Information about the books has been obtained in various ways. A considerable number have been read by the Author. Indeed, there are few writers of note included in the Guide about whose works he cannot speak from first-hand knowledge. Of the books that remain the great majority have been specially read for this work by friends, and a full account of the same written by them according to a formula drawn up for the purpose. In all cases, except in a very few—and these have been indicated—the wording of the final note is mine. In the few cases referred to, printed reviews or notices of the books have been drawn upon, the source of the note being mentioned in each instance. A word about the _scope_ of the notes. My chief object in undertaking this work was to help the student of things Irish. This object determined the character of the notes. A few years ago there appeared in France an excellent work, entitled _Romans à lire et Romans à proscrire_ (Cambrai: Masson), by the Abbé Bethléem, which has since passed through many editions. In this work novels are classed _au point de vue moral_. In the rare cases in which the books included in my list contain matter objectionable from a moral or a religious standpoint, I have not hesitated to remark the fact in the note. This was, however, but a small part of the task. It will be clear likewise, from what has been said that my object is not to attempt _literary_ criticisms of Irish fiction. Such literary appreciations are to be found in other works already published, accounts of several of which will be found in the Appendix. True, a certain amount of criticism is often needed lest the account given of a book should be misleading, but it has been avoided wherever it did not seem to further the main purpose. This purpose, let me repeat, is, above all, to give _information_ to intending readers. I have, therefore, endeavoured, as well as might be, in the small space available, simply to give a clear idea of the contents of the books. In a good many cases I have further attempted an appreciation, or rather a characterization, of the book in question, but this was not always possible nor, indeed, necessary. Of the tone adopted in these notes little need be said. I did not consider that it would further my purpose to aim at that literary flavour and epigrammatic turn of phrase affected, and with reason, by reviewers in many periodicals. Moreover, to do so would have been inconsistent with brevity. Then, I must disclaim all intention of saying “clever” things at the expense of any book, however low it may deserve to be rated. I have endeavoured to avoid, too, the technicalities of criticism. Lastly, I trust the little work has not been rendered suspect to any class of Irishmen by the undue intrusion of religious or political bias.