IRELAND IN FICTION.

IRELAND IN FICTION

A GUIDE TO
IRISH NOVELS, TALES, ROMANCES,
AND FOLK-LORE

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.

CONTENTS.

PREFACE.

It may be well to state at the outset in what respects the present work differs from A Reader’s Guide to Irish Fiction published in 1910, and now out of print. The differences may be reduced to four:—

(1). The number of books dealt with is almost double that of the earlier work.

(2). The arrangement is quite new. In the former work the books were classified according to subject matter: in this they are arranged under the names of the Authors, these names being arranged alphabetically. Some lists are appended in which the books are classified as historical novels, Folk-lore, Gaelic Epic and Romantic Literature, &c.

(3). A combined title and subject index has been provided, both of which were lacking in the earlier book. Some new matter is given in the Appendix, in particular some notes on fiction in Irish periodicals.

(4). In A Reader’s Guide, &c., a few notes on Authors were added at the end. In the present work biographical notes on a large proportion of the Authors are given immediately 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 works of fiction published in volume form, and dealing with Ireland or with the Irish abroad, and such works only. The present book, therefore, is not, any more than was the earlier book, a guide to the works of Irish novelists—else, Goldsmith, for instance, might surely claim a place. Neither is it, properly speaking, a book of advice as to what is best to read. The aim has been to provide descriptive notes of an objective nature, to record facts, not to set forth personal views and predilections. This is a book of reference pure and simple; it neither condemns nor recommends. In this respect it differs from several other guides to fiction which at first sight it seems to resemble. The Abbé Bethléem’s most valuable Romans à lire et romans à proscrire has been mentioned in the former preface. Its title proclaims its character. Of a similar nature are some works by members of my own Order that have since come to my knowledge. It will be useful to record their titles:

1. P. Gerardo Decorme, S.J.—Lecturas recomendables. (Barcelona: Luis Gili). 1908.

2. P. Pablo Ladron de Guevara, S.J.—Novelistas malos y buenos. Pp. 523. (Bilbao). 1910.

3. Was soll ich lesen? Ein Ratgeber [advice giver] für Studierende (Trier), 1912.

4. Guide de Lecture. (Brussels). Second ed., 1912. A magnificent 4to volume of 1032 pp., compiled by a Belgian Jesuit, Fr. Schmidt, and constituting the catalogue of his great Bibliothèque Choisie of 200,000 volumes.

No. 1 devotes only a chapter to fiction. No. 2 contains a critical examination from a moral point of view of 413 Spanish writers, 1,220 French, 150 English, 98 German, as well as Russian, Belgian, &c. No. 3 devotes a section to Schöne Literatur giving notes and bibliographical details. Symbols are used to indicate the suitability of the books to readers of various ages. The same plan is followed in No. 4, but to a much fuller extent, and the whole work is on a larger scale.

Enough has been said, I think, in the former preface as to the object aimed at in the notes. I have tried to make that object clear: I am far from thinking that it has always been attained, even in this revised work. Some of the excuses for incompleteness that held good for the first steps into an almost untrodden field have no doubt ceased to have the same force. I have had time to explore new ground, and to survey anew that already occupied. On the other hand the years that have slipped away since the former book have been filled by many duties that left little time for literary work. Yet, though I am unable to say with confidence that this work is bibliographically exhaustive, I trust that, for practical purposes, for the purposes for which it is intended, it may be found reasonably complete. For the achievement of even this result I can by no means claim all the credit. My obligations to my numerous helpers are very great indeed, as will appear from the Acknowledgements.

One further point needs to be dwelt upon—the non-inclusion of works of fiction written in the Irish language. I cannot do better in this connection than quote from the preface to a former work[1] in which this same point came up for explanation:—“I have not included books in the Irish language. My reasons for this are threefold. In the first place my own knowledge of Irish is not yet sufficient to enable me even to edit satisfactorily notes of books in Irish.... In the second place I do not think that a bibliography of works in Irish should be made a mere appendage or sub-section, as it would inevitably be, of a work such as the present. Lastly, it may well be doubted whether the time be yet come for doing this work in the way that it deserves to be done.” This last reason is partly based on the fact of the great mass of Irish literature still remaining in MS., a quantity probably much greater 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, the omission of books in the Irish language from a Guide to Irish Fiction remains an anomaly, one of the many anomalies produced by the historic causes that have all but destroyed the Irish language as the living speech of Ireland.

Dublin, September, 1915.

[1] A Guide to Books on Ireland, Part I. (Hodges & Figgis), 1912.

PREFACE TO A READERS GUIDE TO IRISH FICTION (1910).

The present Guide to Irish Fiction is intended by the Author as the first part of a work in which it is hoped to furnish notes on books of all kinds dealing with Irish subjects.

Before explaining the scope of this section of the work it may be well, in order to forestall wrong impressions, to say at once what it is not. In the first place, then, it does not lay claim to be a bibliography. By this I do not mean that I am content to be inaccurate or haphazard, but simply that I do not aim at exhaustive completeness. In the second place, it is not a catalogue of books by Irish writers. Lastly, it does not deal exclusively with books printed or published in Ireland.

The Author’s aim has been to get together and to print in a convenient form a classified list of novels, tales, &c. (whether by Irish or by foreign writers), bearing on Ireland—that is, depicting some phase of Irish life or some episode of Irish history—and to append to each title a short descriptive note.

Two things here call for some explanation, viz., the list of titles and the descriptive notes.

As to the former, I have, with some trifling exceptions, included everything that I have been able to discover, provided it came within the scope of the work, as indicated above. It has been thought well to do this, because a vast amount of fiction that, from an artistic or from any other point of view, is defective in itself may yet be valuable as a storehouse of suggestion, fact, and fancy for later and better writers. For was it not worthless old tales and scraps of half-mythical history that held the germs of “Hamlet” and “Macbeth,” “King Lear” and “Othello”? There remains, indeed a large class of novels and tales that, so far as one may judge, can serve no useful purpose. It may be thought that with such books the best course to pursue is to allow them to pass into merited oblivion. But it must be remembered that booksellers and publishers will naturally continue to push such books because it is their business to do so, and the public will continue to buy them because it has ordinarily no other means of knowing their contents than the publisher’s announcement, the title, or—the cover. A “Guide” would, therefore, surely shirk an important portion of its task if it excluded worthless books, and thereby failed to put readers on their guard.

Next, as regards the descriptive notes: there are three points which I should wish to make clear—the source of the information contained in these notes; their scope, that is, the nature and extent of the information with which they purpose to furnish the reader; and, thirdly, the tone aimed at throughout the work.

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.

Apology might well be made here for the defects of the work. They will, I fear, be but too evident. But it should be borne in mind that, with the exception of Mr. Baker’s works, to which I cannot sufficiently acknowledge my indebtedness, I have had no guide upon the way, since no writer, so far as I am aware, has hitherto dealt in this way with Irish fiction as a whole.

It may be asked, for whom especially this book is meant? In the first place, I hope it may be useful to the general reader who wishes to study Ireland. Next, it may help in the important and not easy task of selection those who have to buy books for any purpose, such as the giving of presents, the conferring of prizes in school or out of it, the stocking of shops and libraries—in other words, booksellers, library committees, heads of schools and colleges, librarians, pastors, and many others. Again, it may be of some service to lecturers and to popular entertainers. I have some hopes, too, that coming writers of Irish fiction, from seeing what has been done and what has not yet been done, may get from it some suggestions for future work. It may even help in a small way towards the realization of a great work not yet attempted, the writing of a history of Anglo-Irish literature.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
(Reader’s Guide, etc.)

My best thanks are due, in the first place, to the authorities of Clongowes Wood College, without whose constant aid and encouragement my task would have been impossible.

Next, I wish to thank those publishers who courteously sent me copies of a number of their books, viz., the Irish publishers, Messrs. Gill; Duffy; Sealy, Bryers and Walker; Maunsel; and Blackie: and the London publishers, Messrs. Macmillan; Nelson; Methuen; Dent; Chatto and Windus; Burns and Oates; Sands; Blackwood; Nutt; Elliot Stock; and Smith, Elder. I should like to give greater prominence to the publications of these firms. The plan of this book prevents me from doing so but I may say that this little work, which will, I hope, help to make known their books, could not have appeared but for their generosity.

To those who, as already mentioned, have aided in the work by reading books, and supplying information about them, my sincerest thanks are hereby tendered. I should be glad, if it were possible, to express here my obligations to each individually, but I must, for obvious reasons, limit myself to this general acknowledgment. There are, however, some whom, on account of special obligations on my part, I shall have the pleasant task of thanking by name. To Mr. E. A. Baker, M.A., D.LITT., Librarian of the Woolwich Public Library, I am indebted both for kind permission to quote from his books and for constant advice and suggestion given with the greatest cordiality. To Dr. Conor Maguire, of Claremorris, I owe most of my notes of books on Irish Folk-lore, and to Mr. Edmund Downey, the well-known author and publisher, notes on Lever’s books, together with many useful suggestions. Mr. Francis J. Bigger, M.R.I.A., of Belfast, the always ready and enthusiastic helper of every Irish enterprise, has aided me with valuable advice and no less valuable encouragement. Mr. J. P. Whelan, Librarian of the Kevin Street Public Library, Dublin, has rendered me every assistance in his power. Dr. J. S. Crone of London, Editor of the Irish Book Lover, has on several occasions kindly opened to me the pages of his periodical. Lastly, I must acknowledge here, with sincere thanks, much help of various kinds given me by many members of my own Order, and notably, Rev. M. Russell, S.J.; Rev. M. Corbett, S.J.; Rev. P. J. Connolly, S.J., and the Rev. J. F. X. O’Brien, S.J.—the last of whom very kindly undertook the tedious labour of revising my proofs.[2]

[Additional (Present Work).]

My obligations to my various kind helpers in the present work are even greater than in the case of the former book, and I am at a loss for an adequate expression of them. My thanks have, of course, been privately conveyed, but there are some collaborators who have had so large a share in the making of this book that I cannot but place on record its indebtedness towards them.

For valuable work in the British Museum Library extending over a considerable length of time I have to thank Mrs. Pearde Beaufort, Miss C. J. Hamilton, and Miss G. B. Ryan. For much tedious labour in the rearrangement of the matter contained in the earlier book, I am indebted to the Misses Chenevix Trench (who also supplied many notes), and to Mrs. O’Neill, of Dundalk. To Dr. Crone, whose readiness to help when any Irish literary enterprise is afoot is inexhaustible, I owe many corrections, suggestions, and additions, and the laborious task of revising my MS. and correcting my proofs. Mr. Edmund Downey, of Waterford, has kindly read part of the proofs. Many books have been read for me and notes supplied by Lady Gilbert; Mrs. Concannon, of Galway; Mrs. L. M. Stacpoole Kenny, of Limerick; Miss J. F. Walsh, of Derry; Miss R. Young, of Galgorm Castle, Co. Antrim; Mrs. Macken, of the National University; Fr. MacDwyer, of Killybegs; and, perhaps most of all, Fr. J. Rabbitte, S.J., of St. Ignatius College, Galway. Mr. D. J. O’Donoghue, Librarian of the National University, has given me many suggestions, as well as some useful notes on fiction in Irish periodicals. Mr. Frank Macdonagh also has been very helpful with notes and corrections. I owe likewise a debt of gratitude to the authorities and the staff of the National Library for their courtesy and helpfulness. Nor must I omit a word of thanks to the publishers (including all the Irish publishers, and Messrs. Flynn, of Boston), who, as on a former occasion, made my task much lighter by supplying me with review copies of their books.

Lastly to all the others, and they are many, who have in various ways given me help my very sincere thanks are hereby tendered.

For the matter contained in my notes on the Authors, I am much indebted to Mr. D. J. O’Donoghue’s Poets of Ireland, and to the pages of the Irish Book Lover.

[2] Through an unfortunate oversight the earlier work contained no mention of much kind help rendered me by several students of St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, notably by Rev. J. Henaghan and Rev. J. Pinkman, at present priests on the mission. I now gratefully acknowledge this help.

SIGNS, ABBREVIATIONS, ETC.

The place of publication has been mentioned in the case of books not published in Dublin or in London. A list of the Irish publishers will be found in [Appendix B].

The price of most new novels on first publication is 6s., not net. When new fiction is issued at a lower price than that this price is usually net. I have not thought it useful to insert the prices of books no longer to be had otherwise than from second-hand booksellers: second-hand prices are constantly varying. The publication Book-Prices Current might be usefully consulted in some reference library. The price I have given is usually the latest price mentioned in the Publishers’ catalogue.

Dates in square brackets, thus [1829], indicate dates of first publication. Besides these I have mentioned the date of the latest edition I am aware of.

The names of an Author placed within square brackets is an indication that the name in question did not appear on the title page of the book to which it is now affixed, the book having been published anonymously, or under a pen-name.

Inverted commas are used thus “M. E. Francis” to indicate a pen-name. The writers’ works are entered under the name most familiar to the public, under Katharine Tynan and Rosa Mulholland rather than under Mrs. Hinkson and Lady Gilbert. However, in the case of old books I have not thought it useful to place the book under the literary disguise. I have entered them under the real name, with a cross-reference. I fear that perfect uniformity and consistency has not been secured, but hope that the book’s usefulness—utility, and not scientific precision, has been the aim—is not thus impaired.

The publishers mentioned are, so far as I have succeeded in discovering them, the publishers not of the first, but of the latest edition.

Books published under a pseudonym which obviously could not be a real name, I have entered as anonymous, except where I have come to know the real name, in which case it will be found under the real name, with a cross reference from the pseudonym.

When the note depends mainly or exclusively on a single already published authority or source, this authority or source is indicated at the end of the note.

IRISH FICTION UNDER NAMES OF AUTHORS, ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY.

ANONYMOUS.

⸺ ADVENTURER, THE.

In Mitchel’s Life of Hugh O’Neill there is a note in reference to his wooing of Sir Henry Bagenal’s sister, stating that a novel was published founded on this story, and entitled The Adventurer. (Query in I.B.L., vol. iv., p. 161.) This book does not seem to be in the British Museum Library, but I have found in an old catalogue a book with the title “The Adventurers; or, Scenes in Ireland in the Reign of Elizabeth, 1825.” This is probably the book referred to by Mitchel.

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

The hero is one Felix Dillon. Though the story begins and ends in Dublin, its scene is chiefly France, and afterwards 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 in which the personages stand for countries and institutions. Ierne is of course Ireland, Albion is England. Then there are minor characters, such as Dash, Dupe, Plan, Sacrifice. Under this form the relations between the two countries and the possible results of separation are exhibited. Ends with the happy marriage of Albion with Kathleen, Ierne’s sister, and the burial of the hereditary feud.

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

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

Scene: the N.E. coast of Ireland, with its rugged rocks and lofty cliffs. The plot concerns the kindly family of “Ballyblunder,” on whose estate sheep are constantly being killed. A priest instigates to the crime, and encourages the perpetrators. Mr. Kindly’s son goes out to track the sheep-killers; a friend of his is murdered, and Brady, the murderer, falls off a cliff and is killed. The Kindlys eventually sell the estate. Some social scenes are interspersed. Written in a spirit of religious intolerance.

⸺ BALLYRONAN.

“A wonderfully interesting story, written in an easy, rattling style, with cleverly conceived plot, abundant humour, and no lack of incident. There is an unmistakably Irish atmosphere about it, and it bespeaks an intimate personal knowledge of the people, not only in regard to their speech, but also as to many of their characteristic ways and customs.”—(Press Notices).

⸺ BLACK MONDAY INSURRECTION. Pp. 135-328.

Bound up with “The Puritan,” q.v. The story opens at Bandon with the rescue of two of the principal characters who had been kidnapped by Rapparees. Then follows the taking of Bandon by McCarthy More. The battles of the Boyne and Aughrim, the sieges of Athlone and Limerick are also dealt with, the two latter being described in detail. Standpoint: Williamite. The Irish are “barbarians,” “brave and savage bacchanalians;” the Rapparees are “infernal banditti,” &c., but on the whole the tone is not violent. Through it all runs an interesting and curious story of the private fortunes of several persons. See The Last of the O’Mahonys.

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

The Author (Pref.) tells us that he has written the book to vindicate the character of his countrymen, and to show Irish affairs to Englishmen in their true light. Accordingly we have, not so much a novel, as a series of crowded canvases depicting nearly every phase of life in Ireland from a period before the Union to the date of this book. It begins with the marriage of the hero’s grandparents in Dublin at the end of the 18th century (1780). We have a glimpse of penal laws at work and of agrarian disturbances, but the Author is especially at pains all through the book to set forth how the law works in Ireland. There are swindling attorneys, bribed and perjured jurors, packed benches, partisan judges, endless proceedings in Chancery, and so on. Young Bob is sent first to a private school, then to Stonyhurst (an account is given of the Jesuits). He is first intended for the priesthood and goes to Louvain, but finally becomes a reporter on a Dublin paper. Here we have a picture of low journalism. Bob shows up several frauds of self-styled philanthropists, describes trial at Assizes of Lord Strangeways’ evicted tenants. This brings in much about the agrarian question. The book ends with his elopement to the Continent and marriage with Lady Mary Belmullet. There are innumerable minor episodes and pictures. There is no literary refinement in the style, and the colours of the picture are laid on thickly.

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

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

An imitation of the Somerville and Ross stories, but with their leading features exaggerated. For Flurry we have Fossy, for Slipper Tinsy Conroy. Instead of by an R.M. the stories are told by a young D.I. There is the same background of comic and filthy peasants, the same general Irish slovenliness and happy-go-luckiness, and universal drunkenness. The brogue is made the most of. Moonlighters of a very sinister kind appear once or twice. The incidents are such as hunting, racing, the local horseshow, country petty sessions, &c. They are very well told, with a jaunty style, and in a vein of broad comedy. There is a chapter purporting to relate experiences in “The Black North,” but for the most part the scene is West Cork. Some of these sketches appeared in the Badminton Magazine.

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

“The incidents related in this tale really and truly occurred, though not in the consecutive order in which they are placed” ... viz., “the trial and execution, in February, 1846, at the town of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, of Bryan Seery for the murder of Sir Francis Hopkins, Bart.” “The characters introduced are all real.” (Pref.) A sad and touching story of the heartless treatment of the Irish peasantry by certain of the landlords, picturing the deep religious faith of the former, and their patient resignation in their sufferings. The plot, which is vigorously worked out, centres in the execution of Bryan Seery for the attempted murder of Sir Francis Hopkins, a crime of which he was innocent.

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

Told in letters between “Augustus Tranton” and “Sir Edward Elbe.” Said on title-p. to be “a tale founded on facts.” Seems to be a re-issue in a slightly altered form of The United Irishman, q.v. The story is related to “Aug. Tranton” by a gentleman (O’Brien) who had been a U.I., and as a result had lost all, and was then in 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 appeared 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 tale founded on fact. Pp. 82. (Cork). 1847.

