Ireland in Fiction: A Guide to Irish Novels, Tales, Romances, and Folk-loreBrown, Stephen J. M. (Stephen James Meredith)
General
Ireland in Fiction: A Guide to Irish Novels, Tales, Romances, and Folk-lore
Brown, Stephen J. M. (Stephen James Meredith)
English fiction -- Irish authors -- Bibliography; Ireland -- In literature -- Bibliography
At the outset of this book we are introduced in a series of
pictures to the homes of representative people of various
parties, and long, imaginary political conversations between
the prominent men of the time are given. Then there is a full
account of the rebellion from the battle of Kilcullen to
Vinegar Hill. Practically every noteworthy personage of the
time is described in private and in public life. The romantic
interest is entirely subservient to the historical, yet there
is plenty of adventure. The bias is ultra-nationalist. The
style, and especially the descriptions, were highly praised by
a reviewer in the TABLET.
⸺ ART MACMURROUGH O’KAVANAGH. Pp. 706. (_Gill_). [1885].
A full account of the life and exploits of Art MacMurrough,
with many adventures of fictitious characters, and much
description of the manners and life of the times within and
without the Pale. In the conversations the Author attempts to
reproduce the spoken English of the time, with a lamentable
result. They are full of _yclept_, _eftsoons_, _by my halidom_,
_marry_, &c., &c., so as to be unintelligible at times. The
speech of the Irish characters is nearly as full of Gaelic
expressions. “Many of the events narrated in this story are
supplied from tradition,” says the Author. But she has been at
much pains to utilize undoubtedly authentic sources. The style,
on the whole, is pleasant.
⸺ THE COURT OF RATH CROGHAN. Pp. 465. (_Gill_). 2_s._ 6_d._ 1887.
The story of the Norman Invasion of Ireland, together with the
series of events that led to it, and the consequences that
followed, the central idea being that it was the treachery and
disunion of her own princes that wrought the ruin of Ireland.
All the chief men connected with the events narrated play
prominent parts in the story. St. Laurence O’Toole is finely
drawn. The last Ard Righ, Roderick, is shown weak and unfit to
rule in perilous times. Strongbow is a leading character; his
death is vividly described. Art MacMurrough is, of course, the
villain. The style is somewhat highflown and often loaded with
antiquated phrases and latinized expressions. Yet the story,
apart from its historical value, which is considerable, has a
strong interest of its own.
⸺ LORD ROCHE’S DAUGHTERS OF FERMOY. Pp. 344. (_Sealy, Bryers_). (N.Y.:
_Pratt_). 1.50. 1892.
In the course of this romance the whole history of the Wars of
the Confederation of Kilkenny and of the Cromwellian Invasion
is related. The story is described by the Author as “a very
encyclopædia of tragedies.” The Author is strongly on the side
of Owen Roe O’Neill as against the Confederate Catholics of the
Pale, and, of course, the Puritans. A fine series of adventures
and of historical pictures, but spoiled by frequent lapses from
literary good taste.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account