy, a brave young Englishman, arrives with Essex and is sent down to Killarney. He befriends the Irish and falls in love with the “Mermaid” Eva, a young woman who adopted this disguise for her safety. She inspires him to love Ireland. They are kept apart by the schemes of the villain O’Fergus, the standard bearer for O’Neill. However, after a powerful dramatic scene where O’Fergus is killed, they reunite. There are many adventures and a lot of fighting. Killarney is well described. It shows sympathy for Ireland. There is no religious bias.

COGAN, J. J.

⸺ OLD IRISH HEARTS AND HOMES: A Romance of Real Life. Pp. 271. (Melbourne: Linehan). 3s. [n.d.]. New edition, 1908.

A collection of stories, slightly idealized by memory, from the history of an Irish Catholic family in the upper-class farming community. While it may lack literary finesse, it compensates with its clear authenticity and inherent interest in the portrayals. Old de Prendergast is skillfully depicted. It highlights how deeply religious many of these families in Ireland are. A poignant little love story between two kids weaves through the book. Setting: Dublin (the election of an Alderman is well depicted) and West Wicklow.

COLLINS, William. (1838-1890). A guy from Tyrone who moved to Canada and the U.S.

⸺ DALARADIA. (N.Y.: Kenedy). 36 cents net.

“A story from the days of King Milcho,” during the time of St. Patrick.

COLTHURST, Miss E. "A Cork woman with notable poetic talent. She also wrote some prose works, including The Irish Scripture Reader, The Little Ones of Innisfail, and others. Most of her works were published anonymously. She was involved with Rev. E. Nangle’s mission to Achill” (D. J. O’Donoghue, Poets of Ireland).

⸺ THE IRISH SCRIPTURE READER.

⸺ IRRELAGH: or, The Last of the Chiefs. Pp. 448. (London: Houlston & Stoneman). 1849.

Dedication dated from Danesfort, Killarney. Scene: Killarney. Time: towards the end of the 17th century, but there are no references to historical events, and the tone and atmosphere feel quite modern. A Waldensian pastor comes to live with the O’Donoghue family, converting them and some neighboring chieftain families. A lot of Protestant teachings are introduced; Catholic beliefs (e.g., the Rosary, p. 49) are mentioned with strong disapproval. There's a bit of a love story and some vague descriptions of the scenery. The writing style is somewhat heavy.

⸺ THE LITTLE ONES OF INNISFAIL.

COLUM, Padraic. Born in Longford, 1881. He has published several plays that have been successfully performed at the Abbey Theatre and other venues; a collection of poetry; and a fascinating social study of Ireland, My Irish Year.

⸺ A BOY IN EIRINN. Pp. 255. (N.Y.: Dutton). Frontispiece in color and four illustrations by Jack B. Yeats. 1913. New edition (Dent), 1915.

Third volume in the “Little Schoolmate Series.” The adventures of a peasant boy, Finn O’Donnell, as he navigates life in the Midlands and travels to Dublin through Tara during the Land War. Charming illustrations depict the world through the curious eyes of a child. Finn learns about Irish legends and history from stories shared by his grandfather, a priest, and others. The imagery of life in Ireland is what you would expect from the author of My Irish Year—a vivid yet straightforward portrayal of reality. This boy is not idealized; he is very realistic and relatable. The author does not "talk down" to children.

N.B.—In this case, the reader should definitely take the book before the Preface, which is written by the general editor of the series.

CONCANNON, Mrs., née Helena Walsh. Born in Maghera, Co. Derry, 1878. Educated there and at Loreto College, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin; also in Berlin, Rome, and Paris. M.A. (R.U.I.) with Honors in Modern Literature. Besides the story mentioned below, she has published A Garden of Girls (Educational Co. of Ireland) and is about to release a biography of St. Columbanus, which won a prize from Dr. Shahan of the Catholic University of America, beating out notable competitors. She has contributed to Catholic magazines. She lives in Galway. Her husband is prominently involved with the Gaelic League, and she herself can read and speak Irish.

⸺ THE SORROW OF LYCADOON. 12mo. Pp. 150. (C.T.S.I.: Iona Series), 1s. 1912.

Story of the life and martyrdom (1584) of Dermot O’Hurley and the first Jesuit mission to Ireland. The author has an exceptional "historic imagination." The events and details are firmly rooted in historical facts, but the scholarly elements never overwhelm the reader. The characters feel real, and the narrative has its own poignant human interest. It’s written with a lot of charm.

CONDON, John A., O.S.A. Born in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, in 1867. Educated locally at the Augustinian Seminary and at Castleknock College. Became an Augustinian in 1883. He has studied in Rome and traveled in the U.S.A. and Canada. He has lived in various parts of Ireland—New Ross, Cork, and Dublin. He has held positions of special trust in his Order.

⸺ THE CRACKLING OF THORNS. Pp. 175. (Gill). 3s. 6d. Six Illustr. by M. Power O’Malley. 1915.

Ten stories of different kinds. Most of them are like those found in high-end magazines and are very current in theme and style, but here and there, you find genuine slices of real life captured with sincere emotion. Several are Irish-American, focusing on the pain and struggles of emigration. The last one, “By the Way,” features Sergeant Maguire, R.I.C., sharing stories that are filled with authentic Irish humor (the dialect is spot on) and showcases great storytelling.

CONYERS, Dorothea. Born 1871. Daughter of Colonel J. Blood Smyth, Fedamore, Co. Limerick. She has published, in addition to the works mentioned here, Recollections of Sport in Ireland. She lives near Limerick. It's fair to say that her books are generally humorous, lively stories about Irish sport, packed with incidents, and they show a keen understanding of personalities and character types. Her dramatis personæ include hunters, garrison officers, horse dealers, and the local farmers, all viewed from their perspectives.

⸺ THE THORN BIT. Pp. 332. (Hutchinson). 6s. 1900.

An earlier attempt, when the Author's skills were still emerging. Life in a small-town community, days spent with the hounds, and witty scenarios.

[56]

⸺ PETER’S PEDIGREE. Pp. 326. (Arnold). 6s. 1904.