By the author of “The Widow O’Leary.” Dr. B., whose parents live at Y. (probably Youghal), has a practice in England. He is challenged to fight a duel by Sir J. C. He is killed, and his parents both die from the shock. A dull little book, with much moralising.

⸺ COLONEL ORMSBY; or, the genuine history of an Irish nobleman in the French service. Two Vols. (Dublin). 1781.

In form of letters between the Colonel and Lady Beaumont, couched in the most amatory terms. There is no reference to Ireland and little to the history of the gallant Colonel: the correspondence is all about the private love affairs of the writers.

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

The principal character and a few of the others, e.g., Mrs. Shady O’Blarney (!), happen to be born in Ireland, and there is talk of the usual tumbled-down castle somewhere in Ireland, but at this the Irishism of the story stops. The scene is England, the persons wholly English in sympathy and education. A sentimental and insipid story dealing chiefly with the marrying off of impecunious sons and daughters. Interesting as giving a picture, seen from an English standpoint, of the Irish society of the day. No politics.

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

⸺ EDMOND OF LATERAGH: a novel founded on facts. Two vols. (Dublin). 1806.

Two lovers kept apart by cruel circumstances and villainous plots meet at last and are happy. This thread serves to connect many minor plots, which bring us from Ireland (near Killarney) to England and then the continent and back again, and introduce a great variety of personages. These latter are nearly all of the Anglo-Irish Protestant gentry—Wharton, Wandesford, Peyton, Ulverton, Blackwood, Elton—no Irish name is mentioned. Great profusion of incident, but not very interestingly told. No historical or social background. Relates rather a large number of instances of misconduct. Speaks of “paraphernalia of Popish doctrine,” yet one of the best characters is Father Issidore (sic).

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

By the author of “Ellmer Castle.” A controversial story of an anti-Catholic kind. The hero goes to Spain to be educated for the priesthood. He meets Hamilton, who indoctrinates him with Protestantism. They are wrecked off the Irish coast. A priest refuses them the money to take them home to the North of Ireland, while the Protestants generously give it. He falls in love with Miss Williams, who insists on a year’s probation so that he may be sufficiently “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 travels, and comes back converted to convert his family. He causes only anger and disturbance. They turn him out, and he departs with a blessing. But after some adventures returns to his father’s deathbed. Contains much controversial matter.

⸺ EMERALD GEMS. (Boston). 1879.

“A Chaplet of Irish Fireside Tales, Historic, Domestic, and Legendary. Compiled from approved sources.”

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

I am not sure whether this is the American edition of a little Souper tract by Carleton (q.v.) published by Curry in 1829, in which Father Butler finally is convinced of the falsity of his religion and becomes a Protestant.

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

A well told story, with a love interest and a mystery admirably sustained to the end. The plot largely turns on the misfortunes and sufferings brought about by Father John’s fidelity to the secrecy of the confessional, a fidelity which the author strongly condemns. The hero is a young Irish Protestant, who before the close of the story has converted to his faith such of the Catholic personages of the tale as do not rank as villains. The moral of the story is the iniquity and falseness of the Catholic religion, for which the author throughout displays a very genuine horror. The author’s political sympathies are Ormondist, but Owen Roe O’Neill is favourably described. The massacres of Drogheda and Wexford are described. 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.

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

A volume of a good popular series which includes vols. on Oriental, English, German, American, and other folk-lores. Thirty-three tales chosen from published collections, chiefly Croker’s. A good selection. Humorous and extravagant element not too prominent. Some in dialect. Some titles:—“Fuin” (sic), “MacCumhal and the Salmon of Knowledge,” “Flory Cantillon’s Funeral,” “Saint Brandon” (sic), and “Donagha,” “Larry Hayes,” and “The Enchanted Man,” “The Brewery of Egg-shells,” “The Field of Boliauns,” &c.

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

Ford, an English merchant comes to the west coast of Ireland to pursue a business speculation in grain, and brings his family. He is imprisoned owing to a misunderstanding, and his daughter marries an officer, Macalbert, who becomes chief of the pikemen, and eventually dies on the scaffold. Period: ’98, soon after the landing of French at Killala. Point of view: very sympathetic towards Ireland and anti-Orange. No religious bias. A pathetic and a dramatic story.

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

Frank, of the tenant class, falls in love with the landlord’s daughter, Fanny. Their love is discovered, and Frank finds it best to emigrate to Australia. Here he has various adventures—bush-rangers, gold-diggings, and so on. A comic element is afforded by the sayings and doings of his man, Jerry Doolin. Meanwhile F’s father and his friend, another widower, contend for the favours of the widow Daly—rather broad comedy—while Fanny, without losing her place in society, is running a bookshop while waiting for Frank. All is well in the end. A very pleasant story in every respect. “Collingwood” is a village near Melbourne. Part of the story takes place at Bray.

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

How Gerald, orphan son of Lord Clangore, is brought up in London to be anti-Irish, while his sister is brought up by a Mr. Knightly (a stay-at-home Irish squire absorbed in Ireland) to love Ireland. How chance brings Gerald to Ireland where he is quite won over to her cause. This chance is a wreck off the W. coast of Ireland resulting in Gerald’s falling temporarily into the hands of “Captain Rock.” Many amusing adventures and situations follow. The author’s sympathies are all for Ireland, but they are not blind or unreasoned sympathies. Very ably written both in style and construction.

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

A series of character and genre studies—the shy man, the drunken driver who wakes to find himself in a hearse and thinks it is his own funeral, the returned American, the magistrates who do a good turn for their friends. In this last and in several other sketches (notably in the two concerned with Cork railways) there is a note of satire. There is plenty of genuine humour to justify the title. The Cork accent is cleverly hit off; practically all the sketches are more or less Corkonian.

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

By the author of “Thomas Martin.” A little pious and moral Catholic story. The scene is laid in London.

⸺ HERMITE EN IRLANDE, L’. Two Vols. 12mo. (Paris: Pillet Ainé). 1826.

“Ou observations sur les mœurs et usages des irlandais au commencement du xix siècle.” Interspersed with stories, occupying a large part of the book. Titles:—“Le Cunnemara,” “Le naufrage,” “Mogue le Boiteux,” “Le rebelle,” “La sorcière de Scollough’s Gap,” “Les bonnes gens,” “Les cluricaunes,” “Bill le Protestant,” “Turncoat Watt ou l’apostat,” “Le double vengeance,” “Le retour de l’absent,” etc. These are obviously taken for the most part 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: end of eighteenth century (1798) and beginning of nineteenth century. May be described as a Souper story. Purports to be a moving picture of the last struggle of the Gael against the English Planter, ending in failure, and resulting, in the hero’s case, in conversion to Protestantism. He finally marries an escaped nun whom he meets in an English town while engaged in slum-work.

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

“A selection [thirty-five in all] of the most popular Irish tales, anecdotes, wit, and humour, illustrative of the manners and customs of the Irish peasantry.” There is many a hearty laugh in these stories, especially for ourselves, for in them the Irishman always comes out on top. Some of the titles are:—“Serving a writ in Ireland,” “Anecdotes of Curran,” “Irish Bulls,” “Paddy Doyle’s Trip to Cork,” “Lending a Congregation,” &c. &c.

⸺ 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 family came to London and what they heard and saw and did there. The Irish are represented as dishonest, extravagant, and many other things, but all this and more is to be remedied by the great panacea—the Union—and the last of the four volumes closes with, “Bless the Beloved Monarch of the Union.” Full of political discussions and of lectures delivered to Ireland. What the Author “fears to tell” us is not clear.

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

A neat little volume, prettily illustrated, suitable as a present for children.

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

“It brings out very well the true Irish wit, for which that race is famous.”—(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 begins life in a mud hut in the filthiest and most disgusting conditions. She is found in a barn and taken in by kindly English people, and after a little management becomes a Protestant at the age of fourteen, and indeed quite a theologian in her way. A visit to a church in Cork and to Ardman, near Youghal, where the dust of St. Dillon is sold by the bushel for miracle purposes, completes her conversion. The book is full of the vilest slanders against the Catholic Church. The Irish are represented as murderers and savages driven on by their priests.

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

Told in a series of letters to Miss Julia Nesbitt, Dublin, from Sophia Nesbitt, of “Brandon Castle,” in Co. Antrim, and from Sabina Bruce, of “Edenvale,” Co. Antrim. The two Miss Nesbitts fall in love, and the course of their love affairs forms the chief subject of the letters. These are dated 1771. There is some vague description of Irish places, but feminine matters, chiefly, absorb the writers. To be found in Marsh’s Library, Dublin.

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

⸺ 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 when drunk and had to go through with the business. “The Wrestler,” description of the Bog of Allen and of a wake. “The False Step,” a pathetic story of an Irish girl’s ruin, 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 came of the meeting. They nearly all depict wild times. There is no religious bias, an absence of humour, and much description of scenery.

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

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

Title-page:—“Wherein the idiom of each character is carefully preserved and the utmost precaution constantly taken to render the ebullitionary phrases peculiar to the sons of Erin inoffensive as well as entertaining.” Told in letters between Major O’Grady and Major-General O’Lara, Miss Harriet O’Grady, and Lady Arabella Fitzosborne. The letters are full of italics and of the trifling gossip of fashionable or domestic life. The personages all live in England. Letters from Patrick O’Rourke to Taddy McLenna—heavy humour. Seem to contain no politics save a passing reference to the war then (1808) in progress.

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

Reprinted from the Christian Ladies’ Magazine for 1847 and published for charitable purposes. A religious tale of a strongly Evangelical and anti-Roman character, in which Father Eustace, the hermit of Gougane Barra, relates to Lady Glengeary his own conversion to Protestantism and that of her mother. Lady G., in her turn, relates her conversion to Lady Ormond, who tells the story to Queen Anne.

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

Still reprinted without change, and is as popular as ever. Seventy-two stories, fourteen anonymous, the bulk of the remainder by Carleton, Lover, and Lever. Maginn, Maxwell, and M. J. Barry are represented by two each; Irwin, Lefanu, Lynam, Coyne, Sullivan by one each. Practically all the tales are of the Lover (Handy Andy, q.v.) type, genuinely funny in their way, but broadly comic, farcical, and full of brogue. The illustrations are some of them clever, but inartistic and of the most pronouncedly Stage-Irish kind.

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

“This sees the light with the earnest hope that it may conciliate prejudice, disarm opposition....” The Author speaks of his “intensest sympathy for a despoiled, neglected, ill-used people.” Supposed to be a MS. given to a doctor in the W. of Ireland by a doctor on his deathbed. Sentimental and emotional in style. A rambling series of incidents in priest’s life, with much moralising of a non-Catholic tone. Incidents of land agitation given, without explanation of their causes. Suggestions to make Ireland an ideal place, &c.

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

Like the Author’s former work, this deals with the religious question in Ireland from a Protestant (Evangelical) standpoint. But in this case the personages are drawn from the middle classes, the causes of their enslavement to Rome being set forth. It is full of religious controversy. 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. (N.Y.: 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, the teller being a Dublin lawyer, but nearly all the incidents take place out of Ireland. All the personages are more or less disreputable, including the teller, but especially the hero, Helgate, who is a thorough blackguard. The story consists chiefly in the doings of this latter, a drunken, swindling wretch, who deceives foolish people and lives on them. The writer does not seem to adopt any definite moral attitude. ’68 refers to the vintage of that year.

⸺ LAST OF THE O’MAHONYS, THE; and other historical tales 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: Co. Cork and chiefly around Bandon. All deal with troublous times of 17th century as seen from the settlers’ point of view, with which the Author is in sympathy. The Irish are painted in no flattering colours. Useful historical notes are appended. Longer notices of Nos. 5 and 6 are given as specimens of the whole.

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

Being a complete collection of all the Fairy Tales published by Crofton Croker and embodying the entire 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....” A very eccentric book, intended by the Author (a lady) as a satire on the “fashionable depravities of the times,” with intent to “exhibit folly and vice to public scorn and reproach.” (Pref.). She is out against proselytism, bigotry, hypocrisy, aristocracy, race-hatred between Ireland and England, and all abuses that bear heavily on the people. This book consists of various parts:—I. “The Sojourner in Dublin”—a young Englishman who lives in lodgings and tells what he sees and hears. II. “The Modern Pharisees of the city of Shim-Sham in Ireland,” in the form of a story. III. “Life in the Irish Militia”—a fierce attack on the militia, especially a Northern and a Kerry regiment. IV. “A Visit to Killarney.” V. An Allegorical Tale.

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

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

The hero is “a day labourer reared in the R.C. communion but through mercy enabled to see its delusions and to escape from them.” He is denounced by the priest and assaulted by the parishioners. These are prosecuted, but the only result is moonlighting, murder, and the kidnapping of converts. Yet the converts multiply. The reproduction of the brogue is ludicrous. 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 is made a “Bible Christian,” turns traitor, and is eventually hanged. Period: some time in reign of George III. The country about Fort nan Gall and the woods of Coolmore are described.

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

A straggling story of the adventures in Ireland (Co. Mayo and Dublin) and abroad of Edward F. Tells of the progress of his wooing of Matilda, which is much interfered with by the machinations of a wicked lord. There are also some minor love affairs. Pp. 103 sqq. of Vol. I. contain some pictures of Dublin life at the time, introducing public personages such as the Duke of Leinster, Lady Rossmore, Mr. Justice Fletcher, Alderman M’Kenny, &c. The hero goes to the U.S. and then to S. America. The title of the tale seems to be due to his meeting various peoples—Greeks, Argentiners, Chilians, &c.—fighting for their national independence. See pp. 206, 217, 222. I failed to come across Vol. II. Preface shows Author to be Nationalist in 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 makes friends with the clergyman’s family—Mr. Vernon and his wife, son, and daughters. Presented ultimately with a living, he marries Maria Vernon. Many subordinate characters of no importance are introduced into this invertebrate tale, the style of which is stilted and unnatural.

⸺ 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, &c., &c.

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

The “Outcast” was educated for the priesthood, read Voltaire and Rousseau, but did not finally awake to the error of the Roman “system” until he had read Italy, by Lady Morgan. He ceases to believe in Catholicism; is turned out by his father, while his mother dies of a broken heart. There is a description of the Slaney. Contains much that would be extremely offensive to Catholics and some remarks about Confession and Mass that would appear to them blasphemous.

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

A somewhat ordinary tale of the fortunes of young Charles Desmond, an army officer, is made the vehicle for a careful and detailed picture of manners and customs at the period, and for a presentation of the Author’s views on things Irish, though with little reference to politics or to religion. The plot, such as it is, turns chiefly on the question whether Charles will come in for his old uncle’s money and will, in spite of whispering tongues, marry the lady—both of which he does. The conversation of some of the personages is full of pedantry and of quotations in various languages. Dublin life well portrayed by a keen observer.

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

“‘Peas-blossom’ may be described as a rollicking, respectable Irish story, the names of the juvenile pair of heroes being Pat and Paddy.... An exceptionally readable volume.”—(Times).

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

A young man’s adventures in the American Civil War. Only the first story has the slightest connection with 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,” names of persons and places being disguised. “His [the Author’s] aim has been, along with a matter-of-fact representation of the real state of things in Ireland, to exhibit in a parable ... a just and true view of what the gracious dealings of the Almighty always are.” (Pref.). A pamphlet in story form written against the Catholic Church in Ireland and in support of the “Irish Reformation Movement.” Appendix, giving with entire approval a bitterly anti-Catholic article from the Times of November 29th, 1853 (?), and others of like nature from the Morning Advertiser (Oct. 22nd, 1853). The characters are drawn from the peasant class.

⸺ POPULAR TALES AND LEGENDS OF THE IRISH PEASANTRY. Pp. 404. (Dublin: W. F. Wakeman). Illustr. 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,” &c., &c.

⸺ 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 inspired by the bitterest dislike and contempt for Ireland. The views expressed by the young English soldier (p. 101) seem throughout to be those of the author. The interest turns almost entirely on the relations between landlord, tenant, and League, and no effort is spared to represent the two latter in the most odious light. It is the work of a practised writer, and the descriptions are distinctly good and the story well told. The brogue is painfully travestied. The author is ignorant of Catholic matters.

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

At the hospitable Protestant rectory even the priest is received. This priest “performed several masses on Sundays”: he is frequently drunk. He goes to Rome and, at the “fearful sight” of the Pope treated as God, he recoils in disgust, and is converted. On his return he is again welcomed at the Rectory, where he converts many and dies a holy death.

⸺ PURITAN, THE. Pp. 134.

The interest of this story turns chiefly on the religious differences of the times. The author is for “the calm and rational service of the Church of England” as against the new fanaticism of the Parliamentarians. The characters, such as those of Obadiah Thoroughgood and Lovegrace, are well-drawn. There is but little local colour and no description of scenery. The scene is laid at Bandon, Co. Cork. Bound up in one vol. with “Black Monday Insurrection,” q.v., being Vol. III. of The Last of The O’Mahonys.

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

“An historical romance of the Fenian invasion of Canada,” June, 1866. Introd. (pp. xx. close print) gives a view of Irish history and politics from a bitterly anti-English point of view. England has been “a traitor, a perjurer, a robber, and an assassin throughout the whole of her infamous career.” Append. gives in 5 pp. an “Authentic Report” of the invasion of Canada, Fenianism is fully discussed, especially in ch. vi. Career of Gen. O’Neill, ch. vii. A love story of an ordinary kind is used as a medium for politics and historical narrative.

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

Scene chiefly Dublin Castle. Cromwellian cruelties under Ludlow depicted, and early years of Restoration. The Robber Chieftain is Redmond O’Hanlon, the Rapparee. The Ven. Oliver Plunket is also one of the characters. Some incidents suggest Catholic standpoint, but in places the book reads like a non-Catholic (though not anti-Catholic) tract. The hero and heroine are Protestant. Full of sensational incidents, duels, waylayings by robber bands, law court scenes, tavern brawls. Also many repulsive scenes of drunkenness among the native Irish, and of murder, wild vengeance, and villainy of all kinds. Hardly suitable for young people.

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

A Catholic boy, Doyle, risks his life and saves a Protestant boy from drowning. The boy’s father out of gratitude offers to send Doyle to T.C.D., guaranteeing that “he will not have to make even a temporary renunciation of his religion.” But the priest refuses, and soon Doyle becomes a Protestant.

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

A romance of love and vengeance and druidical mysteries into which St. Patrick enters as one of the dramatis personæ. There are plenty of exciting incidents, some fine scenes, and a very good picture of druidism in the fifth century. Very well written but for the unfortunate introduction of modern Irish brogue and Scotch dialect. The religious point of view is Church of Ireland, and there is an effort to represent the Christianity of those days as essentially different from the Catholicism of these. Scene: chiefly Tara, Dunluce, the Giant’s Causeway, the Bann.

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

The love story of Stella Mertoun, who is a Royalist, and Philip Venn, who is on the Parliamentary side in the Civil War. Only a small portion of the action takes place in Ireland. The author’s sympathies are with the Puritans, but the bias is not pronounced.

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

A very long novel with a rather confused plot, but containing good scenes. Purports to be a MS. given to her descendant by the old Countess of Desmond, who has fallen on evil days, and relating stirring incidents of the Desmond wars and of 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 the Castle of Maynooth. Written on the whole from the Irish point of view.

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

The Sir Roger of the story (he is “10th baron Navan”) is an elderly married man, blustering, cursing, lying, cheating, but described in such a way that one does not see whether the author means him for a hero or not. He falls in love with Lady Kitty, who is in love with somebody else. Sir Roger tries to get the latter into disreputable situations. They fight a duel, and the curtain falls on Sir Roger mortally wounded. The book is quite devoid of seriousness.

⸺ 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, amusing and pathetic, some of which have appeared in the Weekly Freeman and the Irish Emerald.

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

Nelly Dillon, daughter of a Tipperary farmer, is abducted in suspicious circumstances by a former lover, who is a Ribbonman and illicit distiller. She is disowned by her parents but befriended and sheltered by Bet Fagan, a fine character. The latter prevails upon the abductor, when under sentence of death, to clear Nelly Dillon’s character in presence of the parish priest, who afterwards tells the facts from the altar. The parents wish to receive Nelly back, but she rejects their advances and dies. A sad story, well told, and with a healthy moral.

⸺ TALES AND LEGENDS OF IRELAND. Two Vols. (Cork: Bolster). 1831.

“Illustrative of society, history, antiquities, manners, and literature, with translations from the Irish, biographical notices, essays, etc.”

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

“The first of a projected series illustrative of the history of I.” (Title-p.). See also Introd. (pp. xxx.) containing some interesting remarks about Irish historical fiction. Claims to “give the history as it really occurred.” The book is a quite good attempt to relate the rebellion of Silken Thomas in a romantic vein (though with no love interest) and to picture the times. The conversations, though somewhat long-drawn-out, are in very creditable Elizabethan English, redolent of Shakespeare. Opens with a description of Christmas in Dublin in 1533. The Author is not enthusiastically Nationalist, but is quite fair to the Irish side.

⸺ 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, son of a small farmer in Co. Cork, as a result of his conversion to Protestantism, has his house burned down and his cattle killed. He emigrates to U.S.A., but soon passes to Canada, and helps to repel the Fenian raid. He is joined by his family, and all live happily at Castle Doolin. Less offensive than “Mick Tracy” in its allusions to religious controversies.

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

A United Irishman who had escaped from Dublin Castle by the heroism of a sister, tells the tale of his woes to an Englishman, who meets him by accident. The latter in turn tells his story, equally woeful. The writer seems to be a Catholic and to sympathize more or less with the United Irishman. The book contains material for a good story, but it is told in a rambling manner, without art, and is full of sentimentality. No attempt to picture events or life of the times.

⸺ VERTUE 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 Epist. “To the Incomparable Marinda.” (Pref.) “To the ill-natured reader.” A petty foreign prince in the train of William III. falls in love with an Irish beauty whom he sees in a window when passing through Clonmel. The story tells of the vicissitudes of his love suit. It is eked out by several minor incidents. Nothing historical except the mention of the siege of Limerick.

⸺ VEUVE IRLANDAISE ET SON FILS, LA; Histoire véritable. Pp. 36. (Paris: Delay). 1847.

A little Protestant religious tract telling how a poor Irish widow was brought round to Protestant ideas by means of Bible readings.

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

Eleven tales selected from Carleton (“The Lianhan Shee”), Lover (“The Burial of O’Grady”), Lever, Croker (“The Banshee”), Mrs. Hall, and J. B. O’Meara, together with some anonymous items.

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

“An Historical Tale, in which the leading events of that ... period of our history ... are faithfully and truly narrated.” Introduces William III., James II., Tyrconnell, Sarsfield, Richard Hamilton, &c. Describes Boyne and Aughrim. Scene chiefly Co. Fermanagh. Tone strongly Protestant (there are digressions on religious matters), but without offensiveness to the other side. It is a rather rambling, ill-connected story, the work of a prentice hand. The initials of the author seem to be J. M. M. K.

[ABRAHAM, J. Johnstone], a native of Coleraine. B.A., 1898; M.D., T.C.D., 1908; a consulting Surgeon in London; now 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. Sex problem of “the greater and the lesser love,” studied in a distinctly “biological” way. As foil to the main characters, who are of the respectable Protestant classes, we have “R.C.’s” of a most undesirable type, and, in the background, the wholly disreputable Irishry of a western town. The four plagues of Ireland are Priests, Politicians, Pawnbrokers, and Publicans, according to one of the personages. The medical interest 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 rackrenting absentee comes (from Cambridge) incognito among his tenantry in the West and lives their life. He meets the heroine who gives its title to the book—with the expected result. The rest is a series of little episodes—fishing in a western mountain-stream, a day’s shooting on a moor, a sail on Clew Bay, a petty sessions court, a matchmaking, a fair, &c., &c., all with a splendid setting of Western scenery. Might be written by a sympathetic and kindly visitor who had enjoyed his holiday.

ALEXANDER, Eleanor. Born at Strabane, daughter of the late Dr. Alexander, Archbishop of Armagh (d. 1911), and of Mrs. Cecilia Frances Alexander, both of them well known as poets. Educated at home. Has written verse for the Spectator and for other periodicals. At the outbreak of war was preparing for publication a collection of Ulster stories illustrative of the peculiar humour of the North. Her Lady Anne’s Walk, a miscellany of historical reminiscence woven round a place and one who walked there long ago, contains an excellent bit of Ulster dialect—the talk of the old gardener.

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

A story of love, marriage, and social intercourse among various classes of Church of Ireland people in Ulster. Draws a sympathetic picture of clerical life, the hero being a clergyman. Every character, and there are very many interesting types, is drawn with sure and distinct traits. There are no mere lay figures. John Robert is a curious and amusing study of a certain type of servant. Full of shrewd observation and knowledge of human nature, at least in all its outward 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 for reasons connected with an hereditary family curse is induced by his mother to become a Benedictine. During a vacation five years after his profession he meets his former love at a country house, and a liaison is formed. Taxed with this by his rival, the shock makes him see the family “ghost”—the “old man of horror.” A fatal illness results, and he leaves the field to his rival. Written pleasantly and lightly. Shows little knowledge of Catholic ways and doctrines.

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

Youth is “the Essence of Life,” as exemplified in the heroine’s crowded moments in the social life of Dublin and London, closing with her marriage with Lord Portstow, but shadowed by the tragedy of a beautiful actress, who turns out to be her mother. The novel does not rise above the commonplace.—[Times Lit. Suppl.].

ALEXANDER, L. C.

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

Stories of a miscellaneous kind, mostly humorous, told in a pleasant and readable style. Shows little knowledge of Irish life. The peasantry are treated somewhat contemptuously. The interest at times turns on the absurdities of Irish politics and of Irish legal proceedings.

ALEXANDER, Miriam (Mrs. Stokes). Born at Birkenhead. Educated at home, except for a short period at Alexandra College, Dublin. Has almost finished another novel, dealing this time with modern Irish life. Was much interested in the Gaelic League till alienated from it by recent events.

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

A tale of the Williamite wars. Dermot Lisronan vows vengeance on the brutal Dutchman who has driven him from his ancestral home and been the death of his mother. The book is the story of that vengeance. Dermot by a strange fatality marries the daughter of this Dutchman, and some fine psychological and human interest is afforded by the struggle in her mind between love (the love of Dermot’s once bosom friend Fitz Ulick) and wifely duty. The book is full of exciting and dramatic incidents and situations, and never flags from the lurid beginning to the tragic close. The characters are clearly drawn and they are worth drawing:—Bartley, the Hedge-schoolmaster; Taaffe, the besotted coward, sorry product of Williamite rule; Father Talbot, the devoted priest of penal days; Barry Fitz Ulick, a kind of Sir Launcelot, and the rest. William III. is painted in darkest colours, and the penal days that he inaugurated are shown in their full horror, though as an offset to this we have a picture of the persecution of Huguenots in France.

N.B.—This novel gained a 250 guinea prize by the unanimous award of three competent judges. Six editions were sold in less than two months.

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

Dedication: To Caitlín ni Houlihan. A stirring and vivid romance of Jacobite days (18th century) in Ireland, containing some intensely dramatic episodes, e.g., the escape of Prince Charles Edward. There are many threads in the narrative, but the chief interest, perhaps, centres in a Jacobite who, having served the cause well for twenty years, finds himself confronted with the spectre of physical cowardice. To save the cause from disgrace, his cousin Denis takes his place on the scaffold. The girl marries Clavering for the same reason, not for love. The author interrupts her narrative at times to express her views on Celticism (for which she is enthusiastic), religious persecution, and modern degeneracy.

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

Opens in Mayo (Achill scenery described), but soon shifts to Poland and then to France. Adventures of Deirdre van Kaarew (daughter of a recreant Irishman who has Dutchified his name and turned Protestant), who has followed her brother to rescue him from the designs of a hated kinsman. She falls in love with Maurice de Saxe (of whom a careful and vivid portrait is drawn), and the story of this “friendship” takes up much of the book. She refuses him in the end, and marries the hated kinsman. A fine plot, full of dramatic incidents.

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

Miss O’Corra, who has become a rich heiress, leaves her English home and comes to hunt in Ireland. She is quite ignorant of equine matters, and various amusing difficulties beset her. She meets her fate in the person of a young Irish sportsman.—(Press).

ALEXANDER, Rupert.

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

A well told story, introducing Lord Edward and the other leaders. Maureen, an American, is the niece of John Moore, who is driven into rebellion by the persecution of the “Yeos.” His two sons, one a captain in the army, the other a priest, also join the rebel ranks. A love interest with cross purposes pervades the story. Larry Farrell is a great character, performing wonderful deeds of bravery and having equally wonderful escapes. The book leans entirely to the rebel side. The fight at New Ross and the atrocities of Wexford are vividly described.

ALGER, Horatio. Author of over 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 illustr. 1874. Second ed., Belfast, 1875. 1s.

1. Mick Callighin leaves Ballypooreen, somewhere near the Galtees, of which there is a fine description, for Dublin and then London. He meets his future wife in Kensington Gardens. The plot is slight, but there is a good deal of pleasant wit, many political hits, and much satire, not of Home Rule but of Home Rulers.

2. Arthur Mervyn meets Col. de Burgho and his daughter, home from Italy. An Italian count, who is also a pirate, carries off Nora, but she is rescued and married to Arthur. A pretty story, with some good descriptions of life among the better classes in the West of Ireland.

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

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

A series of papers read before local learned societies or contributed to archæological journals. An endeavour to deal with the folk belief in fairies from an archæological point of view. The conclusion is that the “souterrains” were originally the abode of a primitive pigmy race. Imbedded in these pages (the outcome of much personal research) are many good fairy and folk stories.

ANDREWS, Marion.

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

A tale, for young people, of the Siege of Londonderry, the hardships of the defenders, and their brave patience. Isabel, a veritable angel of mercy for her uncle and cousins is a pleasant study. Another fine character is old Geoffrey Lambrick, drawn from a quiet life and his tulips into the smoke 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 founded on fact.” (Pref.). The first story (165 pp.) depicts Connaught “in a wild and stormy state of society” towards the close of the eighteenth century, and records the wild deeds and memorable exit of the very widely known individual who is its hero.

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

The Author was “from infancy in the habit of hearing details of ‘the time of the Frinch’” ... and has “had an opportunity of frequently hearing the insurrectionary scenes described by some of the Actors themselves.” (Pref.) The Author is loyalist, but not bitterly hostile to the rebels. The rebellion is not painted in roseate colours, but it is not misrepresented. Humbert’s campaign is vividly described, but history does not absorb all the interest. The love story (the lovers are on the rebel side) is told with zest, and there is abundance of exciting incident. Quite well written.

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

A tale of the Penal times.

ARCHER, Patrick, “MacFinegall.” Born at Oldtown, North County Dublin, about fifty years ago. Lives in Dublin, where he is a Customs Official.

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

A series of sketches exhibiting the humorous side of village life in the North County Dublin district, or thereabouts. Quite free from caricature; in fact tending to set the people described in a favourable light, and to make them more appreciated. There is a portrait of a priest, earnest, persevering, and wholly taken up with his people’s good. Thoroughly hearty, wholesome humour.

ARGYLE, Anna.

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

Scene: Wicklow during rebellion. Story told in first person by Olive Lacy, a peasant’s daughter, adopted into a country gentleman’s family. Castlereagh and Curran are introduced. A good specimen of the latter’s table talk is given. Olive’s father becomes a United Irishman, is betrayed by a foreign monk (who goes about in a habit and cowl!), escapes, is rearrested, and finally is shot. A general description of the rising is given. Tone, healthy. Story well told, but for some improbabilities. Wrote also: 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 peasantry. A pleasantly told little story. The hero implicated in Fenian movement, and arrested, escapes from prison through 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, son of “Admiral Wyville,” takes up and works a property in a remote district in Ireland. Told in first person. The chief interest seems to lie in jealousies and consequent intrigues arising out of love affairs.

“ATHENE” [see HARRIS].

AUSTIN, Stella.

⸺ PAT: A Story for Boys and Girls. (Wells Gardner). 2s. 6d. Illustr.

“One of the prettiest stories of child life. Even the adult reader will take a great liking to the lively Irish Boy”—(Christian World). 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), now (August, 1915) acting as a chaplain in the British Army in France. He is one of the best-known writers of the day.

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

The Author brings together in a queer old castle on the Western coast the M’Morrogh, descendant of a long line of Celtic princes, his children by an Italian wife, his French sister-in-law, a band of gypsies of a higher type, whose king is Louis XVII. of France, rescued from his persecutors of the Terror and half-ignorant of his origin. These are some of the personages of the tale. It is noteworthy that not one of the characters has a drop of English blood. I shall not give the plot of the story. The last portion is full of the highest moral beauty. The lad Enrique or Mudo, son of Henry M’Morrogh (whose mother was an Italian) and of a Spanish gypsy princess, is a wonderful conception. When the Author speaks, as he does constantly, of things Catholic (notably the religious life and the Blessed Sacrament) he does so not only correctly but in a reverential and understanding spirit. The one exception is the character of Father O’Herlihy, which is offensive to Catholic feeling, and unnatural. The moral tone throughout is high. One of the episodes is the seduction of a peasant girl, but it is dealt with delicately and without suggestiveness.

BANIM, John and Michael “The O’Hara Family.” John Banim (1798-1842) and Michael Banim (1796-1876) worked together, and bear a close resemblance to one another in style and in the treatment of their material; but the work of John is often gloomy and tragic; that of Michael has more humour, and is brighter. They have both a tendency to be melodramatic, and can picture well savage and turbulent passion. They have little lightness of humour or literary delicacy of touch, but they often write with vigour and great realistic power. The object with which the “O’Hara” Tales were written is thus stated by Michael Banim: “To insinuate, through fiction, the causes of Irish discontent and insinuate also that if crime were consequent on discontent, it was no great wonder; the conclusion to be arrived at by the reader, not by insisting on it on the part of the Author, but from sympathy with the criminals.”

P. J. Kenedy, of New York, publishes an edition of the Banims’ works in ten volumes at seven dollars the set.

BANIM, John.

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

The story of a young man who, for revenge, joins the Shanavests, a secret society, terrible alike to landlord, tithe-proctor, and even priest. 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 gloomy story, turning on the influence of superstitious imaginations on two nervous and high-strung minds. The fetch is the spirit of a person about to die said to appear to friends. The story is somewhat lightened by the introduction of two farcical characters.

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

The temptation and fall of a young priest, resulting in misery which leads to repentance. Contains some of Banim’s most powerful scenes.

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

A sensational and romantic tale. The opening chapters (by Michael Banim) give a detailed description of country matchmaking and marriage festivities at the time, c. 1770.

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

In this great novel, which is closely modelled on Scott, scene after scene of the great drama of the Williamite Wars passes before the reader. Every detail of scenery and costume is carefully reproduced. Great historical personages mingle in the action. The two rival kings with all their chief generals are represented with remarkable vividness. Then there are Sarsfield and Rev. George Walker, Galloping O’Hogan the Rapparee, Carolan the bard, and many others. The politics and other burning questions of the day are thrashed out in the conversations. The intervals of the great historical events are filled by the adventures of the fictitious characters, exciting to the verge of sensationalism, finely told, though the deus ex machina is rather frequently called in, and the dialogue is somewhat old-fashioned. The wild scenery of the Antrim coast is very fully described, also the scenes through which Sarsfield passed on his famous ride. The standpoint is Catholic and Jacobite, but great efforts are made to secure historical fairness. The book ends with the Treaty of Limerick.

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

Opens in London. Several members of Anglo-Irish Society are introduced—the Minister (Castlereagh) and the Secretary (Wilson Croker). There are long disquisitions on Emancipation, the conversion of the peasantry, &c. Gerald Blount, younger son of an Irish peer, has all the anti-Irish bias of this set. Flying after a duel he reaches Ireland, where he has many exciting adventures with the Rockites. Finally he succeeds to the title and settles down. The “double” (or mistaken identity) plays a part in this story, as in so many of Banim’s. A meeting of the Catholic Association with O’Connell and Shiel debating is finely described, also a Dublin dinner-party, at which Scott’s son appears. The early part is somewhat tedious, but the later scenes are powerful.

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

Period: reign of George II. A very singular story, whose interest centres in the denial under the Penal Laws of the right of education to Catholics. A young man, crossed in love, resolves to become a “conformist” or pervert, and thus at once disgrace his family, and oust his father from the 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 practise their religion, and the vexations they had to undergo at the hands of hostile Protestants. The tale abounds in incident, often sensational. There is a good deal in the story about the Rapparees.

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

Published anonymously. Preface tells us it was written some few years before date of publication. Scene: City of Galway and Connemara (including Aran). The main plot is concerned with the mystery surrounding the heir of Ballymagawley, got out of the way in early childhood by the present owner, Mr. Whaley, but returning in disguise to claim his rights. The interest is threefold:—First, Mr. Whaley’s awful secret unknown to the daughter, whom he loves with his whole soul, and who returns his love, and the desperate efforts he makes to avert the revelation; 2nd, the study of character: Clara Whaley, high-souled, intellectual, unworldly, scorning fashion and flirtation, the astute worldly intellectual Hon. Augustus Foster, the empty-headed Miss Fosters and so on; 3rd, a series of quite admirable and amusing vignettes of the petite bourgeoisie of Galway—the vulgar and showy Mrs. Heffernan with her absurd accent, the match-making Mrs. Flanagan (an inimitable portrait), the mischief-making Peter Harry Joe, Considine the Butler, the consequential Captain O’Connor, and the endless flirtations of the marriageable young ladies. The peasantry are well drawn, but it is quite an outside view of their life. The conversations are clever, but sometimes tediously long, as are also the Author’s reflections.

BANIM, Michael.