Perhaps the best of the bunch. Hunting, selling horses, and romantic adventures in Co. Cork.

⸺ AUNT JANE AND UNCLE JAMES. Pp. 342. (Hutchinson). £6. 1908.

A follow-up to the last, featuring the same vivid descriptions of “runs” and “deals.” A murder trial becomes part of the story.

⸺ THE BOY, SOME HORSES, AND A GIRL. Pp. 307. (Arnold). 6s. 1908.

Of the same kind as the last and hardly any less valuable. Irish farmers and workers are portrayed with both accuracy and humor. Filled with amazing hunts and enjoyable hunting characters.

⸺ THREE GIRLS AND A HERMIT. Pp. 328. (Hutchinson). 6s. 1908.

Life in a small military town. Lots of amusing situations.

⸺ THE CONVERSION OF CON CREGAN. Pp. 327. (Hutchinson). 6s. 1909.

Thirteen stories that mostly focus on horses and hunting. They're filled with clever humor and gentle wit. They demonstrate a solid understanding of Irish life and character, as well as insight into class relations. One of the stories stands alone as a complete novel.

⸺ THE STRAYINGS OF SANDY. Pp. 362. (Hutchinson). 6s. and 1s. 1909.

The outside view of Irish country life from the perspective of a London businessman on vacation. An exploration of Irish character mostly through sporty individuals—poor, friendly, and extravagant—compared to the Englishman, who is rich, practical, and stingy. Interacting with Irish life eases the rough edges of the Englishman. Packed with genuinely funny and entertaining stories of Sandy with racehorses and hounds, among other things. The accent isn't exaggerated, and we aren’t, overall, portrayed as caricatures. Scene: West coast.

⸺ TWO IMPOSTORS AND TINKER. Pp. 344. (Hutchinson). 6s. 1910.

One impostor is Derrick Bourke Herring who, using his cousin's name, took care of the Mullenboden hounds, and the other was his sister Jo who, dressed as a man, acted as the whip. Tinker is a yellow mixed-breed dog who does many amazing things throughout the story. The main focus is on the adventures of these three, especially in the hunting field. A dramatic twist is introduced by the wealthy heiress Grania Hume's father's attempt to steal her jewels. There are also romantic relationships. It's an entertaining story filled with lively events and good humor.

⸺ SOME HAPPENINGS OF GLENDALYNE. (Hutchinson). 6s. 1911.

Eve O’Neill is under the guardianship of The O’Neill, who is eccentric and quickly becoming unstable. His obsession is religious, he has a passion for horse racing, and he keeps the heir Hugh O’Neill (thought to be dead) locked away in an abandoned part of the old mansion. Eve accidentally discovers him there, leading to exciting adventures. The atmosphere is consistently strange and frightening, reminiscent of Lefanu. The local peasantry is poorly understood and almost depicted as caricatures.—(Press Notice).

⸺ THE ARRIVAL OF ANTONY. Pp. 348. (Hutchinson). 6s. 1912.

Anthony Doyle, who grew up in Germany and has the demeanor of a gentleman, returns home to assist his elderly uncle, a horse dealer living in a traditional thatched farmhouse in a remote area of Ireland[57]. The narrative covers the completely inexperienced Anthony’s experiences with con artists in the horse business, his dedication to his old uncle, and the social obstacles that keep him distanced from his own class and future wife for an extended period. The portrayal of the backwardness and untidiness of Irish life is somewhat exaggerated, but the story is skillfully told with a good dose of dry humor. The author's satire isn't meant to be unfriendly.

⸺ SALLY. Pp. 307. (Methuen). £6. 1912.

How Sally Stannard charms the hero out of his sadness more effectively than the hunting in Connemara that he was counting on for his recovery. It has all the hallmarks of a story thrown together quickly and carelessly for the publishers. Nothing about it is polished or complete.

⸺ OLD ANDY. Pp. 309. (Methuen). £0.30. 1914.

Life of peasants in Limerick.

⸺ A MIXED PACK. Pp. 296. (Methuen). 6s. 1915.

A collection of stories of different types—hunting stories, the unusual experience of a train driver, the adventures of a traveler for a jewelry company.

⸺ MEAVE. Pp. 336. (Hutchinson). 6s. 1915.

Here the story takes place in England, and the characters are English, except for a wild little Irish girl named Meave, who plays one of the main roles. The narrative is packed with hunting scenes.

CONYNGHAM, Major David Power, LL.D.; “Allen H. Clington.” Born in Killenaule, County Tipperary. Participated in the 1848 uprising alongside his relative Charles Kickham. Fought in the American Civil War in the 1860s, and then worked in journalism until he passed away in 1883. Wrote many pieces on Irish and American topics.

⸺ FRANK O’DONNELL: A Story of Irish Life; edited by “Allen H. Clington.” Pp. 370. (Duffy). 5s. 1861.

Tipperary in the years leading up to (and during) the Famine of 1846. Insights into Tipperary homes, both of clergy and laypeople. Almost every aspect of Irish life at that time is portrayed—the Famine, Souperism, an Irish agent and his victims (ch. xii.), how St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated, Irish horse races (ch. ii.), etc. “I have shown how the people are used as pawns by ambitious politicians [elections are described] and desperate landlords.” The author states that the characters are based on real people. Most of them are well charactered, for example, Mr. Baker, “a true Jack Falstaff,” full of bragging about fantastic but completely made-up adventures; and Father O’Donnell. There’s a sweet little love story woven throughout the book. The whole thing is very much reflective of the local culture. The dialect is good, but the conversations of the upper class sound artificial and hardly realistic. It includes the episode of the execution of the Bros. C⸺ in N⸺.

⸺ SARSFIELD; or, The Last Great Struggle for Ireland. (Boston: Donahue). Portrait of Sarsfield. 1871.