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

Has been a very popular book. The action lies in one of the darkest periods of Irish history, when the peasantry, crushed under tithe-proctor, middleman, and Penal laws, retorted by the savage outrages of the secret societies. One of these latter was the “Whiteboys,” with the doings of which this book largely deals. The Author does not justify outrage, but explains it by a picture of the conditions of which it was an outcome. A dark and terrible story. The scene is Kilkenny and neighbourhood. It must be added that most of the characters savour strongly of what is now known as the “stage Irishman.”

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

Opens with a long and serious historical introduction. There follow many pages of a love story of the better classes which is, perhaps, not very convincing. Samples of the outrages by which the people were driven to revolt are given. Then there are many scenes from the heart of the rebellion itself, some of them acquired from conversation with eye-witnesses. The attitude is that of a mild Nationalist, or rather Liberal, contemplating with sorrow not unmixed with contempt the savage excesses of his misguided countrymen. The rebellion is shown in its vulgarest and least romantic aspect, and there are harrowing descriptions of rebel outrages on Vinegar Hill and elsewhere. The one noble or even respectable character in the book, Sir Thomas Hartley, is represented as in sympathy with constitutional agitation, but utterly abhorring rebellion. The other chief actors in the story are unattractive. They have no sympathy with the insurgents, and the parts they play are connected merely accidentally with the rebellion. There is much movement and spirit in the descriptive portions.

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

Romantic and sensational—attempted murders, abductions, &c. Not suitable for the young. Interest and mystery well sustained. Scene: Kilkenny in 1779. There was a Paris edition, 1835.

⸺ THE BIT O’ WRITING.

This is the title-story of a volume of stories. First published in London, 1838. It may be taken as typical of Michael Banim’s humour at his best. It is a gem of story-telling, and, besides, a very close study of the ways and the talk of the peasantry. The “ould admiral,” with his sailor’s lingo, is most amusing. It was republished along with another story, The Ace of Clubs, by Gill, in a little volume of the O’Connell Press Series, pp. 144, cloth, 6d., 1886. The original volume, with twenty stories, is still published by Kenedy, New York.

⸺ FATHER CONNELL. Pp. 358. [1840].

The scene is Kilkenny. The hero is an Irish country priest. The character, modelled strictly (see Pref.) on that of a priest well known to the author, is one of the noblest in fiction. He is the ideal Irish priest, almost childlike in simplicity, pious, lavishly charitable, meek and long-suffering, but terrible when circumstances roused him to action. Interwoven with his life-story is that of Neddy Fennell, his orphan protégé, brave, honest, generous, loyal. Father Connell is his ministering angel, warding off suffering and disaster, saving him also from himself. The last scene, where, to save his protégé from an unjust judicial sentence, Father Connell goes before the Viceroy, and dies at his feet, is a piece of exquisite pathos. There is an element of the sombre and the terrible. But the greater part of the book sparkles with a humour at once so kindly, so homely, and so delicate, that the reader comes to love the Author so revealed. The episodes depict many aspects of Irish life. The character-drawing is masterly, as the best critics have acknowledged. There is Mrs. Molloy, Father Connell’s redoubtable housekeeper; Costigan, the murderer and robber; Mary Cooney, the poor outcast and her mother, the potato-beggar; and many more. The Author faithfully reproduces the talk of the peasants, and enters into their point of view. Acknowledged to be the most pleasing 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 skilfully worked out, never flagging, and with a mystery admirably sustained to the end. Gives curious glimpses of the life of the times (early nineteenth century), as seen in a provincial town (Kilkenny). But the style often offends against modern taste. The book soon turns to rather crude, if exciting, melodrama. Moreover, though the Author is always on the side of morality, there is too much about abduction, &c., and too many references to the loose morals of the day to make it suitable reading for certain classes.

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

Scene: sea-board town in West. A powerful story in which the chief interest is a tragedy brought about by drink. The town seems to be Ennistymon, Co. Clare. The characters belong to the peasant class, and of course are drawn with thorough knowledge. The work could easily go in one not very large volume.

“BAPTIST, Father” [see Mgr. R. B. O’BRIEN].

BARBOUR, M. F.

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

“A sequel to ‘The Way Home,’ &c.” A little religious tract (Protestant) in story form.

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. Intended as a contribution to folk-lore. But the title-story (54 pp.) is a fantastic story told in melodramatic modern English, and has little or no connexion with folk-lore. The remainder consists of ghost stories, spirit-warnings, superstitions, chiefly of local interest. Appended are a few explanatory notes of some value.

BARLOW, Jane.

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

Doings at Lisconnell, a poverty-stricken little hamlet, lost amidst a waste of unlovely bogland. These sketches have been well described as “saturated with the pathos of elementary tragedy.” Yet there is humour, too, and even fun, as in the story of how the shebeeners tricked the police. The illustrated edition contains about thirty exceptionally good reproductions of photographs of 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 appear incidentally. The main characters are Martin Kerrigan, a returned Irish-Australian; the invalid Lady O’Connor; her son, Sir Ben; and her niece, Merle. The story is one of intense, almost hopeless, sadness, yet it is ennobling in a high degree. It is full of exquisite scraps of description.

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

A second series of Irish Idylls, showing the Author’s qualities in perhaps a higher degree even than the first. A more exquisite story than “A Good Turn” it would be hard to find. Throughout there is the most thorough sympathy with the poor folk. The peasant dialect is never rendered so as to appear vulgar or absurd. It is full of an endless variety of picturesqueness and quaint turns. No problems are discussed, yet the all but impossibility of life under landlordism is brought out (see p. 15). There are studies of many types familiar in Irish country life—the tinkers; Mr. Polymathers, the pedagogue (a most pathetic figure); Mad Bell, the crazy tramp; and Con the “Quare One.” It should be noted that, though there is in Miss Barlow’s stories much pathos, there is an entire absence of emotional gush.

⸺ MAUREEN’S FAIRING. Pp. 191. (Dent). Six Illustr., of no great value. [1895]. (N.Y.: Macmillan). 0.75.

Eight little stories reprinted from various magazines in a very dainty little volume. Like all of Jane Barlow’s stories, they tell of the “tear and the smile” in lowly peasant lives, with graceful humour or simple, tender pathos. The stories are very varied in kind.

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

“Seven stories, chiefly of a light and humorous kind, very tender in their portrayal of the hearts of the poor. There is a touching sketch of child-life and a police-court comedy.”—(Baker).

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

The first six of this collection of fifteen stories are tales of foreign lands—Arabia, Greece, and others. The remainder deal with Irish peasant life. They tell of the romance and pathos that is hidden in lives that seem most commonplace. “The Field of the Frightful Beasts” is a pretty little story of childish fancies. “An Advance Sheet” is weird and has a tragic ending.

⸺ 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 humorous, some pathetic, including some of the author’s best work. There is the usual sympathetic insight into the eccentricities and queernesses of the minds of the peasant class, but little about the higher spiritual qualities of the people, for that is not the author’s province. Among the most amusing of the sketches is that which tells the doings of a young harum-scarum, the terror of his elders.

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

The tale of how Timothy Galvin, a ragged urchin living in a mud cabin and remarkable only for general dishonesty and shrewd selfishness, is given a start in life by an ill-gotten purse, and rises by his mother wit to wealth. The study of the despicable character of the parvenu is clever and unsparing. Other types are introduced, the landlord of the old type, and two reforming landlords, who appear also in Kerrigan’s Quality. The book displays Jane Barlow’s qualities to the full.

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

Seventeen stories up to the level of the author’s best, the usual vein of quiet humour, the pathos that is never mawkish, the perfect accuracy of the conversations, and the faithful portrayal of characteristics. The study in “A Money-crop at Lisconnell,” of the struggle between the Widow M’Gurk’s deep-rooted Celtic pride and her kind heart, is most amusing. As usual, there are delightful portraits of children.

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

Seventeen stories of Irish life, chiefly among the peasantry. They have all Miss Barlow’s wonted sympathy and insight, her quiet humour and cheerful outlook.

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

Chapter I., “Ourselves and Our Island,” gives the author’s thoughts about Ireland, its outward aspect, the peculiarities of its social life, its soul. It includes an exquisite pen-picture of Irish landscape beauty. The remaining fourteen sketches are “chapters from the history of some Irish country folk,” whom she describes as “social, pleasure-loving, keen-witted,” but “prone to melancholy and mysticism.” The last sketch is a picture, almost photographic in its fidelity, of a little out-of-the-way country town and its neighbourhood. The illustrations are pretty, and the artist, who, unlike many illustrators of Irish books, has evidently been in Ireland, has made a great effort to include in his pictures as much local colour as possible. Yet it seems to us that un-Irish traits often intrude themselves despite him.

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

Embroidered upon an exceptionally involved plot—four times we are introduced to a wholly new set of characters—we have the author’s usual qualities, minute observation and depiction of curious aspects of character, snatches of clever picturesque conversation, an occasional vivid glimpse of nature. But in this case the caste is made up of spiteful, petty, small-minded and generally disagreeable personages. They are nearly all drawn from the middle and upper classes in the South of Ireland, Protestant and Anglicized. The snobbishness, petty jealousies, selfishness of some of these people is set forth in a vein of satire. The incidents include an unusually tragic suicide.

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

Eight stories in which Mac, or rather Macartney Valentine O’Neill Barry, who is four years old in the first and six in the last, plays a leading part. Indeed he is quite a little deus ex machina, or rather a good fairy in the affairs of his elders. Mac is neither a paragon nor a youthful prodigy. He is just a natural child, with a child’s love of mischief and “grubbiness,” and full of quaint sayings. Bright and genial in tone.—(Press Notices).

⸺ DOINGS AND DEALINGS. Pp. 314. (Hutchinson). 6s. 1913.

Thirteen stories, all but one (the longest) dealing with peasant life in the author’s wonted manner. Perhaps scarcely so good as some of her earlier collections.

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

The first of these, “The Keys of the Chest,” is a curious and original conception, showing with what strange notions a child grew up in a lonely mansion by the sea. The story of the suicide is a gem of story-telling. “Three Pint Measures” is a comic sketch of low Dublin life.

⸺ ANOTHER CREEL OF IRISH STORIES. Published, I believe, in U.S.A. (On sale by 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.” Crude melodrama with all the usual accessories—a landlord, “Lord Ironhoof,” and an agent, “Gore”—eviction, agrarian murders, a disguised priest, and secret Mass, a poteen still, an elopement, a changeling brought up in wealth, a lover supposed drowned, and an innocent man unjustly convicted. No sense of reality. Scene: West of Ireland, c. 1850. Several anachronisms.

BARRINGTON, F. Clinton.

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

Scene: Galway Bay. Crude melodrama, without historical significance. Wicked married bishops, scheming foreign monks, and coarse fat friars are the villains of the piece. But the hero, a smuggler of noble birth, always escapes from their clutches, and finally marries the heroine. Specimen 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 wrecked by racial hatred. The hero, a young Englishman, Jack Bullen, fights a duel, in Heidelberg, with an Irish student, and kills him. This deed comes in after years between him and the Irish girl (cousin of the slain student, and pledged against her will to vengeance by his father) whom he was to marry—and this through the plotting of her rejected lover and a priest. Bullen had, for the upraising of the Irish people, started a great peat factory in Ireland, and it had prospered. This work is wrecked by the same agency that ruins his private happiness. Throughout the book the Author attacks all the cherished ideas of Irish Nationalism and of the present Irish revival, and sets over against them the ideals of England and his personal views. Much bitterness is shown against the priests of Ireland. The scene-painting and the handling of situation and of narrative are very clever. There is nothing objectionable from a moral point of view.

BARRY, Canon William, D.D. Born in London, 1849. Educated at Oscott and Rome. He is a man of very wide learning, a theologian and a man-of-letters, known in literature both by his novels (The New Antigone, &c.) and by important historical and religious works. Is now 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: coast of South-west Cork during famine times, of which some glimpses are shown. There is a slight embroidery of Irish legend and a good deal about superstition, but the incidents, characters, and conversations have little, if any, relation to real life in Ireland. It is mainly a study of primitive passions. It might be described as a dream of a peculiarly “creepy” and morbid kind. It is wholly unlike the Author’s New Antigone.

BAYNE, Marie.

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

Pretty and attractive picture-cover. Six little stories told in pretty, poetic style, one about a fairy changeling, another about the mermaids. The “Luck of the Griddle Darner” is in pleasant swinging verse. So is the “Sleep of Earl Garrett.” Though intended for small children, none of the stories are silly.

BENNETT, Louie. Born in Dublin, educated there by private tuition and in London. Has done some journalistic work, but is chiefly interested in social questions, in particular the woman’s movement and pacifism. Resides near Bray, Co. Wicklow.

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

Scene: varies between Mayo and Dublin. Story of an ill-assorted marriage. The wife, daughter of a Protestant rector, is a Puritan of the best type, simple, religious, and sincere. The husband is a fast man of fashion, who cannot understand her “prejudices.” After much bickering they part. Troubles fall on both. In the end his illness brings them together again—each grown more tolerant. Quiet and simply but well written, with nothing objectionable in the treatment.

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

“A tale of real happenings” (sub-title). Opens at Ballynahinch, Co. Down, in June, 1797. A pleasant, exciting romance, written in vigorous and nervous style. A young Englishman joins the Northern rebellion. He pledges himself to avenge his friend taken after the fight at Ballynahinch, and hanged as a rebel. The story tells how he carries out the pledge. The only historical character introduced is Thomas Russell. His pitiful failure in 1803 to raise another rebellion in Ulster is related. The little heroine, Kate Maxwell, is finely drawn.

BERENS, Mrs. E. M.

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

“A tale of the Irish famine of to-day.” Period: 1879-80. Place: Ballinaveen, not far from Cork. Black Hugh, a kind of outlaw of the mountains is the hero. He had loved Mrs. Sullivan before she married the drunken, worthless Pat. He promises her when she is on her deathbed to care for the children she is leaving, and the worthless husband. Hugh takes the blame of the latter’s crime, and is hanged in Dublin. The family is rescued by benevolent English people. A well-told, but very sad story. The people’s miseries are feelingly depicted. Standpoint of a kind-hearted Englishwoman who pities, but does not in the least understand Ireland.

BERTHET, Elie.

⸺ DERNIER IRLANDAIS, LE. Three Vols. 16mo. (Bruxelles: Meline). 1851.

Ireland in the eighteen forties. Abortive rising under one of the O’Byrnes of Wicklow (Le dernier Irlandais). O’Connell looms in the background as the opponent of all this. The rebellion, which at once fizzles out, is the result of an insult to O’Byrne’s sister by a roué named Clinton. O’B. flies to Cunnemara (sic) with Nelly Avondale, daughter of the landlord of Glendalough, is besieged there in a fortress. Nelly returns to marry the above-mentioned roué and O’B. flies. The Author is evidently not consciously hostile to Ireland, but he is totally ignorant of it. The peasants are travestied. They are all drunkards, slovenly, sly, mean, lawless. Some descriptions of scenery in Wicklow and Connemara.

BERTHOLDS, Mrs. W. M.

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

BESTE, Henry Digby, 1768-1836. Son of the prebendary of Lincoln. Became a Catholic 1798. An interesting biographical sketch of him (largely autobiographical) is prefixed to the novel here noticed. It includes a full account of his conversion.

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

Bryan O’Meara, son of a poor Irish migratory labourer, is educated as a gentleman by Sir Cecil Foxglove, of Denham, near Grantham, in gratitude for the rescue of his child by Bryan’s father. Coming to man’s estate, and being refused by the Baronet’s daughter he returns to his father’s people at Athlone, where for some time he plays at being a farmer’s lad—and at rebellion. But a fortunate chance puts great wealth into his hands, and he returns to marry the Baronet’s daughter. Interesting glimpses of Catholic life in penal days (the story opens in 1805) when Catholicism was at the lowest ebb in England. The Dublin Review says (1848, Vol. xxiv., p. 239): “The hero is a pious pedant, a truculent fellow, and a self-conceited proser. The story itself is purposeless; bitter in sentiment, and swamped in never-ending small-talk.” The “small-talk,” however is, if anything, over-serious and moral.

“BIRMINGHAM, George A.” Rev. James Owen Hannay, M.A., Canon of St. Patrick’s Cathedral (1912). Born 1865, son of Rev. Robert Hannay, vicar of Belfast. Educated at Temple Grove, East Sheen; Haileybury; T.C.D. Curate of Delgany, Co. Wicklow. Rector of Westport, 1892-1913. Has resigned this cure in order to devote himself to literature. Is a member of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland. He has shown himself equally at home in political satire, humorous fiction and historical fiction. He is in sympathy with the ideals of the Gaelic League, and has actively shown this sympathy. He seems on the whole Nationalist in his views, but has nothing in common with the Parliamentary Party. His earlier books showed strong aversion for the Catholic Church, but, except perhaps in Hyacinth, he has never striven to represent it in an odious light, and he is an enemy of all intolerance.

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

Main theme: the apparently hopeless embroilment of politics and ideas in Ireland. Many aspects of Irish questions and conditions of life are dealt with. Many of the characters are types of contemporary Irish life, some are thinly disguised portraits of contemporary Irishmen, e.g., Dennis Browne, poet, æsthete, egoist; Desmond O’Hara, journalistic freelance (said to be modelled on Standish O’Grady); Sir Gerald Geoghegan, nationalist landlord; John O’Neill, the Irish leader, who is deserted by his party and ruined by clerical influence; and many others. All this is woven into a romance with a love interest and a good deal of incident.

⸺ HYACINTH. (Arnold). 6s. 1906.

An account, conveyed by means of a slight plot, of contemporary movements and personages in Ireland. Most of these are satirized and even caricatured, especially “Robeen” Convent, by which seemed to be meant Foxford Mills, directed by the Sisters of Charity (see New Ireland Review, March, 1906). A grasping, unscrupulous selfishness is represented to be one of the chief characteristics of the Catholic Church in Ireland.

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

Period: chiefly Isaac Butt’s Home Rule movement. Stephen Butler, representative of a landlord family of strong Nationalist sympathies, determines to work for Ireland. He joins the Home Rule Party, but he hates agrarian outrage, and so, through the Land League, becomes unpopular in his district in spite of all he has done. The author introduces types of nearly every class of men then influential in Ireland: a priest who favours and a priest who opposes the new agrarian movement, an incurably narrow-minded English R.M., an old Fenian, and so on. The impression one draws from the whole is much the same as that of the Seething Pot. The Author’s views are strongly National, and there is no bitter word against any class of Irishmen, except the present Parliamentary Party.

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

Dedication in Irish. Foreword in which the Author states that by “Robeen” Convent he did not intend Foxford (cf. Hyacinth). A criticism of Irish political life, free from rancour, and from injustice to any particular class of Irishmen, showing strong sympathy for the Gaelic League, and all it stands for. The hero is left at the parting of the ways, with the choice before him of “respectability” and ease, or work for Ireland. The book should set people asking why is it that Irishmen—no matter what their creed or politics—cannot work together for their common country?

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

Scene: Antrim; a few incidents of the rising woven into a thrilling and powerful romance. Splendid portraits—the United Irishmen James Hope, Felix Matier, and Micah Ward, the loyal Lord Dunseverick, chivalrous and fearless, Finlay the Informer, and others. Vivid presentment of the feelings and ideas of the time, without undue bias, yet enlisting all the reader’s sympathies on the side of Ireland.