The author labels this a historical romance, but the romance aspect is very minimal. Ch. I. takes a look back at Ireland’s national struggle in the past. The supposed hero is Hugh O’Donnell and the heroine is Eveleen, the granddaughter of Florence McCarthy, who was killed on the Rhine. However, Sarsfield is the main character, and the author manages to depict his entire career. There are plenty of exciting incidents, some fictional—raids by the Rapparees, captures, and escapes. Despite the schemes of the villainous rival, Saunders, the hero and heroine end up together. The historical perspective seems fair, if not entirely unbiased.

[58]

⸺ THE O’DONNELLS OF GLEN COTTAGE. Pp. 498. (N.Y.: Kenedy). n.d. (1874). Still available.

Scene: Tipperary during the Famine years. The struggles of a family in tough times. Famine, eviction, and death disrupt their peace, with things only getting somewhat better after many years. The author, who has a nationalist and Catholic perspective, powerfully depicts the hardships of the era—the horrific suffering from the Famine, eviction led by a callous agent, souperism represented by Rev. Mr. Sly, and judicial murder illustrated by the execution of the M’Cormacks.

⸺ THE O’MAHONY, CHIEF OF THE COMERAGHS. Pp. 268. (N.Y.: Sadlier). 1879.

A story set in Co. Waterford in 1798, told from a strongly Irish and Catholic perspective. It shows the oppression by the Protestant gentry and the brutality of the yeomanry. Typical scenes include, for example, a flogging at the back of a cart through the streets of Clonmel, seizures for tithes, and the execution of Father Sheehy (a clear anachronism), etc. Key historical figures include Sir Judkin Fitzgerald, the "flogging" Sheriff, and Earl Kingston. It's a vivid portrayal, although clearly biased, and somewhat marred by unrefined melodrama.

⸺ ROSE PARNELL, THE FLOWER OF AVONDALE. Pp. 429. (N.Y.: Sadlier). 1883.

A story about the rebellion of '98.

COSTELLO, Mary.

⸺ PEGGY THE MILLIONAIRE. (C.T.S. of Ireland: Iona Series). 1s. 1910.

The story is about an Irish girl living in “Loughros,” in the West of Ireland, about fifty years ago. She is the third and average daughter of a disappointed “fine lady” who married a country doctor out of spite and regrets her choice for the rest of her life, as she can’t appreciate her husband’s kind nature, and he can’t provide her with luxuries and status. Peggy returns home from school, and the book entertainingly narrates how she finds her fortune and spreads happiness and blessings wherever she goes.—(Press Notice).

Rev. S. G. COTTON

⸺ THE THREE WHISPERS, AND OTHER TALES. Pp. 256. (Dublin: Robertson). c. 1850.

In the title story, there are two attempted suicides by parents overwhelmed with grief, the return of an ex-convict, and an inheritance for people starving to death. The setting is Dublin. The next story, “Grace Kennedy,” is set in Queen's County: a mother kills her son, and the sister holds the body to the fire and “cuddles up next to him.” In “The Foundling,” the mother drowns herself, but some kind Protestants save her child and raise him in their faith. “Ellen Seaton” tells the story of how Ellen's father leaves to become a priest and her mother to become a nun, and it focuses on the efforts made by priests and nuns to claim her. In the end, she converts her nun captor, and both manage to escape. Some of these stories feature very crude dialect, with rough language.

CRAIG, Richard Manifold, 1845-1913. Born in Dublin and educated there. He joined the army as a surgeon and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His other fiction works—A Widow Well Left, All Trumps, A Sacrifice of Fools, etc.—do not focus on Irish topics.

[59]

⸺ THE WEIRD OF “THE SILKEN THOMAS.” Pp. 230. (Aberdeen: Moran). 1900.

The story of how Lord Thomas Fitzgerald was pulled into rebellion by the betrayal of a personal enemy. It claims to be a narrative written at the time by Martyn Baruch Fallon, “writer and disabled,” a loyal resident of Maynooth, with some details about the latter’s personal affairs. Written in old-fashioned language that's hard to understand, especially at the beginning of the book. It appears to have little historical value.

Lanty Riordan’s Red Light.

I’m not sure if this story was ever published as a book. It's not in the B. Museum Library.

CRAIG, J. Duncan, Ph.D.

⸺ BRUCE REYNALL, M.A. Pp. 271. (Elliot Stock). 3s. 6d. 1898.

Author of “Real Pictures of Clerical Life in Ireland,” and several scholarly works. A story about an Oxford man who came to Ireland as a locum tenens during a highly troubled time and found life much more exciting than at his English parish. The Orangemen are portrayed very positively. In the preface to the following work, the Author says of this, “The Reign of Terror that prevailed in Ireland while the horrors of the Land League were looming over the land, and a picture of which I have tried to depict in Bruce Reynall.”

⸺ REAL PICTURES OF CLERICAL LIFE IN IRELAND. Pp. 351. (Elliot Stock). [1875]. 1900.

The first six chapters are autobiographical; the remaining sixty-five consist of a series of anecdotes and stories that depict the Catholic clergy and the Church's doctrines in a negative light. The lawlessness and brutality of the peasantry are emphasized, and the writer seems fixated on the conversion of Ireland to Protestantism. Some of the incidents described are highly improbable, and it's unclear from the Preface how much the Author meant them to be actual events. In any case, they are presented in a fictional format. There are also unsettling memories of agrarian unrest and the Fenian uprising, along with a chapter opposing Home Rule. The Author was born in Dublin in the 1820s to Scottish parents. He attended T.C.D. in 1847 and served as Vicar of Kinsale for a long time. He is notable for writing several important works on Provençal language and literature. He passed away in 1909.

CRANE, Stephen, and BARR, Robert.

⸺ THE O’RUDDY. (Methuen). 6sh. 1904.

Has been well described as a fairy tale for adults, filled with lots of funny moments—romantic escapades, duels, etc. The O’Ruddy is a bold, carefree, charming character. There is little or no connection to real life.—(The Academy).

Mrs. A. Crawford

⸺ LISMORE. Three Vols. (London: Newby). 1853.

A long-winded and emotional story set in Southern Ireland (Lismore and Ardmore) and Italy during 1659-60. It’s not historical at all, and the Author doesn’t seem to know much about the time period. The characters live in “suburbs” and ring the “breakfast-bell.” There’s a funny lack of understanding of Catholic issues. The plot is messy and lacks coherence.