⸺ SPANISH GOLD. (Methuen). 6s. 1908. Cheap ed., 1s. (N.Y.: Doran). 1.20.

A comedy of Irish life, full of the most amusing situations. Scene: a lonely island off the coast of Connaught, in which treasure is hidden. The action consists of the adventures of various people who come to the island—an Irish chief secretary, a retired colonel, a baronet, a librarian, a Catholic priest, and a Protestant curate. This last, the Rev. J. J. Meldon, is a most original creation. There are touches of social satire throughout, but without bitterness or offensiveness.

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

“How a mad Anarchist made bombs in a lonely house on the west coast of Ireland, and imprisoned the local doctor for fear lest he should reveal the secret. Mr. Birmingham’s irresponsible gaiety and the knowledge of Irish character revealed in his more serious fiction carry the farce along at a fine pace.”—(Times Lit. Suppl.).

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

The main idea—in so far as the book is serious—may be stated thus:—How much can one young person (aetat 14 sqq.) of perfect candour and fearlessness do to upset the peace of comfortable people, who are jogging along in the ruts of convention and compromise. Lalage begins with her governess, then tries the bench of bishops, but causes most consternation by disturbing an election with her Association for the Suppression of Public Lying. The whole is full of fun and laughter. L. has been well described as “an especially enterprising and slangy schoolboy in skirts.”

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

Rev. J. J. Meldon in new situations. Major Kent expects from Australia a grown-up niece, who turns out to be a naughty little girl of ten. Mr. Meldon had made innumerable plans for the reception and treatment of the young lady. How does he face the new situation? There are capital minor characters—Doyle the hotel keeper, and 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 meddlesome busybody. The interest of the plot mainly turns on the amusing manœuvres of Rev. J. J. Meldon (the hero of Spanish Gold) to marry Simpkins to a mysterious “Miss King,” a lady supposed to be identical with a Mrs. Lorimer, recently acquitted, against the opinion of the Judge, of the murder of her husband. Full throughout of fun, clever talk, and deftly sketched character study. Sabina Gallagher, Sir Gilbert Hawksby, and Major Kent are all well done, and there is no mistaking the nationalities.

⸺ 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, owing to a sprained ankle, he is obliged to spend the time sailing in the bay with Priscilla, his fifteen-year-old madcap cousin. How various exciting adventures follow, including the finding, in most unexpected and comical circumstances, by a Cabinet Minister of his daughter, who had eloped with a clergyman, and how Frank and Priscilla were responsible for the reconciliation. Told with all the Author’s sense of fun and flair for comic situations. But why must all Irish peasants appear as liars?

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

How an Irish-American millionaire runs a revolution in Ireland, sweeping into his plans the rabid Orangemen, who are in deadly earnest, the Tory M.P. who only meant to bluff, and members of the Irish Tory aristocracy who meant nothing in particular. Of this class is poor Lord Kilmore, who tells the story, and was an unwilling actor in the whole business. The book is a mixture of shrewd satire (e.g., Babberley, M.P., the Dean, and McConkey) in which all parties receive their share, and of Gilbertian extravaganza. The dénouement is both amusing and unexpected.

⸺ DOCTOR WHITTY. Pp. 320. (Methuen). 6s. 1913.

Types and humours of a west Connaught village—the P.P., the Protestant Rector, Colonel Beresford, Thady Glynn, proprietor of “The Imperial Hotel,” chairman of the League, and popular demagogue, J.P., general philosopher, and “ipse dixit” of the village, and then the Doctor himself, genial, sociable, “all things to all men” to an extent that gets him into fixes, and that is not easily reconcilable with the moral order. There are broadly comical situations from which the Doctor extricates himself, and emerges radiant as ever. The seamy side of Irish life is depicted in the Author’s usual vein of satire.

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

A very slight plot, centering in the erection of a statue to an imaginary native of Ballymoy. The real interest lies in the Author’s satirical pictures of Irish life, and in his humorous delineations of such types as Dr. O’Grady, Doyle the dishonest hotel-keeper, Major Kent, whom we have met in Spanish Gold, Thady Gallagher, the editor of the local paper, and a rather undignified and not wholly honest P.P. The thesis, if there be any, would seem to be that the Irishman is so clever and humorous that he will allow himself to be gulled, and will even gull himself for the pleasure of gulling others.

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

Not all of these stories deal with Ireland, and those that do are very varied in character. Some are in the Author’s most humorous vein, others are more serious in tone. In several he pokes fun at Government methods in the West, and some show the comic side of gun-running, despatch-riding, and other Volunteer activities. In the background, at times, is a vision of the hopeless poverty of the Western peasant’s lot.

BLACK, William. Born in Glasgow, 1841. One of the foremost of English nineteenth century novelists. Published his first novel 1864; thirty-three others appeared before his death in 1898, at Brighton, where he had long resided.

⸺ SHANDON BELLS. Pp. 428. (Sampson, Low). 2s. 6d. [1883]. (N.Y.: Harper). 0.80. New and revised ed. 1893.

Scene: partly in London, partly in city and county of Cork. A young Irishman goes to London to make his fortune. Disappointed in his first love, he turns to love of nature. The book has all the fine qualities of W. Black’s work. Sympathetic references to Irish life and beautiful descriptions of Irish scenery in Cork. Willy Fitzgerald, the hero, had for prototype William Barry, a brilliant young Corkman and a London journalist.

“BLACKBURNE, E. Owens.” Elizabeth O. B. Casey, 1848-1894. Born at Slane, near the Boyne. Lived the first twenty-five years of her life in Ireland; then went to London to take up journalistic work. In 1869 her first story was accepted, and in the early seventies her In at the Death (afterwards published as A Woman Scorned) appeared in The Nation. To the end she used the pen-name “E. Owens Blackburne.” Other works of hers were A Modern Parrhasius, The Quest of the Heir, Philosopher Push, Dean Swift’s Chest, The Love that Loves alway. “Her stories are mostly occupied with descriptions of Irish peasant life, in which she was so thoroughly at home that she has been compared to Carleton. They are for the most part dramatic and picturesque; and she understood well the art of weaving a plot which should hold the reader’s interest.”—(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 elder sister (the woman scorned) filled with jealousy plots to marry K. to a rich elderly suitor. The plot miscarries, 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 Donegal man, after an unsuccessful career as an artist in London, settles near Weirford (Waterford). He has two daughters—Moira, handsome, proud of her ancient lineage and a poet, and Honor, plain and domestic. The story is concerned with the loves of these two. Local society cleverly hit off. Local newspapers and their editors come in for a good deal of banter; several real characters, thinly disguised, being introduced. Brogue very well done.

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

A collection of tales and sketches, illustrating for the most part the gloomier side of the national character, viewed, apparently, from a Protestant standpoint. In one, “The Priest’s Boy,” there is much pathos.

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

A tale of the unrequited love of an Irish girl of talent, but of humble origin, for a selfish and ruffianly English author named Eugene Wolfe. She falls in love with him as a child and then, in young womanhood, falls still more deeply in love with the ideal of him which she forms from his books. Nothing can kill or even daunt this love, and for its sake she undergoes the supremest sacrifices, but all in vain. The two chief characters are carefully and consistently drawn, and there are some dramatic scenes. The action passes chiefly in London, whither Molly Carew had 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 attorney tries to get the family into his toils, and to marry N. The scheme is defeated, and N. marries Thorburn, an English landlord, who has bought the neighbouring estate. Some good characters, e.g., kindly old Aunt Nancy and N.’s nationalist poet cousin.

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

Standish Clinton, a clever speechmaker, raises himself to a foremost position in Parliament. Getting into higher social circles he breaks with his faithful Mary Shields. The mystery of his birth is cleared up in the end, and he succeeds as lawful heir to the family mansion of the Hardinges. The campaign of the Land League, with which the Author is in sympathy, forms the background. The famous letter of Dr. Nulty, of Meath, is cited as an argument for land reform. Interesting picture of the peasantry.

BLAKE-FORSTER, Charles Ffrench.

⸺ A COLLECTION OF THE OLDEST AND MOST POPULAR LEGENDS OF THE PEASANTRY 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 tale, of the Williamite Wars, from the landing of James II. at Kinsale to the surrender of Galway, with all the battles and sieges (except Derry). Into this is woven large sections of the family history of the O’Shaughnessy and Blake-Forster clans of Co. Galway. This latter story is carried past the Treaty of Limerick down to the final dispossession of the O’Shaughnessys in 1770. It includes many episodes in the history of the Irish Brigade in France and of the history of the period at home (including the Penal Laws and the doings of the Rapparees). A surprising amount of erudition drawn from public and private documents is included in the volume. The notes occupy from p. 429 to 573. An Appendix, pp. 574 to end, contains many valuable documents, relating largely to family history, but also to political history. The standpoint is Jacobite and national.

“BLAYNEY, Owen,” Robert White.

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

Founded on a County Monaghan tradition. Colonel MacMahon escaping from the 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 unsuccessfully pleading his cause with the father, abducts her. M’Kinley calls to his aid six other settlers of the name of John, pursues the fugitives, seizes them, and hangs MacMahon on the windmill at Carrickmacross. A powerful story giving a faithful picture of the times. Ulster dialect good.

[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”—scraps from various Irish annals and histories, told in a facetious and anti-Irish spirit. All the old calumnies are raked up and set down 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 verve.

BLESSINGTON, Countess of. Marguerite Power, born near Clonmel, 1789, daughter of Edmund Power and Ellen Sheehy. In 1818 she married the Earl of Blessington, and became a leader of society in London, afterwards in Paris, and then again in London. Wrote upwards of thirty books—novels, travel, reminiscences, &c. Died 1849.

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

“Contains scarcely any plot and few delineations of character, the greater part being filled with dialogues, criticisms, and reflections. Her ladyship is sometimes sarcastic, sometimes moral, and more frequently personal. One female sketch, that of Grace Cassidy, a young Irish wife, shows that the Author was most at home among the scenes of her early days.”—(Chambers’ Cyclopædia of English Literature).

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

In Vol. I., pp. iii.-xxiii., memoir of Author by M. A. P. Scene: South of Ireland (descriptions of Glanmire and references to Waterford and to the Blackwater), among county and garrison people. There is a great deal about their courtships and marriages, much small talk and pages of reflections. Grace, the heroine, is loved by two officers, friendly rivals. Mordaunt makes Vernon propose. V. is refused, but M. is too poor to marry. However, after many vicissitudes, Grace is united to M. Full of sentimentality.

BLOOD SMITH, Miss, [see “DOROTHEA CONYERS.”]

BODKIN, M. M’Donnell, K.C.; County Court Judge of Clare since 1907. Born 1850. Son of Dr. Bodkin, of Tuam, Co. Galway. Educated at Tullabeg Jesuit College; Catholic University. Was for some years Nationalist M.P. for North Roscommon. Besides works of fiction, has published an historical work on Grattan’s Parliament. Resides in Dublin.—(Who’s Who).

⸺ POTEEN PUNCH. (Gill). 1s. 1890.

“After-dinner stories of love-making, fun, and fighting,” supposed to be told in presence of Lord Carlisle, one of the Viceroys, in a house at Cong, whither he had been obliged to go, having been refused a lodging at Maam by order of Lord Leitrim. The stories are of a very strong nationalist flavour, some humorous, some pathetic.

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

Stories of various kinds, all pleasantly told. The first and longest is a pathetic tale, introducing an eviction scene vividly described. Among other stories there is “The Leprachaun,” humorous, and told in dialect; a “ghost” story; a story of unlooked for evidence at a trial; a tale of Fontenoy, &c. The last, “The Prodigal Daughter,” is, from its subject, hardly suitable for certain classes of readers.

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

The story of the earlier years of Lord Edward is woven into the love-story of one Maurice Blake. Pictures Irish social life at the time in a lively, vivid way. Hepenstal, the “walking gallows,” Beresford and his riding school, the infamous yeomanry and their doings, these are prominent in the book. The standpoint is strongly national. “History supplies the most romantic part of this historical romance. The main incidents of Lord Edward’s marvellous career, even his adoption into the Indian tribe of the Great Bear, are absolutely 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. Later years of Lord Edward’s life. Shows Castlereagh and Clare planning the rebellion. Shows us Government bribery and dealings with informers. Some glimpses of the fighting under Father John Murphy, also of Humbert’s invasion and the Races of Castlebar. A stirring and vigorous tale, strongly nationalist.

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

Short stories dealing mainly with the wild scenes of old election days. Pictures of evictions and the old-time fox-hunting, whiskey-drinking landlord. Always on the peasants’ side. Tales full of voluble humour and “go.” The peasants’ talk is faithfully and vividly reproduced.

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

A panegyric of Goldsmith, dealing with the part of his life spent in England. Conversations introducing Reynolds, Beauclerk, Johnson, etc., the latter’s talk recorded with Boswellian fidelity. A picture, too, of the life and manners of the day drawn with such frankness as to render the book unfit for the perusal of certain classes of readers.

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

A dozen short stories, in which the village tailor recounts the exploits of Patsy, who proves to be by no means the fool he seems, and extricates himself and his friends from all kinds of comical situations. All told in broadest brogue. Somewhat farcical comicality.

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

The career of Robert Emmet from his Trinity days to his tragic end, told in the Author’s usual spirited fashion. Emmet is represented as an able and practical organizer, but the story of his love for Sarah Curran is not neglected. The historical facts are thoroughly leavened with romance—Emmet’s perilous voyage to France in a fishing-hooker, the detailed accounts of his interviews with Napoleon, the character of Malachi Neelin, the traitor: these and many other things are blended with the narrative of real events.

[BOLES, Agnes], “J. A. P.”

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

Opens in Belfast during the great riots of twenty-five years ago. The hero, falsely accused of murder, flees to South Africa, where he becomes a millionaire, and is known as “The Belfast Boy.” The heroine, when she is going out to marry him, omits to mention that she is leaving a son and his father (the villain) in Belfast. These are conveniently got rid of, one by lightning, the other by lightning-like small-pox. Several real persons are introduced as personages in the story. Many of the incidents are sensational, there is much dialect, and the style in places is far from refined. An intense love for Belfast and its surroundings pervades the book.—(Press Notices).

BOVET, Madame.

⸺ TERRE D’EMERAUDE.

BOWLES, Emily.

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

A story of landlord and tenant, of illicit distilling, and of proselytising. A Bible reader, an agent, and the sister of a landlord are the villains of the piece. Tone strongly Catholic and anti-Protestant. There is a love interest and a certain amount of adventure, which are not made subordinate to the pictures 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 barest outline are interesting and individual.... Told in the brightest, most natural, and most quietly humorous way.” Miss B. published more than a dozen other books, largely translations.

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

⸺ 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 periodical, with the pen-name of Paul Peppergrass. It attracted at once the attention of Bishop Fenwick of Boston. Dr. Brownson, in his Quarterly Review, pronounced upon the book the highest eulogium, and assigned to the writer a place equal if not superior to any writers of Irish romance. Shandy Maguire was recognised by the London Press and the Dublin Review as a work of great merit. It has been successfully dramatized 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 facility with which Father Boyce makes Nell Gower, the Scotch Spaewife (a woman gifted with second sight), discourse in broad Scotch dialect, in contrast with the stately and imperious language of Elizabeth, displays an unusual power of transition. No finer character could be depicted than Alice Wentworth, daughter of Sir Geoffrey Wentworth, the representative of an old English Catholic baronetage, who suffered persecution under Elizabeth; whilst Roger O’Brien, attached to the Court of Mary Queen of Scots, affords an opportunity of presenting the high-spirited and brave qualities that ought to belong to an Irish gentleman. Elizabeth appears in anything but a favourable 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 display an intimate knowledge of Irish character and to contain an excellent description of the typical Yankee. The scene is Donegal. Time 185-.

BOYLE, William. Born in Dromiskin, Co. Louth, 1853; educated St. Mary’s College, Dundalk. Has written many poems, songs, and plays, including some of the best of modern Irish comedies. The atmosphere of his stories is thoroughly Irish and their humour and pathos are genuine.

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

The humour and pathos of country life, Co. Louth. The Author knows the people thoroughly, and understands them. There is much very faithful character-drawing of many Irish peasant types and a few good poems.

BOYSE, E. C.

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

A tale of love and marriage. Scene: first in Wexford, opening with pleasant pictures of country-house life and merry-making. Then there is an account of some minor incidents of the rebellion, viewed from loyalist standpoint, with insistence on savage cruelty of rebels. Then the scene shifts to London, and thence to Dublin, where we have pictures of life in military society. Finally, the scene is transferred to Tuam, where word is brought of Humbert’s campaign in the West. Pleasant style, but the conversations, full of chaff and nonsense, are long drawn out. Author says in preface that the incidents are taken from private letters or accounts of eye-witnesses.

BRAY, Lady.

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

“Lady B.’s descriptions of child life are admirable, well-observed, and cleverly done.”—(Pall Mall Gazette).

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

BRERETON, F. S.

⸺ IN THE KING’S SERVICE. Pp. 352. (Blackie). Attractive cover. Eight Illustr. by Stanley L. Wood. (N.Y.: Scribner). 1.50. n.d. (1901).

Exciting adventures, abounding in dramatic climaxes, of an English cavalier during Cromwell’s Irish campaign. Chief scenes of latter described from English cavalier standpoint. Burlesque brogue. Juvenile.

BREW, Margaret W. Wrote much for the Irish Monthly and other Irish periodicals.

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

Scene: Munster c. 1810, also Dublin and (in third vol.) Spain, when the hero, William Burton, takes part in the Peninsular War. Robert marries beneath him, and is disinherited by disappointed father, who had meant him for his cousin Isabella. Rose, Robert’s wife dies. Robert goes to the wars, and returns covered with glory to marry Isabel and settle down in respectable prosperity. Conventional and a little dull. Much brogue as comic relief to the prevailing appeal to the tender feelings.

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

Highly praised by the Times, the Standard, the Morning Post, the Scotsman, &c., &c. The Irish Monthly says: “It is an excellent Irish tale, full of truth and sympathy, without any harsh caricaturing on the one hand, or any patronizing sentimentality on the other. The heroine, Oonagh M’Dermott, the Dillons, Pat Flanagan, and Father Rafferty are the principal personages, all excellent portraits in their way; and some of the minor characters are very happily drawn. The conversation of the humbler people is full of wit and common sense; and the changes of the story give room for pathos sometimes as a contrast to the humour which predominates. Miss Brew understands well the Irish heart and language; and altogether her “Pictures of Munster Life” (for this is the second title of the tale) is one of the most satisfactory additions to the store of Irish fiction from Castle Rackrent to Marcella Grace.”