[60]

CRAWFORD, Mary S.; “Coragh Travers.”

⸺ HAZEL GRAFTON. Pp. 350. (Long). 6s. 1911.

Hazel leaves Bournemouth, her school days, and two rejected suitors—both priests—to move in with her loving parents in the West of Ireland. She falls in love with Denis Martin, but their romance is not easy. Their parents have other plans for them and try to keep them apart. A fight deepens the divide, but everything eventually works out thanks to a divorce and a death. Trips to Dublin and Bundoran, along with the performances of a real Irish stage actor, are added to make the story more engaging.

Michael George Crawford.

⸺ LEGENDARY STORIES OF THE CARLINGFORD LOUGH DISTRICT. Pp. 201, close print. (Newry: Offices of “The Frontier Sentinel”). 1s. 1914.

Thirty-four stories that capture the legends of a region that is incredibly rich in memories of old Gaelic Ireland—Cuchulain and the Red Branch—and also features prominent Irish-Norman families like the De Courcys and De Burgos. Written by someone who knows the area well.

CRICHTON, Mrs. F. E. Born in Belfast, 1877; educated at a private school near Richmond. She traveled extensively in Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. In addition to the three novels mentioned below, she published some short stories, a small book titled The Precepts of Andy Saul, which is based on the character of an elderly gardener, and several children's books.

⸺ THE SOUNDLESS TIDE. Pp. 328. (Arnold). 6sh. 1911.

Life of country gentry and peasants in County Down. The Author captures the latter particularly well, highlighting their traits with a subtle, clever humor. Notably, there’s Mrs. M’Killop and her wise sayings. The Colonel and his wife are also portrayed excellently. You'll find both pathos and humor. The descriptions of the coastal scenery are also remarkable, along with the story about the fight on the “twalth”—(I.B.L.). It’s a straightforward tale of misunderstandings between lovers. The depiction of religious conflict might be presented with a bit too much emphasis.

⸺ TINKER’S HOLLOW. Pp. 336. (Arnold). 6s. 1912.

A charming and beautifully told love story set against the backdrop of life among the Presbyterians (both the upper class and the working class) near a small town in County Antrim. It shows a deep and empathetic understanding of the people, which adds depth to the characters. The dialect is accurately represented. There’s a joyful depiction of the bright and sunny Sally Bruce transitioning from girlhood to womanhood amid the somber atmosphere of Coole House, alongside her two unmarried aunts and her bachelor uncle. The story includes delightful touches of Northern humor, some gems of rural wisdom, and scenes of Antrim’s landscape. However, the strongest element is the human interest.

⸺ THE BLIND SIDE OF THE HEART. Pp. 299. (Maunsel). 6s. 1915.

The story follows Dick Sandford as he chooses between his cousin Betty—who is just like him, English, bright, and charming—and Ethne Blake, whom he meets during a visit to Ireland. The book effectively presents this unusual, almost otherworldly character as representing the mystical, fairy-like aspect of the Celtic temperament, set against the backdrop of the haunting Irish landscape and local fairy tales. The significant differences between the Celt and Saxon mindsets are highlighted throughout. The rural people of the remote mountain valleys are depicted with empathy and understanding.

[61]

CROKER, Mrs. B. M., wife of Lieutenant Colonel Croker, formerly of the Royal Munster Fusiliers; daughter of Reverend W. Sheppard, Rector of Kilgefin, County Roscommon; educated in Rockferry, Cheshire. She spent fourteen years in the East, which inspired some of the themes in her novels. She has written nearly forty novels. She mostly lives in London and Folkestone.

⸺ A BIRD OF PASSAGE. Pp. 366. (Chatto & Windus). [1886.] New edition. 1903.

A love story set in the Andamans. It vividly depicts life at the garrison, featuring a sharp portrayal of the “leading lady” (and tyrant), Mrs. Creery. The lovers are kept apart by the manipulations of an unsuccessful rival. The girl first lives a Cinderella-like existence with unpleasant family members in London, then becomes a governess, and eventually (p. 256) moves to live with a relative in Ireland. There are also funny observations of Irish characters—carmen (like Larry Flood, with his famous “Finnigan’s mare”), servants, and a family of fallen nobility. In the end, everything works out.

⸺ IN THE KINGDOM OF KERRY. (Chatto & Windus). 3s. 6d. 1896.

“Seven quirky little stories about struggling people, written in a light and cheerful style.”—(Baker).

⸺ BEYOND THE PALE. (Chatto & Windus). 3s. 6d. and 6d. (N.Y.: Fenno). $0.50. 1897.

Story of an Irish girl from a good family who has to train horses to make a living but ultimately finds success. Setting: a hunting region three hours from Dublin. There’s a strong emphasis on the feudal mindset of the peasants, viewed through the lens of the upper classes, but with sympathy.

⸺ TERENCE. Pp. 342. (Chatto & Windus). 6s. Six illustrations by Sidney Paget. (N.Y.: Buckles). 1.25. 1899.

Scene: an anglers' hotel in Waterville, Co. Kerry, and the surrounding area, which the Author knows and describes well. A story of love and foolish jealousy. The characters are from the Protestant upper class. The main focus is on how the plot unfolds, which is consistently engaging throughout. “Contains comedy that is broad and sometimes crude, centered around jealousy and scandal.”—(Baker 2).

⸺ JOHANNA. Pp. 315. (Methuen). 1903.

The story of a beautiful but very naive peasant girl who, driven away by a cruel stepmother, escapes from her home in Kerry and heads to Dublin. Along the way, she loses the address of the place she’s supposed to go to, is taken in by the owner of a boarding house, and ends up living as a servant — enduring a harsh life of hard work and dealing with difficult guests.

⸺ A NINE DAYS’ WONDER. Pp. 310. (Methuen). 6s. [1905].