[BRITTAINE, Rev. George]. Was Rector of Kilcormack, Diocese of Ardagh. Died in Dublin, 1847. The Athenæum of December 14, 1839, said of the first three works mentioned below: “The sad trash which is here put forward as a portraiture of the social condition of the Irish peasantry needs no refutation; in his ardour to calumniate, the Author has forgotten that there are limits to possibility, and that when they are overstepped the intended effect of the libel is lost in its absurdity.” All this writer’s books seem to have appeared anonymously.

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

She admits getting 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 authority from a bishop to marry a girl to a man against her will. She refuses, and subsequently dies—a martyr for the Protestant faith.

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

The above three books were originally written by Rev. Geo. Brittaine, Rector of Kilcormack, Co. Limerick. They were “re-written and completely revised” by Rev. H. Seddall, Vicar of Dunany, Co. Louth, and published by Hunt, London, 1871. They are frankly proselytising tales designed “to give a true picture of the Irish peasantry, and how priestcraft has wound itself into all their concerns.” (Pref.) The peasantry are represented as exceedingly debased, the priesthood as conscienceless and selfish tyrants. Religion is practically the sole theme throughout. There is practically no reference to contemporary questions. One reviewer says: “There is nothing more graphic 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 heretical purity of their niece; or the description of Priest Moloney’s oratory 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 subject. Deals with Irish amusements, drinking, &c.

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

A lady turns Methodist at the age of 44. The Author thereby takes occasion to condemn dyed hair and wigs, and many other things. The story includes a murder of which a Curate is the victim. The murderer dies howling for the priest.

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

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

Election manœuvres described. There is a murder in the story. Tone very anti-Catholic.

[BRONTE, Rev. Patrick, B.A.]. 1777-1861. A county Down man, father of the famous 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 tale exhibits the anti-Catholic bias of the time.

BROOKE, Richard Sinclair, D.D. (1802-1882). Incumbent of Mariners’ Church, Kingstown, afterwards Rector of Eyton. Published several volumes of verse and prose. Father of Stopford Brooke.

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

A long, rather involved story, in part reprinted from Dublin University Magazine. It contains some excellent descriptions of Donegal scenery—Glenveagh and Barnesmore.

BROPHY, Michael, ex-Sergeant, R.I.C.

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

Intended as the first volume of a series. Introduction gives a condensed history of the Force. This is followed by a long story founded on facts—“The Lord of Kilrush, Fate of Marion, and Last Vicissitudes of Lord Edward Fitzgerald’s Estate.” This tells how Sub-Constable Butler, a real “character,” bought in the Encumbered Estates Court the property of Lord Edward near the Curragh of Kildare, but was subsequently dispossessed—a curious tale, containing much out-of-the-way information, including an enquiry into the parentage of Pamela. Then follow “Episodes of ’48” (Ballingarry, &c.), and “The Story of a Sword,” (8 pp.) Sub-Constable Butler and Sub-Inspector Tom Trant are amusing personages.

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

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

The book contains some racy stories, and is bright and readable throughout.—I.B.L.

BRUEYRE, Loys. Born in Paris, 1835. A French folk-lorist, Vice-President of the Société des Traditions Populaires. A frequent contributor to French folk-lore periodicals.

⸺ CONTES POPULAIRES DE LA GRANDE BRETAGNE. Pp. 382. (Paris: Hachette).

Contains 100 tales. A very few are English (chiefly Cornish), none are Welsh. The majority are Scotch (largely from Campbell’s collection) but there are a good many Irish, 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. Published many volumes of poetry and several plays, among others a dramatised version of Harriett Jay’s Queen of Connaught (q.v.). In 1876 published his first novel—The Shadow of the Sword. Many others followed. In 1874 he settled at Rosspoint, Co. Mayo, but left Ireland in 1877. Father Anthony was written during this period, but not published till 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 illustr. Many editions. 1903. New edition, 6d. 1911.

Scene: a country village in the West of Ireland. Father Anthony is a young priest, who for his brother’s sake has sacrificed a career in the world to devote himself to God’s poor. He finds himself called upon in virtue of his sacred office to keep the secret of the confessional when by a word he could save his brother from the hangman’s hands. The pathos of the young priest’s agony of mind is depicted with great power and sympathy. The other priest, Father John, is drawn as the true parish priest of the old type, blood and bone of the people, jovial, homely, lovable and beloved. The Author, though alien in faith and race, tells us that he knew intimately and loved both priests and people during his stay in Ireland.

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

A conventional sensational tale, little above the “shilling shocker,” with oath-bound societies meeting in under-ground caverns, abductions, informers, an absentee landlord, the Earl of Dromore, whose daughter loves the expatriated owner, The O’Connormore, and soforth. The three chapters on the insurrection are from Cassell’s History of Ireland. The story is scarcely worthy of this Author.

BUCKLEY, William. Born in Cork, and educated there at St. Vincent’s Seminary and the Queen’s College. His first literary work appeared in MacMillan’s Magazine. Resides in Dublin.

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

Scene: Wexford, the year of the rising. The Author banishes all romance and artistic glamour, and deals with the horrors of the time in a spirit of relentless realism. Quite apart from historical interest, the book is thrilling as a story of adventure. The tone is impartial, but the writer clearly means the events and scenes described to tell for the Irish side. The New Ireland Review says that “it sketches the origin and course of the Wexford insurrection with a conscientious accuracy which would do credit to a professed historian”; and it praises the Author’s “exceptional literary ability” and the “intense reality of his characters.” “Rather more than justice is done to the English authorities (e.g., Castlereagh), to the Irish Protestants, and even to the government spies.”—(Baker, 2).

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

Close descriptions of lower and middle classes in modern Youghal. In places will be unpleasant reading for the people of Youghal. Picture of Cork snobbery decidedly unfavourable to Cork people, and on the whole disagreeable and sordid.

BUGGE, Alexander, Professor in 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 edited in a scholarly way and accompanied with an English translation, notes, and index. There is an interesting introduction. It is a story of the struggles of Cellachan and the Danes in the tenth century.

BULLOCK, Shan F. Born Co. Fermanagh, 1865. Son of a Protestant landowner on Lough Erne. Depicts with vigour and truth the country where the Protestant North meets the Catholic and almost Irish-speaking West. There is at times a curious dreariness in his outlook which mars his popularity. But his work is “extraordinarily sincere, and at times touched with a singular pathos and beauty.... He writes always with evident passion for the beauty of his country, and an almost pathetic desire to assimilate, as it were, national ideals, of which one yet perceives him a little incredulous.”—(Stephen Gwynn).

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

The Author’s first book. Has all the qualities for which his subsequent books are remarkable. It is a study of the people of his native country—the borders of Cavan and Fermanagh—their political ideas, general outlook, humours and failings, their peculiar dialect and turns of thought. Four stories in all:—“The title story,” “The White Terror,” “A State Official,” “One of the Unfortunates.”

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

The experiences of two lads on an Ulster farm in the district where the Author lays nearly all his scenes. There are many clever studies of peasant types. The hero is an Englishman, an amusing character. The story of his unsuccessful love-affair with the “Poppy Charmer” is told by one of the lads familiar to us as Jan Farmer. There is no approach to anything objectionable in the book. Chapter XXI., “Our Distressful Country,” is good reading.

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

A cycle of eleven stories dealing with various aspects of Ulster life in the neighbourhood of Lough Erne. In “His Magnificence” an enriched peasant returns to his native village and tries to show off his grandeur. “Her Soger Boy” recounts a mother’s innocent fraud and her soldier lad’s savage retaliation.—(Baker, 2).

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

Book I. has its scene on Innishrath, an island in Lough Erne. Frank Barry, on a visit from London to his uncle, betrays a peasant girl named Nan. In Book II. we find Nan in London. She discovers Frank’s treachery. So does Frank’s wife, and the nemesis of his deeds overtakes him. But Nan finds consolation with her still faithful lover, Ted. A study in temperaments.

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

A series of pictures—the Planters, the Turf-cutters, the Mowers, the Haymakers, the Reapers, the Diggers, &c.—forming an almost complete view of life among the rural classes in Co. Cavan. These pictures are the setting for country idylls, humorous, pathetic, or tragic. In all there is the actuality, the minute fidelity that can be attained only by one who has lived the life he describes and has the closest personal sympathy with the people. The descriptions of natural scenes, the weather, &c., are admirable.

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

A study of Ulster marriage customs. Jane Fallon is practically sold to the Squireen by her family, and, after long resistance, yields, and marries him. Tragic consequences follow. Most of the characters are Ulster Protestant peasants. “The Squireen” is a study of the old type of fox-hunting gentleman-farmer.

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

Scenes from an imaginary rebellion in Ireland, purporting to be related by a Protestant who has sided with the rebels and captains the men of Armoy, a barony a little to the north of the Woodford River (the Thrasna of the story), which enters Lough Erne about two miles to the west of where the River Erne flows into the same. England having left Ireland almost without a garrison, the Protestants are all (except in a few places) killed or taken, the Irish Republic triumphs. Then the country gives itself up to an orgy of thoughtless rejoicing and more or less drunken revelling. In “a handful of weeks” the “land is hungry, wasted, lawless, disorganized, an Ireland gone to wrack.” The story closes with the news of English troops landing in Cork and Derry and Dublin. The author does not write simply from the standpoint of the dominant class, much less is he merely anti-Catholic and anti-Irish. He merely lacks faith in the wisdom and staying power of Irish character. He tries to show the actualities of the rebellion in their naked realism, eschewing all romance. He succeeds in being strangely vivid and realistic without apparent effort. Of the leaders on the Irish side one is a coward and a swaggerer, another is bloodthirsty, all are selfish and vulgar. The heroes are in the opposite camp.

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

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

A story of life in an Irish school, recognized by old schoolfellows of the Author as bearing a strong resemblance to the Author’s old school of Farra, near Mullingar. It is naturally thought to be partly autobiographical. It is the history of a great friendship. It includes also some scenes of home life.

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

A study of national character and of human nature in which the touch is delicate, sure, and true. The whole study is concentrated on five persons. First there is the picture of the neglected farm of the happy, easy-going Felix. His wife is a contrast with him in all, yet they agree perfectly. Then there is Mary Troy, a Catholic girl living with them, a beautifully-drawn character, and Felim, the dreamer of dreams. Into their lives suddenly comes Dan, who after years of hard, sordid striving in the States, has made his pile. He brings his hard, practical American materialism to bear on the improvement of “this God-forsaken country,” with what result the reader will see. There is a love story of an exceptional kind, handled with much subtlety and knowledge of human nature. There is much pathos and moral beauty in the story.

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

Master John is a strong man, who makes his way in the world and returns wealthy to settle in Fermanagh. The place he buys has a curse upon it, and strange things happen. The story is told by an old retainer—now a car-driver—whose verbosity and ramblingness are very quaint and amusing.

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

Essentially what the sub-title suggests, a domestic story, with careful delineation of character for its chief interest. Old Dell is perhaps the central figure, an old Northern farmer, reserved, silent, conservative, with his love of the land and his unwillingness to part with his authority, even to the end. Then there is the contrast between Hetty, quiet, retiring, peace-loving, and her wilful, wayward younger sister Rhona, lively, quick of tongue, and beautiful. The coming of Rhona makes shipwreck of poor Hetty’s happiness and well-nigh brings tragedy into the family life. A quiet, slow-moving story, intensely faithful to reality. “Problems” are in the background but are not wearisomely worked out. There is an occasional gleam of humour, but there is much true pathos.

BUNBURY, Selina. Daughter of Rev. Henry Bunbury. Born about 1804, probably in Kilsaran House, County Louth, and lived at Beaulieu. First work published in 1821, and for fifty years she was a prolific author, her last appearing in 1870. After the death of her parents, she began to travel, and visited every country in Europe except Turkey, recording her adventures in many volumes. Her most successful work was Coombe Abbey: an Historical Tale of the Days of James 1st. (Curry, Dublin, 1843). She died at Cheltenham sometime in “the seventies,” and some of her works are still reprinted.

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

Period 1815, but public events are not dealt with.

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

Alick, foster-brother to Mr. Redmond’s boy, converts the latter, Bible in hand. The boy dies a pious death.

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

Consists largely of the history of the Abbey from its foundation in the twelfth century. The story is very rambling and obscure. Introduces, incidentally, a “cold, ambitious plotting Jesuit,” and inveighs against the “monstrous creed of Jesuitism.” The Abbey is in “an unfrequented part of the north-western coast of Ireland.” We take leave of it in Protestant hands.

⸺ 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 represented as cherishing a diabolical thirst for vengeance. 4 is a long lecture. 1 is a ’98 story.

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

Sir Guy is a young soldier in the train first of Sir Philip Sidney, then of Essex. Before the latter he comes to Ireland—“the cursedest of all lands,” in his opinion—where he is captured, and taken to the Castle of the O’Connors. Here he falls in love, and here begin his troubles. Enemies plot his ruin. He is thrown into the Tower, but is released by Essex, and goes with him to Ireland on his fatal campaign. Careful and vivid portraits of Elizabeth, Essex, Hugh O’Neill, and other historical characters. A vigorously-written and interesting historical novel, not Nationalist, but fair and even sympathetic to Ireland. No religious bias. Essex meeting with O’Neill, V. II., p. 151.

BURKE, Edmund.

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

“Very pleasing and human tales of humble life, Swiss, Breton, Norwegian, English, &c.; some of them rather in the school of Hans Anderson.”—(T. Lit. Suppl.). “Pleasantly-written short stories drawn from many sources, home and Continental. There is a purity of feeling about them which renders them exceptionally suitable for young people.”—I.B.L. The Author shows himself a lover of flowers and of nature generally. Press notices speak of him as Mr. E. Burke, of Liverpool, an M.A. of T.C.D.

BURKE, John.

⸺ CARRIGAHOLT: a Tale of Eighty Years ago. Pp. 77. (Hodges Figgis), 1s. 1885.

A story of Ireland (S.W.) in early days of 19th century. Shows us the goodnatured spendthrift landlord, the gombeenman, the nice young ladies whose education has been “finished” in Belgium, the young men of property whose objects in life are sport and attentions to the young ladies; and the scapegrace youth, who narrowly escapes being hanged for forgery.

BURROW, Charles Kennett.

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

A love story of which the incidents take place during the Famine years and the Young Ireland movement. With the latter the hero, who tells the story, is clearly in sympathy, though no controversial matter is introduced. The characters (exceptionally well drawn) are types, but also very live personalities. Locality not indicated. An interesting and uncommon tale. By 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 Indians, &c. The last pages bring us to 1748.—(Nield).

BUTLER, A.

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

“The (five) stories are founded—not upon unreliable, secondhand information—but bona fide facts.”—(Preface). “A kindly Irish spirit runs through these Tales.”—Nation.

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

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

A little volume of short stories, pleasantly written; Irish in tone and poetic. Well received by the Press, and by the public—(Press Notice). Fifteen stories in all. Six are prose idyls of ancient Celtic inspiration, nine are lively little modern sketches in which he and she get happily married in the end.—(I.M.).

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

A romance the interest of which centres in the aspirations of the Irish Ireland movement. Highly idealized, but full of intense earnestness and conviction. The characters are types and talk as such. Eoin, however, is a strong personality.

BUTT, Isaac. Born in Glenfin, Co. Donegal, 1813. Son of Rev. Robert Butt, Rector of Stranorlar. Educated Royal School, Raphoe, and T.C.D. Helped to found the Dublin University Magazine, 1833, and was editor from 1834-38. Was called to the Bar and distinguished himself there. Opposed O’Connell and Repeal. Defended Smith O’Brien, 1848, and the Fenian prisoners in 1865-9. Became a Home Ruler, practically founded the party in 1870, and worked strenuously for it. Died 1879. Wrote important works on many subjects, Irish and other.

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

Story of a young barrister named Tarleton, who while studying in London forms a firm friendship with Gerald MacCullagh (really O’Donnell), who becomes a nationalist leader. The latter, in spite of himself, sees the national movement drift into one of incendiarism and robbery, resulting, among other things, in a night attack (fully described) on Merton Castle, somewhere in Co. Clare. Tarleton refusing to give up his friend is disowned by his father, and comes to live in a Dublin boarding house. There are good pictures of Dublin life, the amusing foibles of a peculiar section of the upper classes being well hit off. The Author gives his views on the various questions of the day. Shows how the Bar was injured by the prevalent jobbery. There are a good many incidents, but perhaps they scarcely rescue the book from being dull.

⸺ THE GAP OF BARNESMORE. Three Vols, each about 335 pp. (London). 1848.

“A tale of the Irish Highlands and the Revolution of 1688.” Appeared without the author’s name. An attempt to portray, without partisan bias, the events of the time and the heroism of both sides in the Williamite Wars. The whole question at issue between the colonists and the native Irish is well discussed in a conversation between Father Meehan, representing the latter, and Captain Spencer, representing the former. Every word of it applies, as it was meant to apply, to modern times.

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

A reprint of stories that first appeared in the Dublin University Magazine, some of them as far back as 1834. The purpose and character of these stories is well described in Preface:—“When I say that these pages are the romance of truth, I mean that they are true.... I am very sure that if I succeed in simply bringing before the reader’s eyes the life and the death of many whom I myself remember gay and light-hearted.... I shall have done something towards impressing on his mind the lesson, ‘remember thy Creator.’” He tells us also, “I was much, very much longer an inmate of Alma Mater than falls to the average of her sons.” Five Stories, tragic for the most part, viz. I. “The Billiard Table” (ruinous results of gambling.) II. “Reading for Honours” (a harrowing story of the fatal results of jealousy). III. “The Mariner’s Son.” IV. “The Murdered Fellow; an incident of 1734.” V. “The Sizar,” “a story of a young heart broken in the struggle for distinction.”

⸺ CHILDREN OF SORROW.

An obituary notice in, I think, the Irish Times describes this as Butt’s first essay in fiction, but the book is not in the British Museum Library, and I have been unable to trace it.

BUXTON, E. M. Wilmot-, [see WILMOT-BUXTON].

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

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

A melodrama full of plot and murder and hair-breadth escape, in which the hero wins his way to the heroine through unheard of perils from swindlers, assassins, jealous rivals, and all the other dramatis personæ of melodrama. Yet the hero and heroine start with a peaceful youth in Tipperary as members of the small farmer class. Parents oppose the match, and the hero goes to Dublin, where he falls into the hands of a gang of desperadoes. Then the scene shifts to America, to return to Ireland only for the wedding bells of the close. The Irish peasant at home is appreciatively described, his intense spirit of faith being dwelt on.

CADDELL, Cecilia Mary, 1814-1877.

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

“A tale of Ireland in the time of Cromwell.”

CALLWELL, J. M. Mrs. Callwell, a member of the famous family, the Martins of Ross, Galway, is a frequent contributor to Blackwood’s Magazine, and Author of Old Irish Life, 1912.

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

Scene: West of Ireland. The doings and adventures of a lot of very natural and “human” children, particularly the bright, wild little heroine, and Manus, a typical English-reared schoolboy. Peasants seen in relation to better class, but treated with sympathy and understanding. No moralizing.

CAMPBELL, Frances. A county Antrim woman.

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

A very pretty and highly idealized little romance of marriage, with a serious lesson of life somewhere in the background all the while. It opens—and closes—in an old baronial mansion somewhere in the West of Ireland, but the chief part of the action passes amid vice-regal society in Australia. Two quaint Australian children furnish delightful interludes.

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

⸺ POPULAR TALES OF THE WEST HIGHLANDS. Four Vols., containing in all cxxxi. + 1743 pp. (Paisley: Gardner). [1861]. New edition, an exact reprint of first, 1890. Handsome binding.

Ranks among the world’s greatest collections of folk-lore. Of great scientific value to the folk-lorist, for each tale is “given as it was gathered in the rough.” (Preface). Moreover, the table of contents gives, besides title of story, name of teller and of collector, date and place of telling. Most, if not all of the stories are in origin Irish. The Gaelic text is given along with translation. Exceptionally interesting Introduction—untechnical, pleasantly written, and full of curious information.

CAMPBELL, J. F.

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

The Author set down the whole Celtic Dragon legend—perhaps the most important and widespread of myths, and the basis of the state-myth of England, Russia, and Japan—in English, on the authority of many oral sources accessible between 1862 and 1884. To this is here added “The Geste of Fraoch and the Dragon” in Gaelic, with translation by G. Henderson, Lecturer in Celtic at Glasgow University. Also Gaelic text of “The Three Ways,” and “The Fisherman.” Introduction, 40 pp., and Notes. Full of Irish names, references, and incidents. The English of the translation is simple and pleasant. The whole book is very well turned out.

CAMPBELL, John Gregorson, of Tiree.

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

Introduction by A. Nutt treats of nature and antiquity of Gaelic folk-tales, theories about the Fenian cycle, and the classification of texts composing it, and makes some interesting remarks about its value and import. His notes at the end chiefly consist of references to D’Arbois de Jubainville’s List of Irish Sources, and to Campbell of Islay’s Leabhar na Féinne. The book collects a mass of floating and fragmentary oral tradition about the Fians. Sources entirely oral, many of the translators knowing no word of English. Through the greater part of the book the collector gives the substance of what he heard, but he gives also verbatim in Gaelic, with an English translation, many tales, poems, ballads. Nature-myth, God-myth, folk-fancy and hero tale, prose and poetry, are mingled. Naturally the quality varies a good deal. Some of the tales are extravagant and even silly. Many are so corrupted in oral transmission as no longer to be intelligible. Some are very archaic, some modern. A few are noble heroic legends in verse, but the literal prose translation makes them somewhat obscure. Index.

CAMPION, Dr. J. T. Born in Kilkenny, 1814. Contributed much verse and some prose stories to National papers, such as The Nation, United Irishman, The Irish Felon, Irish People, Shamrock, &c., &c.

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

Scene: Wicklow coast, around Bray head, “about 50 years ago.” Struggles between smugglers and Government officials, with a love interest, and a moral. Has the elements of a very good story, but is long drawn out, and is told in a turgid style repugnant to modern taste.

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

A reprint of a book first published many years ago. An account of the life, exploits, and death of a Wicklow outlaw, 1798-1805. The anecdotes are for the most part given as handed down among the Wicklow peasantry. They are not arranged in any special order. Many of them are so wonderful as to be scarcely credible, yet most of them are, in the main, well authenticated. The style is turgid and highflown to the verge of absurdity.

CANNING, Hon. Albert S., D.L. for Counties Down and Derry. Born 1832, second son of 1st Baron Garvagh. Resides in Rostrevor, Co. Down. Has published about thirty works, chiefly on Scott, Macaulay, Dickens, and Shakespeare. Also religious works, and two books about Ireland.

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

This O’Donnell was for a short time an independent, half-guerilla, leader on the Irish side. Afterwards, on the promise of a pension, he deserted to the English. “He had the shallowness, the arrogance, the presumption, the want of sincerity and patriotism of too many Irish chiefs”—(D’Alton: History of Ireland).

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

The scene opens in Dalragh (Garvagh, Co. Derry), shifts to London and back again. Time: the eve of the outbreak of ’98. The people, with their sharply divided religious and political opinions are well described, and the northern accent and idiom ring true. Two priests, Father O’Connor and his curate, O’Mahony, the one imbued with loyalist principles, the other leaning towards the United Irishmen, are naturally and sympathetically drawn. The plot is founded on the well known story of the disinheritance of George Canning, the father of the Prime Minister, here called Randolph Stratford, a good-hearted and popular scapegrace, easily led astray. It is a pleasant, healthy, and well told tale.

CANNON, Frances E.

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

A long, gentle, and pleasing tale of an Irish girl of good family, from her childhood with her grandfather in Ireland to her life in London society (including a little turn as factory girl) and her marriage.—(Times Lit. Suppl.).

“CARBERY, Ethna”; Anna Macmanus. Mrs. Macmanus, wife of Seumas Macmanus, was a Miss Johnston. She was born in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, in 1866. Her early death in 1902 robbed her friends of a most lovable personality, and Ireland of one of the most promising of her poets. Her poems in The Four Winds of Erinn are full of passionate love of Ireland. A short notice of her life will be found prefixed to the volume just mentioned.

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

Studies of the heart, tender, passionate, and deep, told in language of refined beauty. No one else has written, or perhaps ever will write, like this, of pure love in the heart of a pure peasant girl. These are prose poems, as perfect in artistic construction as a sonnet. They are full too of the love of nature, as seen in the glens and coasts of Donegal. They are all intensely sad, but without morbidness and pessimism.

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

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

CAREY, Mrs. Stanley.

⸺ 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, who supported fourteen children on as many acres, was remarkable for his extraordinary memory and had a thorough acquaintance with Irish folk-lore. The family was bilingual. Carleton was chiefly educated at hedge-schools and at a small classical school at Donagh (Co. Monaghan). Somewhere about 1814 Carleton made the Lough Derg Pilgrimage, afterwards described in a story with that title written for the Christian Examiner. About the same period he seems to have gradually lost his faith, and subsequently he became a Protestant, but for most of his life was indifferent to all forms of religion. After many vicissitudes he came to Dublin, where he had very varied and painful experiences in the effort to make a living. He wrote for the Christian Examiner, the Family Magazine, the Dublin University Magazine, &c. He also wrote for the Nation, though, as Mr. O’Donoghue says, “Carleton never was a Nationalist, and was quite incapable of adopting the principles of the Young Irelanders.” What he wrote from the Nationalist standpoint was written through the need of earning his bread. For, though famous long before his death, he never freed himself from money troubles. 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 pp. (Published 5s.).

Not to be confounded with Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry, by the same Author. This is an entirely different work. Contains:—“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 vigorous attempt to exhibit the manners and customs, and especially the religious feelings, of the Ulster people. Some of the chapters are very graphic, and there is no lack of Carleton’s peculiar humour.”—(O’Donoghue).

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

Published anonymously. Two of Carleton’s most virulently anti-Catholic writings. The second, in particular, contains passages which, for Catholics, are blasphemous.

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

Selections, comprising some of Carleton’s best work, and quite free from religious and political rancour. The Poor Scholar is full of human interest. Carleton works powerfully upon all our best feelings in turn. Particularly touching is his picture of the depth and tenderness of family affections (he was himself a doting father). The pictures of the hedge-schoolmaster’s brutalities, and of the days of the pestilence are vivid. He is in this story altogether on the side of the peasant. This little volume contains also eight other stories, humorous for the most part, all excellent.

⸺ TALES 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 remainder are among Carleton’s feeblest efforts, and are full of rank 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 study, and of deep and tragic pathos, relieved by humorous scenes. Carleton tells us that all the characters save one are drawn from originals well known to himself. The original of the miser’s wife, a perfect type of the Catholic Irish mother, was his own mother. Una O’Brien is one of the loveliest of Carleton’s heroines. Honor O’Donovan is scarcely less admirable. The mental struggles of the miser, torn between the love of his son and the love of his money, are finely depicted.

⸺ 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 sketch of humorous and good-natured but lazy, thriftless, good-for-nothing Irishman, drawn with much humour and with the faithfulness of a keen observer. But the book leaves on the reader the absurd impression that this character is typical of the average peasant. The story is a prototype of the famous Adventures of Mick M’Quaid. The first title of this book was originally Parra Sastha.

⸺ VALENTINE M’CLUTCHY. (Duffy). 2s. [1845]. Numerous editions since. Still reprinted. (N.Y.: Sadleir). 1.50.

A detailed study of the character and career of an Irish land agent of the worst type. It puts the reader on intimate terms with the prejudices, feelings, aims, and manners of the Orangemen of the day, and bitterly satirizes them. It gives vivid pictures of both Anglican and Dissenting proselytizing efforts. Written from a strongly national and even Catholic standpoint. Contains several remarkable character studies. There is Solomon M’Slime, “the religious attorney,” sanctimonious, canting, hypocritical; Darby O’Drive, M’Clutchy’s ruffianly bailiff, a converted Papist; the Rev. Mr. Lucre, a very superior absentee clergyman of the Establishment, and an ardent proselytizer; the old priest, Father Roche, very sympathetically drawn. The bias throughout is very strong and undisguised. There are some grotesquely and irresistibly comic scenes, but there are also fine scenes of tragic interest. “Nothing in literature,” says Mr. O’Donoghue, “could be more terrible than some of the scenes in this book.” He calls it “one of Carleton’s most amazing efforts.” Of the book as a whole, Mr. Krans says: “It is one of the most daring pictures of Irish country life ever executed.” And Mr. G. Barnett Smith speaks of the eviction scene as “unexampled for its sadness and pathos.”

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

Study of the origin of Ribbonism, and of its effects upon countryside. The hero is an emissary of the Society. The latter is represented as organized and worked by a set of self-interested rascals who deluded the peasantry with hopes of removing grievances, whilst they themselves pursued their personal ends, and were often at the same time in the pay of the Castle. The Government spy system is denounced.

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

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

The story of a man ruined by drink. Conventional and obviously written for a purpose, yet enlivened by scenes of humour and pathos, written in Carleton’s best vein. Dedicated in very flattering terms to Father Theobald Mathew, and irreproachable from a Catholic point of view. Incidentally there is an interesting picture of one of Father Mathew’s meetings. Father Mathew himself thought highly of the book.

⸺ 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 plot centres in a rural murder mystery, but there are many threads in the narrative. As a background there is the Famine and typhus-plague of 1817, described with appalling power and realism. Of this the Author himself was a witness, and he assures us that he has in no wise exaggerated the horrors. All through there are passages of true and heart-rending pathos, lit up by the humorous passages of arms between Jemmy Branigan and his master, the middleman, Dick o’ the Grange. Many peculiar types of that day appear: Skinadre the rural miser, Donnell Dhu the Prophecyman. There is not a word in the book that could hurt Catholic or national feeling.

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

A story of rural life, depicting with much beauty and pathos the sadness of emigration. The book is first and foremost a love story and has no didactic object. It contains one of Carleton’s most exquisite portraits of an Irish peasant girl. The struggle between her love and her stern and uncompromising zeal for the faith is finely drawn. O’Finigan, with his half-tipsy grandiloquence, is also cleverly done. A kindly spirit pervades the book, and it is almost entirely free from the bad taste, coarseness, and rancour which show themselves at times in Carleton.

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

Founded on real events, the murder of the Bolands, a terrible agrarian crime. Written in a mood of savage resentment against his countrymen. D. J. O’Donoghue says of this book: “It is a vicious picture of the worst passions of the people, a rancorous description of the just war of the peasantry against tithes, and some of the vilest types of the race are there held up to odium, not as rare instances of villainy, but as specimens of humanity quite commonly to be met with.” Yet there are good portraits and good scenes. Among the former are Mogue Moylan, the Cannie Soogah, Dare-devil O’Driscoll, Buck English, and the Proctor himself. The latter, hated of the people, is painted in dark colours. “As a study of villainy,” says Mr. O’Donoghue, “the book is convincing. There is one touching and fine scene—that in which the priest stealthily carries a sack of oats to the starving Protestant minister and his family.” “As a study of Irish life,” says Mr. O’Donoghue again, “even in the anti-tithe war time it is a perversion of facts, and a grotesque accumulation of melodramatic horrors.”

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

A melancholy story of middle-class life, with many truthful touches, but overcharged with a sentiment that to modern taste appears somewhat strained and somewhat insipid. Contains a highly eulogistic portrait of a dissenting minister, John Sinclair—Calvinistic, didactic, but warm-hearted and truly charitable.

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

⸺ TALES AND SKETCHES OF THE IRISH PEASANTRY. 1851.

Is as good as the Traits, and has, moreover, little that is objectionable.

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

An attempt to present the life of the gentry, a task for which Carleton was imperfectly qualified. “It reminds one,” says Mr. O’Donoghue, “at a superficial examination, of Lever, but is far inferior to any of that writer’s works. It is full of rancour and rage, and makes painful and exasperating reading: the best that can be said for it is that there are pages here and there not unworthy of the Author’s better self. The latter part of the book is an acrid political argument.” There is an amusing story of a trick played upon 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 passed through more than fifty large editions. A pleasant, readable romantic melodrama, founded on the famous ballad, “Now rise up, Willy Reilly,” which refers to an episode of the Penal days, c. 1745-52. It is practically free from political and religious bias, but is greatly inferior to his earlier works.

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

A tragedy of upper-class society life. The interest lies chiefly in the intricate plot, which, however, is distinctly melodramatic. There is little attempt to portray the manners of the society about which the book treats, and there is little character-drawing. The tragedy is relieved by humorous scenes from peasant life. In the Preface the Author tells us that the circumstances related in the story really happened. Contains a touching picture of an evicted tenant, who leaves the hut in which his wife lies dead and his children fever-stricken to seek subsistence by a life of crime. “There is nothing,” says G. Barnett Smith in The XIXth. 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 high.

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

“Probably the weakest of his works.” Perilously near the ridiculous in style and plot.

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

The exploits of a daring Rapparee. A fine subject feebly treated. From National point of view the book is not inspiring. Very slight plot, consisting mainly in the rescue by O’Hanlon of a girl who had been abducted. Moral tone good. An appendix (32 pages) by T. C. Luby gives the historical facts connected with the hero.

⸺ 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 chief characters Hugh O’Donnell is implicated in the Fenian movement. Father Moran and Rev. Mr. Bayley, the priest and the rector, bosom friends, are finely portrayed. There are flashes here and there of Carleton’s old powers. Mr. O’Donoghue (Life of Carleton, ii., p. 321) states that part of the original MS. was destroyed in a fire, and that the missing portions were supplied after Carleton’s death by a Mr. MacDermott and published, first in the Carlow College Magazine (1870), then in book form as 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 is that edited in four volumes, 3s. 6d. net each, by D. J. O’Donoghue, and published in 1896 by Dent. Its special features are: handsome binding, print, and general get-up; reproduction of original illustrations by Phiz; portraits of Carleton; inclusion of Carleton’s Introduction; biography and critical introduction by Editor. The original edition first appeared in 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 constitutes the completest and most authentic picture ever given to us of the life of the peasantry in the first quarter of the last century. It is the more interesting in that it depicts an Ireland wholly different from the Ireland of our days, a state of things that has quite passed away. Speaking of the Traits, Mr. D. J. O’Donoghue says that, “taken as a whole, there is nothing in Irish literature within reasonable distance of them for completeness, variety, character-drawing, humour, pathos and dramatic power.” And most Irishmen would be at one with him. About the absolute life-like reality of his peasants there can be no doubt. But reserves must be made as to his fairness and impartiality. To the edition of 1854 he prefixed an introduction, in which he states his intention “to aid in removing many absurd prejudices ... against his countrymen,” and in particular the conception of the “stage Irishman.” He then enters into a vindication and a eulogy of the national character which is fully in accord with national sentiment. But many of the stories were originally written for a violently anti-national and anti-Catholic periodical. Some of the Traits were consequently marred by offensive passages, some of which the author himself afterwards regretted. He frequently betrays the rancour he felt against the religion which he had abandoned. The Catholic clergy in particular he never treated fairly, and in some of the Traits ridicule is showered upon them, e.g., in “The Station.” Yet in others, e.g., “The Poor Scholar,” things Catholic are treated with perfect propriety. In 1845 Thomas Davis wrote for the Nation a very appreciative article on Carleton. The illustrations by Phiz are very clever, but many of them are simply 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 storyteller.”

CARMICHAEL, Alexander.

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

Orally collected in 1867 from the recital of John MacNeill (aged 83), of the Island of Barra. Scotch-Gaelic and English on opposite pages. Differs from the average Irish version in numerous details.

CARROLL, Rev. P. J.

⸺ 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 with simplicity and genuine sympathy in language charged with feeling, and often of much beauty. Memory has no doubt cast a golden haze over the scenes and persons, idealizing them somewhat, yet they are very real for all that. They are nearly all in the form of stories, and are told with zest. Some are sad enough, but with a sadness that is softened by the kindly genial spirit of the teller. The writer is of course in complete sympathy with the people. Many queer types (Micky the Fenian, the bell-man, Mad Matt the tramp, the polite beggar, the believer in ghosts, &c.) are studied in these sketches. “There is not one of the twenty-six sketches that is not in its way a masterpiece.”—(C.B.N.).

CASEY, W. F.

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

A study from the life of an exceedingly unpleasant Dublin girl, an inveterate society flirt. The plot is chiefly concerned with her treatment of her various suitors, including a loveless marriage, contracted with one of them in order to spite another. Incidentally there are other clever character studies—Major Delaney, Barry Conway, Maurice Daly. Some are doubtless studies from life. Incidentally there is a clever and accurate picture of the Dublin middle-class, with its golf, its bridge, and its theatres. 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 Pilot; afterwards in book form. The Author was born at Dunkineely, Co. Donegal, 1852. In 1869 or so he emigrated to America, where he became a journalist. Deals with the celebrated Glenveagh trials, arising from difficulties between landlord and tenant, at which the author had been present in boyhood. He wrote also The Borrowed Bride: a Fairy Love Legend of Donegal. Pp. 255. (N.Y.: Holt). 1892. A long story in verse.

CAWLEY, Rev. Thomas.

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

Stories collected from magazines in which they first appeared (“Irish Rosary,” “C.Y.M.,” “Irish Packet”). Giving pictures drawn with knowledge and skill, and considerable humour of local celebrities and their political careers. Satirises the shady side of local politics, and depicts the ruin wrought by drink. But the moral is not too much obtruded. Father Cawley is a curate in Galway City.

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

Reprinted from “An Irish Parish,” q.v.

[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 alias Conyers. Born 1720, son of a Williamite soldier. Though affecting to be on the side of morality, the writer describes minutely a long series of scandalous adventures in Dublin, London, Paris, &c., of the hero. The intervals between these are filled up by disquisitions of various kinds, e.g., the schemes of benevolent landlords, &c. Facetious tone affected throughout. No real description of contemporary manners or of politics. The foreword to this edition gives us to understand that the previous edition contained still more objectionable matter. Gives fairly accurately the average Protestant’s views of priests and “popery” at the time.

CHARLES, Mrs. Rundle.