How Mary Foley, raised for twenty-one years in an Irish cabin, is suddenly claimed as his daughter by an English nobleman and becomes Lady Joseline Dene. She creates a stir in Society with her rural speech and manners, and her honest and direct remarks, but ultimately wins everyone over and marries her first love. The author has a strong understanding of how the lower middle classes speak. There’s no bias in the story, which is genuinely enjoyable.

⸺ LISMOYLE: an Experiment in Ireland. Pp. 384. (Hutchinson). 6s. 1914.

The six-month visit of a young English heiress to the grand but rundown mansion of Lismoyle in County Tipperary involves a comical courtship, plenty of amusing situations, and some insights into the local social events. There's no mention of any Irish “problem.”

The settings of some of her other novels are partly in Ireland, e.g. TWO MASTERS (Chatto), 1890; and INTERFERENCE (Chatto), 1894.

[62]

CROKER, T. Crofton. Born in Cork, 1798; died in London, 1854. He was one of the most famous Irish antiquarians, folklorists, and collectors of traditional music. He helped establish the Camden Society (1839), the Percy Society (1840), and the British Archaeological Association (1843). He was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and several European societies. He wrote or edited a large number of works. He spent his free time exploring with a Quaker gentleman who shared his interests. During these outings, he gained a deep understanding of the people, their beliefs, traditions, and stories, which he later utilized effectively.

⸺ LEGENDS OF THE LAKES. [1829]. Illustrated by Maclise.

Killarney. A collection of stories, similar to those in the Fairy Legends, about fairies, ghosts, banshees, etc.

⸺ KILLARNEY LEGENDS. Pp. 294. 16mo. (London: Fisher). Some steel engravings (rather imaginative). [1831]. Second edition, 1879.

An abbreviated edition of Legends of the Lakes. The second edition was edited by the author's son, T. F. D. Croker. Topographical Index.

⸺ FAIRY LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS OF THE SOUTH OF IRELAND. New and complete edition. Illustrated by Maclise & Green. 1882.

First appeared in 1825; often republished since. Classified under the headings:—The Shefro; the Cluricaune; the Banshee; the Phooka; Thierna na oge (sic); the Merrow; the Dullahan, etc. “I don't claim to be original, and I admit right away that there’s no story in my book that hasn't been told by half the old women in the area where the stories take place. I present them as I found them” (Pref.). This is the first collection of Irish folklore apart from the peddler’s chap-books. Dr. Douglas Hyde (Pref. to Beside the Fire) calls this a delightful book and mentions Croker’s “light style, his enjoyable parallels from classics and foreign literature, and his charming annotations,” but notes that he adapted not just the form but often the substance of his stories for the English market. Scott praised the book very highly in the notes to the 1830 edition of the Waverley Novels, as well as in his Demonology and Witchcraft. The original edition was translated into German by the Brothers Grimm in 1826, and into French by P. A. Dufour in 1828.

CROKER, Mrs. T. Crofton.

⸺ BARNEY MAHONEY. [1832].

“Has for a hero an Irish peasant, who hides beneath a blank expression and awkward behavior cleverness, quick wit, and, despite a hint of mischief, genuine kindness of heart.”—(Krans).

CROMARTIE, Countess of; Sibell Lilian Mackenzie, Viscountess of Tarbat, Baroness of Castlehaven and Macleod. Born 1878. Lives at Castle Leod, Strathpeffer, N.B. Published The End of the Song, 1904, The Web of the Past, The Golden Guard, etc.

⸺ SONS OF THE MILESIANS. Pp. 306. (Eveleigh, Nash). 1906.

Short stories, some from Ireland, some from the Scottish Highlands, somewhat inspired by Fiona MacLeod’s beautiful Barbaric Tales. The stories cover different time periods from the era of Emperor Julian to today, offering vibrant depictions of life and customs from these various times. The perspective is completely Gaelic, filled with both emotional depth and beauty throughout the tales.

⸺ THE DAYS OF FIRE. Pp. 114. (Wellby). Artistic cover in white and gold. 1908.

The setting is in Ireland during the time of the first Milesians, but it isn't focused on historical events. It tells the story of King Heremon's love for a beautiful slave. The writing is rich in sensory details and has a smooth, dreamy style. It's openly pagan in spirit.

[63]

⸺ THE GOLDEN GUARD. Pp. 407. (Allen). 6s. 1912.

“A story of distant lands and battles from long ago, when King Heremon the Beautiful ruled at Tara over the Milesians and Phoenicians, fought alongside his Golden Guard against the Northern Barbarians. Lady Cromartie brings energy and emotion to the shadowy characters, filling her creative pages with busy times of love and combat, hard work, enjoyment, and vibrant life.” —(T. Lit. Suppl.).

CROMIE, Robert. Born in Clough, Co. Down, the son of Dr. Cromie. He worked for the Belfast Northern Whig and died unexpectedly around ten years ago.

⸺ THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS. Pp. 326. (Ward & Locke). 6s. 1902.

A compassionate look at the lives of Ulster Presbyterians sets the stage for the romance that ends in tragedy for a young minister. Aside from some occasional dialect (which is well done), the book has little of Ireland in it, but the storytelling is skillful and never dull. Bromley, an unbeliever and almost a cynic, yet a genuine and selfless person to the point of being heroic, is an impressive character study. The author has also published The Crack of Doom, The King’s Oak, For England’s Sake, etc.

CROMMELIN, May de la Cherois. Born in Ireland. Daughter of the late S. de la Cherois Crommelin of Carrowdore Castle, Co. Down, a descendant of Louis Crommelin, a Huguenot refugee who started the linen trade in Ulster. Educated at home. Spent her early life in Ireland; has lived in London since then and has traveled a lot. Has published over thirty novels. —(Who's Who). Queenie was the author's first novel. A Jewel of a Girl is about Ireland and Holland.

⸺ ORANGE LILY. Two Vols., then One Vol. (Hurst & Blackett). 1879.

The story of Lily Keag, daughter of an Orangeman from County Down, who, much to the dismay of her social group, falls in love with her father’s servant. He goes to America and comes back a wealthy man to win Lily's heart. The setting is vividly described and the dialogue is authentically portrayed. A lively and uplifting novel.

⸺ BLACK ABBEY. Pp. 447. (Sampson, Low). [1880]. 1882.

We are first introduced to a charming group: the three children from Black Abbey (somewhere in Co. Down) along with their German governess, Irish nurse, and their playmate Bella, who was born in America and is the granddaughter of the old Presbyterian minister. The depiction of their home life is enjoyable and realistic, with a touch of subtle humor. Then they grow up, and everything starts to fall apart. Bella, through her marriage, nearly ruins four lives, including her own, but by the end of the story, it seems that things are starting to come back together. The dialogue of the Northern servants is very well written. The tone of the book is very wholesome but not overly sentimental.

⸺ DAREDEVIL; also known as Richard Burke, former Adjutant of the Black Northerns. Pp. x. + 306. (F. V. White). 6s. 1899.

A series of funny and thrilling episodes about an officer back from India on sick leave. Most of them take place in Antrim. There’s no religious or political bias, but with a hint of the stereotypical Irish character.

⸺ THE GOLDEN BOW. (Holden & Hardingham). 6s. c. 1912.

Story of the sorrows and suitors, from her unhappy childhood to a happy engagement, of an Irish girl who is poor, proud, and pretty. A lovable character is Judith’s disabled sister Melissa. Scene: Northern Ireland. There’s a lot of dialect, and the lives of the peasantry are accurately portrayed.

[64]

CROSBIE, Mary. Born in England. Educated privately and at various English schools. Has often visited and stayed in Ireland. Her first novel, Disciples, was published in 1907; however, it was her second novel that achieved the most success, with three editions requested in a short period.

⸺ KINSMEN’S CLAY. Pp. 389. (Close print). (Methuen). 6s. First and second editions. 1910.

Main theme: a wife and her lover waiting for her disabled and impossible husband to die. The way this theme is handled, along with a minor subplot, makes the book not suitable for certain groups of readers. Additionally, the tone feels disconnected from religion. God is “maybe the blossoming of human ideals under the weight of their tears.” However, the tone isn’t outright anti-moral. The characters are mostly from the Anglo-Irish gentry, with just one peasant family, and this contrast is evident. The character types are well-crafted, and there's a consistent and insightful analysis of moods and emotions. The story subtly highlights the passing down of peculiar traits within a family.

⸺ BRIDGET CONSIDINE. Pp. 347. (Bell). £0.30. 1914.

Bridget’s dad is the son of a struggling shopkeeper from somewhere past the Shannon, but he holds onto aristocratic ideas. She grows up in London with “Lennie-next-door,” but her mind surpasses his. She goes to stay west of the Shannon as a secretary to a wealthy woman. There, she gets engaged to Hugh Delmege, a young landowner. All her dreams seem to come true, yet it’s not what she expected; a brief separation from Hugh further opens her eyes, and she returns feeling disillusioned. This is just the basic outline: it doesn’t capture the philosophy and style of the book, both of which are impressive.

CROSBIE, W. J.

⸺ DAVID MAXWELL. (Jarrold). 6s. 1902.

’98 from the loyalist perspective, and experiences in Mexico and South Texas, etc. “David” is “Scotch-Irish.”—(Baker, 2).

Crosfield, H. C.

⸺ FOR THREE KINGDOMS. Pp. 241. (Elliott Stock). 1909.

“Recollections of Robert Warden, a servant of King James.” By a series of events, the storyteller finds himself on board one of the ships that breaks the blockade of Derry; he escapes and heads to Dublin, where he has thrilling adventures. Tyrconnell is introduced—a very unfl

CROTTIE, Julia M. Born in Lismore, Co. Waterford. Educated privately and at the Presentation Convent, Lismore. She contributed to the Catholic Universe, N.Y., and other American Catholic magazines, as well as to the Month, the Rosary beads, etc. She lives in Ramsay, Isle of Man.

⸺ NEIGHBORS. Pp. 307. (Unwin). 6sh. 1900.

Pictures of the less charming aspects of life in a small, stagnant town. Twenty individual sketches. Amazingly true to reality and to the petty unpleasant sides of human nature. The gossip from the back alley is accurately captured, though without being crude. The stories are told with great skill.

⸺ THE LOST LAND. Pp. 266. (Fisher Unwin). 6s. [1901]. 1907.

“A story about a Cromwellian Irish town [in Munster]. It’s the autobiography of Miss Annita Lombard.” It depicts the disappointing failure of the United Irishmen to inspire and uplift a people reduced to fearful, submissive individuals after years of oppression. Thad Lombard, who gives up his wealth, home, happiness, and ultimately his life for the Lost Land, is a heroic character. The book is a sharp and impactful satire on different forms of anglicized, vulgar, or pharisaical Catholicism (the author is a Catholic). Overall, it's a portrayal of unrelenting sadness. The writing is beautiful and often poetic, which only intensifies the sorrow. Thad Lombard, a hundred years earlier, embodies the ideals of the Gaelic League. Time period: c. 1780-1797.

CROWE, Eyre Evans, 1799-1868. Although he was born in England, this renowned historian and journalist had Irish roots and was educated at Trinity. He first published several of his Irish novels in Blackwood. While he wasn't fully skilled in the craft of novel writing, his descriptions and historical summaries are often accurate and engaging. Like Banim, he tackled the tumultuous period of 1798, providing more detailed accounts of the rebellion than his prominent rival.—(Chambers’s Cyclopædia of English Literature).

⸺ TODAY IN IRELAND. Three Vols. (London: Knight). 1825.

Four stories:—1. “The Carders.” 2. “Connemara.” 3. “Old and New Light.” 4. “The O’Toole’s Warning.” The setting for 1 is “Rathfinnan,” on Lough Ree, not far from Athlone. It presents a very bleak view of secret societies and the peasants in general, but it also harshly critiques certain members of the Ascendancy class, particularly a Protestant curate and Papist-hunter named Crosthwaite. The hero, Arthur Dillon (a true romantic hero), is a young Catholic student from T.C.D. who narrowly avoids getting dragged into the secret societies. He dreams of rebellion and almost falls into the trap of a scheming Jesuit. There's a love story that has a happy ending. 2. This one is a comedic tale about how M’Laughlin, a sort of King of Connemara, escaped his debtors by hiding in a coffin. There are some smuggling episodes. It describes the fair in Ballinasloe, p. 196. There’s a lot about wild feudal hospitality and lawlessness. 3. This story is a satirical look at Protestant religious life in “Ardenmore,” Co. Louth. “Sir Starcourt Gibbs” clearly seems to portray Sir Harcourt Lees, an Evangelical Orange leader in Dublin during the twenties and thirties.

⸺ CONNEMARA OR AN ELECTION IN IRELAND: Novel Irish translated by C[amillo] A[ureliano] da S[ilva] e S[ousa] (Porto). 1843.

⸺ YESTERDAY IN IRELAND. Three Volumes, featuring two lengthy stories, namely: 1. “Corramahon.” Pages 600. Large, easy-to-read print.

O’Mahon, an Irish Jacobite mercenary, is the main character. The story mainly revolves around the interconnected love stories of men and women separated by class, beliefs, and nationality. It provides a good portrayal of the politics of that time. The struggles during the Penal days are well illustrated (including a vivid description of Midnight Mass). Ulick O’More, the Rapparee, is an impressive character. The interest is maintained through thrilling events. The setting is near the town of Carlow.

2. “The Northerners of ’98.” Pp. 367.

Scene: Mid-Antrim. Adventures of various individuals in ’98 (Winter and Orde are the main names). Emotions and sentiments of the era are depicted, particularly those of the United Irishmen. The Battle of Antrim is described. The author has a slight tendency toward the National perspective.

[CRUMPE, Miss]. Daughter of Dr. Crumpe (1766-1796), a well-known doctor in Limerick. According to the Madden MSS., she authored several other novels.

⸺ GERALDINE OF DESMOND; or, Ireland in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. Three Vols. (London: Colburn). 1829.

Dedicated to Thomas Moore. A story of the Desmond Rebellion 1580-2, (battle of Monaster-ni-via, the massacre of Smerwick, etc.) featuring the key historical figures of the time: the Desmonds and Ormonds, Fr. Allen, S.J., Sanders, Sir Henry Sidney, Sir William Drury,[66] Dr. Dee the Astrologer, Queen Elizabeth herself. The author has woven into the basic framework of her story a detailed and thoughtful depiction of the era, which she says is the result of years of study and research. Consequently, the romance is heavily layered and almost stifled by scholarly detail, aside from the academic notes included at the end of each volume. The author clearly has a profound love and passion for Ireland and wholeheartedly embraces the national perspective. The book is well-written but feels more like a scholarly treatise than a novel.

⸺ THE DEATH FLAG; or, The Irish Buccaneers. Three Vols. (London). 1851.

CUNINGHAME, Richard.

⸺ THE BROKEN SWORD OF ULSTER: A brief account of the events of one of the most exciting and significant periods in Irish history. Crown 8vo. (Hodges & Figgis). 3s. 6d. 1904.

Account of main events. Not a work of fiction. The tone is somewhat anti-national (cf. the main sources used). The lesson: Ireland’s greatest need is to embrace St. Paul’s message on charity. This is “the God-given remedy for all her troubles.” This author also wrote In Bonds but Fetterless, 1875.

CURTIN, Jeremiah, 1840-1916. Born in Milwaukee, educated at Harvard. A prominent American traveler, linguist, and ethnologist. He has translated numerous books from Russian and Polish and has published many works on the folklore of Russians, Magyars, Mongols, American Indigenous peoples, etc. He visited Ireland in 1887 and 1891.

⸺ MYTHS AND FOLKLORE OF IRELAND. (Sampson, Low). 9s. Etched frontispiece. 1890.

“Twenty tales,” says Douglas Hyde (Pref. to Beside the Fire), “told very well, with much less embellishment and flavoring than his predecessors used.” The tales were gathered from Gaelic speakers through an interpreter (Mr. Curtin not knowing a word of Gaelic). Aside from this, he doesn’t tell us where, from whom, or how he collected the stories. Dr. Hyde adds, “From my own knowledge of folklore, such as it is, I can easily recognize that Mr. Curtin has come closer to the source than anyone else.”

⸺ HERO TALES OF IRELAND, collected by. Pp. lii. + 558. (Macmillan). 7s. 6d. 1894.

Learned introduction speculates on the origins of myths from primitive cultures. It compares Gaelic myths with those from other cultures, especially North American Indigenous peoples. It argues that the characters in the stories represent natural forces and elements, and that the tales themselves, in their earliest form, reflect humanity’s primitive ideas about creation, etc. The volume contains twenty-four folk tales focused mainly on heroes from the Gaelic cycles. They aren't particularly engaging on their own and have a lot of repetition in style, content, and incidents. There are instances of naturalistic coarseness here and there, and the tone is vulgar in some parts. The stories were told to the author by peasants from Kerry, Connemara, and Donegal, whose names are noted on p. 549.

⸺ TALES OF THE FAIRIES AND OF THE GHOST WORLD. Pp. ix. + 198. (Nutt). 1895.

Preface by Alfred Nutt. This collection adds to the two earlier collections. It is gathered from oral tradition mainly in southwestern Munster. It showcases the current beliefs of the rural population in ghosts, fairies, etc. There are thirty stories, many of which are new. Some of them are, of course, bizarre and exaggerated. They don't contain anything inappropriate, but are clearly not suitable for children.

[67]

CURTIS, Robert.

⸺ THE IRISH POLICE OFFICER. Pp. vii. + 216. (Ward, Lock). 1861.

Six short stories, reprinted from Dublin University Mag, titled “The Identification,” “The Banker of Ballyfree,” “The Reprieve,” “The Two Mullanys,” “M’Cormack’s Grudge,” and “How ‘The Chief’ was Robbed.” They mainly focus on notable trials in Ireland. “They are all based on events that I personally experienced, and for which not just I, but others, can attest.” —(Pref.). The author was a Police Inspector and published (1869) The History of the R.I.C. and The Trial of Captain Alcohol. Pp. 48. (McGlashan & Gill). 1871.

⸺ RORY OF THE HILLS. Pp. 356. Post 8vo. (Duffy). 2s. [1870]. Still available.

A genuine and compassionate portrayal of peasant life and customs during the early nineteenth century. The author, a police officer, has used his professional experiences as a foundation. This true story is inspiring, even with the constant wickedness of Tom Murdock. The impact of religion is evident throughout, particularly in the selfless kindness of the heroine, even towards the man who killed her lover. Peasant dialogue is captured realistically.

CURRAN, H. G. (1800-1876). Illegitimate son of John Philpot Curran, and a lawyer.

⸺ CONFESSIONS OF A WHITEFOOT. Pp. 306. (Bentley). (Edited by G. C. H., Esq., B.L.). 1844.

The supposed narrator started out as a supporter of "law and order," but his experiences and observations make him realize the realities of landlord abuses, leading him to ultimately join the secret society of the Whitefeet. He doesn’t hide the crimes of this group, many of which are detailed throughout the story.

CUSACK, Mary Frances, known as “The Nun of Kenmare.” She started as a Protestant but converted to Catholicism and joined the Poor Clares. From her convent in Kenmare, she published a significant number of books on various topics—including Irish history, both general and local, Irish biographies, stories, poems, and works focused on faith and teaching. Later, she left her convent, moved to America, and returned to Protestantism. She passed away in Leamington in 1899 at the age of 70. She also published her autobiography.

⸺ NED RUSHEEN; or, Who Fired the First Shot? Pp. 373. (Burns & Oates. Boston: Donahoe). Four fairly average illustrations. 1871.

A murder mystery. The protagonist is falsely accused but is cleared of all charges in the end. The actual criminal, the wayward son of the victim, Lord Elmsdale, confesses on his deathbed. The intrigue is maintained until the very end. In fact, the resolution is quite ambiguous, even at the conclusion. The moral message is consistently highlighted for the reader throughout. The tone is heavily religious and Catholic, with Protestantism being compared unfavorably to Catholicism on more than one occasion.

⸺ TIM O’HALLORAN’S CHOICE; or, From Killarney to New York. Pp. 262. (London: Burns). [1877]. 1878.

“This little story vividly illustrates the heroic faith, struggles, and natural humor of the Irish poor.” —(Press Notice). When Tim is dying, a priest and a “Souper” fight for custody of his son Thade. Tim stays loyal to his Church, but after his death, the boy is taken by the missionaries. He manages to escape and is taken in by a kind Catholic named O’Grady. Eventually, he gains the favor of a wealthy American, who brings him to New York.

[68]

D’ARBOIS DE JUBAINVILLE, Henri. Born in Nancy, 1827. Died 1910. Educated at the École des Chartes. A biographical notice about him, along with a bibliography of his works, can be found in the Revue Celtique (Vol. 32, p. 456, 1911), which he edited for many years. His works include a list of 238 items, most of which are about the Celts. Probably a bit more than half focus on Ireland. These include a Cours de Littérature Celtique in 12 volumes, a history of the Celts, a study of the Irish mythological cycle, and a catalog of the epic literature of Ireland. The one on the Irish mythological cycle was well translated by R. I. Best (Hodges & Figgis). 1903. Pp. xv. + 240.

D’ARCY, Hal.

⸺ A HANDFUL OF DAYS. Pp. 319. (Long). 6s. 1914.

“How John O’Grady left his annoying wife and selfish kids to take a short trip back to his family's home in I.; how he met ... Mary O’Connor ...; how he fell in love and told her, forgetting to mention the annoying wife, etc.... The image of the old Irish priest, Mary’s uncle, is the one redeeming aspect of a sappy, unsatisfying story.”—(T. Litt. Suppl.). This pretty much sums up the story. Non-Catholic, but not biased. Scene: Glendalough.

DAMANT, Mary. The author is the daughter of General Chesney, the Asian explorer.

⸺ PEGGY. Pp. 405. (Allen). 1887.

Domestic life in North Antrim before and during the Rebellion of 1798. “Many of the details of my little story were shared with me in childhood by those whose memories of the uprising were made vivid by ruined homes, loss of loved ones, etc.” —(Pref.). Avoids historical or political issues. Sympathetic toward “poor misled peasants.” Has a low opinion of the United Irishmen who are “influenced by the poison of revolutionary ideas.” Nicely and engagingly written in autobiographical style.

DAUNT, Alice O’Neill, 1848-1915. She was the only daughter of W. J. O’Neill Daunt. Contributed to The Lamp, Ireland's Own, and other magazines. She wrote many short stories, both as serials and in book form, mostly focused on religious (Catholic) and educational themes.

⸺ EVA; or, as the Child, so the Woman. Pp. 107. 16mo. (Richardson). 1s. 1882.

One of a small collection of Catholic Tales for kids. A melancholy little story, packed with devotion. Set in Ireland, but the narrative isn't specifically Irish in any particular way.

DAUNT, W. J. O’Neill. Born in Tullamore, 1807. Son of Joseph Daunt, of Ballyneen, Cork. Converted to Catholicism around 1827. Was part of the Repeal Association from the beginning and remained one of O’Connell’s most loyal supporters until the end. Died in 1894. His biography was published under the title, A Life Spent for Ireland, in 1896.

⸺ SAINTS AND SINNERS. Two Vols. aftds. One Vol. (Duffy). (N.Y.: Pratt). 0.50. 1843, &c.

“The reader who expects the typical plot or story found in a novel will be fairly warned that they may be disappointed. Our aim in telling Howard's story is simply to explore the different impressions that various ideas and principles have had on his mind" (beginning of chap. xiii.). Additionally, the book is a sharp satirical examination of different types of Ulster Protestantism and serves as a controversial novel, often referencing Scripture and a range of Catholic sources in the footnotes. The storyline is minimal and unfolds at a slow pace, but the situations are quite humorous.

[69]