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

Episodes of the inroad of the Huns and their contact with Christianity, chiefly in the person of St. Leo, from whose writings much of the matter is borrowed. Two young Irish converts of St. Patrick are carried off by British pirates. The story tells of their adventures on the Continent. St. Patrick’s historical Epistle to Coroticus is introduced. The story is somewhat in the conventional Sunday School manner, being obviously intended solely for the conveyance of moral instruction. Has no denominational bias.

CHISHOLM, Louey.

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

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

CHRISTINA, Sister M., a native of Youghal, and now a member of the Community of Loreto Convent, Fermoy, Co. Cork. Her only published volume hitherto is the book noted below, but she has written serials both in French and in English for various periodicals, “Kilvara,” “The Forbidden Flame,” “A Modern Cinderella,” “Sir Rupert’s Wife,” “A Steel King” (all Irish in subject), “Yolanda,” “A Royal Exile,” “Une gerbe de lis,” “Mis à l’épreuve,” are some of the titles. She is an enthusiast in the cause of a literature which, while genuinely Irish, should be also Catholic in spirit.

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

An ingenious and pious little story, pleasantly written, with abundance of incident (secret marriage, lost papers, rightful heir restored to his own in wonderful manner), and many characters. The scene shifts between Donegal, Italy, America, and Rostrevor. The Clandonnell family, in spite of the bigoted old Lord, is brought 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 1649 at Arklow. Captain M., who tells the story, is an officer under the Cromwellian General Ireton. Closes shortly after massacre of Drogheda. The author says in his Oliver Cromwell, a History (p. 487): “He (Cromwell) had overthrown a bloody rebellion in Ireland, and transformed the environment of that mad people into industry and peace.” Elsewhere he speaks of Cromwell’s “pure patriotism, his sacrifice to duty, his public wisdom, his endeavour for the right course in every difficulty.” The novel is written in the spirit of the history, a panegyric of Cromwell. It is full of battles, sieges, and exciting adventures. The Author tells us that he “went to Ireland, traced again the line of the Cromwell Invasion, and gave some studious attention to the language and literature of the country” (Pref.). Anti-Catholic in tone.

CLARK, Jackson C.

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

Episodes in a Lough Neagh-side village conceived in a vein of broad comedy, in which Mr. Peter Carmichael, a young squire on the look-out for amusement and his irresponsible—and resourceful—friend Billy Devine are the chief characters. How the two of them defeated the Nationalist candidate for the dispensary, and how two members of the Force arrested the County Inspector on a charge of Sunday drinking. The local colour and the dialect are perfect, and the local types well sketched.

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

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

The scene is laid in Ulster: the personages are Irish Presbyterians. The Author’s sympathies are with the rebels, but she does justice to the men on the loyalist side. The book contains many stirring adventures, but is far removed from mere sensationalism (Publ.).

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

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

Deals with an imaginary landing of James II. to head a rising in Ireland. Scene: first on shores of Bantry Bay, then in Celbridge. A plot to seize Dublin Castle, in which the King is aided by Swift, fails through divisions caused by sectarian hatred. A rapidly moving story with many exciting situations. Though no elaborate picture of the times is attempted, innumerable small touches show the Author’s thorough acquaintance with their history and literature. The style is pleasant, and the conversations seldom jar by being 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 frequently shifts from one part of Ireland to another—Cork, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Cashel (historical sketch given), &c. Kidnappings, hairbreadth escapes from robbers, a duel, love story of Walter (whose identity is long a mystery) with Lena Fitzgerald, and their final marriage. Several long stories are sandwiched in here and there. Tone quite patriotic. Well-written on the whole.

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

Dedicated to O’Connell. Lucius goes over to England with his followers, fights in the Royalist cause, and finally returns to Ireland. Sympathies: Royalist, and Irish. But the noble characters are for the most part English, some of the Irish characters being little better than buffoons. The book is full of Astrology. There are some interesting allusions to Irish heroic legend.

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

A very romantic story of Killarney in the days of Elizabeth’s wars with Hugh O’Neill. Sir Bertram Fitzroy, a gallant young Englishman, comes over with Essex, and is sent down to Killarney. He becomes friendly with the Irish and falls in love with the “Mermaid” Eva, a young lady who chose this disguise for greater safety. She wins him to love Ireland. They are kept apart by the schemes of the villain O’Fergus, standard bearer to O’Neill. But, after a scene of considerable dramatic power in which O’Fergus is slain, they are united again. There are many adventures, and much fighting. Killarney well described. In sympathy with Ireland. 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 series of episodes, somewhat idealised by memory, from the annals of an Irish Catholic family of the well-to-do farmer class. There is not much literary skill, but this is made up for by the evident faithfulness and the intrinsic interest of the pictures. Old de Prendergast is admirably drawn. Brings out well how thoroughly penetrated with religious spirit many such families in I. are. A sad little boy-and-girl love story runs through the book. Scene: Dublin (election of Alderman well described) and West Wicklow.

COLLINS, William. (1838-1890). A Tyrone man who emigrated to Canada and U.S.A.

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

“A tale of the days of King Milcho,” the time of St. Patrick.

COLTHURST, Miss E. “A Cork lady of marked poetical ability. She wrote also some prose works, such as The Irish Scripture Reader, The Little Ones of Innisfail, &c. Most of her works were publ. anon. She was associated with the 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 close of 17th century, but there is no reference to historical events, and the tone and the atmosphere are quite modern. A Waldensian pastor comes to live in the family of the O’Donoghue, and converts that family and some of the neighbouring chieftains’ families. A great deal of Protestant doctrine is introduced; Catholic doctrines (e.g., the Rosary, p. 49) are referred to with strong disapproval. There is a slight love interest and some vague descriptions of scenery. The style is somewhat turgid.

⸺ THE LITTLE ONES OF INNISFAIL.

COLUM, Padraic. Born in Longford, 1881. Has published several plays, which have been acted with success in the Abbey Theatre and elsewhere; a volume of verse; and a very interesting social study of Ireland, My Irish Year.

⸺ A BOY IN EIRINN. Pp. 255. (N.Y.: Dutton). Frontisp. in colour and four Illustr. by Jack B. Yeats. 1913. New ed. (Dent), 1915.

Third volume in “Little Schoolmate Series.” Adventures of peasant lad, Finn O’Donnell at home in the Midlands and on his way to Dublin by Tara in the time of the Land War. Charming pictures of the world as seen with the wondering eyes of a child. Finn learns Irish legend and history from stories told by his grandfather, a priest, and others. The pictures of things seen and lived in Ireland are what one might expect from the Author of My Irish Year—literal reality vividly but very simply presented. This boy is not idealised; he is very life-like and natural. The Author does not “write down” to children.

N.B.—In this case at least the reader would do well to take the book before the Preface, which latter is 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 at Berlin, Rome, and Paris. M.A. (R.U.I.) with Honours in Mod. Lit. Besides the story mentioned below, she has published A Garden of Girls (Educational Co. of Ireland), and is about to publish a Life of St. Columbanus which won against noteworthy competitors a prize offered by Dr. Shahan of the Catholic University of America. Has contributed to Catholic magazines. Resides in Galway. Her husband is prominently connected with the Gaelic League, and she herself reads and speaks 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 of the first mission of the Jesuits to Ireland. The author has an “historic imagination” of exceptional vividness. The incidents and the colouring are both solidly based on historic fact. But erudition is never allowed to obtrude itself on the reader. The characters are flesh and blood, and the story has a pathetic human interest of its own. It is told with much charm of style.

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 1883. Has studied in Rome and travelled in U.S.A. and Canada. He has resided in various parts of Ireland—New Ross, Cork, Dublin. 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 various types. The majority are of the high-class magazine type and very up-to-date in subject and treatment, but here and there one comes upon bits of real life observed at first hand and pictured with genuine feeling. Several are Irish-American, and their interest turns on the sorrow and hardship of emigration. The last, “By the Way,” in which Sergeant Maguire, R.I.C., spins yarns, is full of the most genuine Irish humour (dialect perfect), and is a fine piece of story-telling.

CONYERS, Dorothea. Born 1871. Daughter of Colonel J. Blood Smyth, Fedamore, Co. Limerick. Has published, besides the works here mentioned, Recollections of Sport in Ireland. Resides near Limerick. It may be said of her books in general that they are humorous, lively stories of Irish sport, full of incident, with quick perception of the surfaces and broad outlines of character. Her dramatis personæ are hunting people, garrison officers, horse dealers, and the peasantry seen more or less from their point of view.

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

An earlier effort, with the Author’s qualities not yet developed. Society in a small country town, days with the hounds, clever situations.

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

Perhaps the best of the lot. Hunting, horse-dealing, and love-making in Co. Cork.

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

A sequel to the last, with the same vivid descriptions of “runs” and “deals.” A murder trial enters into the plot.

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

Of the same type as the last and scarcely inferior. Irish peasants and servants are described with much truth as well as humour. Full of glorious hunts and pleasant hunting people.

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

Life in a small garrison town. Many droll situations.

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

Thirteen stories, dealing mostly with horses and hunting. Full of shrewd wit and kindly humour. Shows a good knowledge of Irish life and character, and an understanding of the relations between the classes. One of the stories is a novel in itself.

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

The externals of Irish country life as seen by a London business man on a holiday. Study of Irish character as seen chiefly in sporting types—needy, good-natured, spendthrift—as contrasted with the Englishman, wealthy, businesslike, and miserly. Contact with Irish life softens the Englishman’s asperities. Full of genuinely humorous and amusing adventures of Sandy with race-horses and hounds, and other things. The brogue is not overdone and we are not, on the whole, caricatured. Scene: West coast.

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

One impostor is Derrick Bourke Herring who, under his namesake cousin’s name, took up the Mullenboden hounds, and the other was his sister Jo who, in man’s clothes, acted as whip. Tinker is a yellow mongrel who does many wonderful things in the course of the story. The main interest centres in the doings of these three, chiefly in the hunting field. A melodramatic element is introduced by the attempt of the father of the wealthy heiress Grania Hume to steal her jewels. Of course there are love affairs also. A breezy story, with much lively incident and pleasant humour.

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

Eve O’Neill is under the guardianship of The O’Neill, an eccentric, rapidly growing into a maniac. His mania is religious, he has a passion for horse-racing, and keeps the heir Hugh O’Neill (supposed to be dead) shut up in a deserted wing of the old mansion. Here this latter is accidentally discovered by Eve, and then there are thrilling adventures. Atmosphere throughout weird and terrifying in the manner of Lefanu. Peasantry little understood and almost caricatured.—(Press Notice).

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

Anthony Doyle, brought up from childhood in Germany, and with the breeding of a gentleman, comes home to help his old uncle, a horsedealer living in an old-fashioned thatched farmhouse in a remote country district in Ireland. Tells of the wholly inexperienced Antony’s adventures among horse-sharpers, of his devotion to his old uncle, and of the social barriers that for long keep him aloof from his own class and from his future wife. The backwardness and slovenliness of Irish life are a good deal exaggerated, but the story is very cleverly told, with a good deal of dry humour. The Author’s satire is not hostile.

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

How Sally Stannard charms the hero from his melancholia more efficaciously than the hunting in Connemara on which he was relying for his cure. Has all the appearances of a story dashed off carelessly and in haste for the publishers. Nothing in it is studied or finished.

⸺ OLD ANDY. Pp. 309. (Methuen). 6s. 1914.

Peasant life in Co. Limerick.

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

A collection of stories of very various type—hunting sketches, the strange experience of an engine driver, the adventures of a traveller for a firm of jewellers.

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

Here the scene is laid in England, and the characters are English, all but a wild little Irish girl, Meave, who plays one of the chief parts. The story is full of hunting scenes.

CONYNGHAM, Major David Power, LL.D.; “Allen H. Clington.” Born in Killenaule, Co. Tipperary. Took part, along with his kinsman Charles Kickham, in the rising of 1848. Fought in the American Civil War in the ’Sixties, after which he engaged in journalism until his death in 1883. Wrote many works on Irish and American subjects.

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

Tipperary in the years before (and during) the Famine of 1846. Glimpses of Tipperary homes, both clerical and lay. Almost every aspect of Irish life at the time is pictured—the Famine, Souperism, an Irish agent and his victims (ch. xii.), how St. Patrick’s Day is kept, Irish horse races (ch. ii.), &c. “I have shewn how the people are made the catspaw of aspiring politicians [elections are described] and needy landlords.” Author says the characters are taken from real life. They are for the most part very well drawn, e.g., Mr. Baker, “a regular Jack Falstaff,” full of boast about wonderful but wholly imaginary exploits; and Father O’Donnell. A pleasant little love-story runs through the book. The whole is racy of the soil. The dialect is good, but the conversations of the upper class are artificial and scarcely true to life. Introduces the episode of the execution of the Bros. C⸺ in N⸺.

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

The Author calls this a historical romance, but the element of romance is very small. Ch. I. gives a backward glance over Ireland’s national struggle in the past. The nominal hero is Hugh O’Donnell and the heroine Eveleen, granddaughter of Florence McCarthy, killed on the Rhine. But Sarsfield is the central figure, and the Author contrives to give us his whole career. There is plenty of exciting incident, partly fictitious—forays of the Rapparees, captures, escapes. In spite of the schemes of the villain rival, Saunders, hero and heroine are united. The historical standpoint seems fair if not quite impartial.

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

Scene: Tipperary during the Famine years. The fortunes of a family in the bad times. Famine and eviction and death wreck its peace, and things are only partially righted after many years. The author, whose view-point is nationalist and Catholic, vividly describes the evils of the time—the terrible sufferings of the Famine, eviction as carried out by a heartless agent, souperism in the person of Rev. Mr. Sly, judicial murder as exemplified by the execution of the M’Cormacks.

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

A tale of Co. Waterford in 1798, written from a strongly Irish and Catholic standpoint. Depicts the tyranny of the Protestant gentry, the savagery of the yeomanry. Typical scenes are introduced, e.g., a flogging at the cart’s tail through the streets of Clonmel, seizures for tithes, the execution of Father Sheehy (an avowed anachronism), &c. Chief historical personages: Sir Judkin Fitzgerald, the “flogging” Sheriff, and Earl Kingston. A vivid picture, though obviously partisan, and marred by some inartistic melodrama.

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

A tale of the rebellion of ’98.

COSTELLO, Mary.

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

The story of an Irish girl living in “Loughros,” in the West of Ireland, some fifty years ago. She is the third and plain daughter of a disappointed “fine lady,” who has married a country doctor out of pique, and rues her fate for the rest of her life, as she cannot appreciate her husband’s good heart and he cannot give her luxuries and grandeur. To this home Peggy comes from school. And the book tells us, with plenty of good fun in the telling, how she made her fortune and how she scattered happiness and blessings around her.—(Press Notice).

COTTON, Rev. S. G.

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

In the title story we have two attempted suicides of parents distraught with grief, the return of a former convict, and an inheritance for the people who were dying with hunger. Dublin is the scene. The next story, “Grace Kennedy,” takes place in the Queen’s Co.: a mother murders her boy, the sister holds the corpse to the fire and “nestles beside him.” In “The Foundling” the mother drowns herself, but some charitable Protestants rescue her child and bring him up in their religion. “Ellen Seaton” tells how Ellen’s father goes off to be a priest and her mother to be a nun, and deals with the efforts made by priests and nuns to get hold of her. Finally she converts her nun jailer and both escape. In some of these stories the Author introduces very vulgar brogue, with coarse expressions.

CRAIG, Richard Manifold, 1845-1913. Born in Dublin, and educated there. He entered the army as surgeon, and retired with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. His other works of fiction—A Widow Well Left, All Trumps, A Sacrifice of Fools, &c.—do not deal with Irish subjects.

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

The story of how Lord Thomas Fitzgerald was drawn into revolt by the treachery of a private enemy. Purports to be a narrative written at the time by Martyn Baruch Fallon, “scrivener and cripple,” a loyal inhabitant of Maynooth, with some account of the latter’s private affairs. Written in quaint, antique language difficult to follow, especially at the outset of the book. It seems of little value from an historical point of view.

⸺ LANTY RIORDAN’S RED LIGHT.

I am not certain whether this story appeared in book form. It is not in the B. Museum Library.

CRAIG, J. Duncan, D.D.

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

Author of “Real Pictures of Clerical Life in Ireland,” and of several learned works. A story of an Oxford man who came to Ireland as locum tenens in the most disturbed time, and found life a good deal more exciting than at his English curacy. The Orangemen are very favourably represented. In the preface to the following work the Author says of this, “The Reign of Terror which prevailed in Ireland while the horrors of the Land League were brooding over the land, and a picture of which I have endeavoured to delineate 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 are a series of anecdotes and stories in which the Catholic clergy and the doctrines of the Church appear to great disadvantage. The lawlessness and brutality of the peasantry are also much insisted on, and the conversion of Ireland to Protestantism seems to obsess the writer. Some of the incidents related are improbable in the extreme, and it is not clear from the Preface to what extent the Author intended them as narratives of actual fact. At all events they are told in the form of fiction. There are also gruesome reminiscences of agrarian disturbances and of the Fenian outbreak, and a chapter against Home Rule. The Author was born in Dublin in the twenties, of Scottish parents. He went to T.C.D. in 1847. He was long Vicar of Kinsale. He was remarkable as the author of several important works on the Provençal language and literature. He died in 1909.

CRANE, Stephen, and BARR, Robert.

⸺ THE O’RUDDY. (Methuen). 6s. 1904.

Has been well described as a fairy story for grown-ups, with plenty of humorous incident—love affairs, duels, &c. The O’Ruddy is a reckless, rollicking, lovable character. There is little or no connexion with real life.—(The Academy).

CRAWFORD, Mrs. A.

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

A rambling and sentimental tale, the scene of which is Southern Ireland (Lismore and Ardmore) and Italy in 1659-60. It is in no sense historical, nor does the Author seem to have any knowledge of the period dealt with. The personages live in “suburbs” and ring the “breakfast-bell.” An amusing ignorance of Catholic matters is evidenced. The plot is confused and without unity.

CRAWFORD, Mary S.; “Coragh Travers.”

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

Hazel leaves Bournemouth and her school days and two rejected suitors—both curates—to live with her adoring parents in the W. of Ireland. She and Denis Martin fall in love, but the course of love does not run smooth. The two are kept apart by their parents, who are intent on other matches. A quarrel completes the breach, but all comes right in the end by help of a divorce and a death. Trips to Dublin and to Bundoran and the performances of a genuine stage-Irishman are introduced to enliven the tale.

CRAWFORD, Michael George.

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

Thirty-four stories, embodying the legends of a district exceptionally rich in memories of old Gaelic Ireland—Cuchulain and the Red Branch—and also with great Irish-Norman families like the De Courcys and De Burgos. By a writer thoroughly acquainted with the district.

CRICHTON, Mrs. F. E. Born in Belfast, 1877; educated at a private school near Richmond. Travelled much in Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. Besides the three novels noted below she publ. some short stories, a little book The Precepts of Andy Saul, based on the character of an old gardener, and some books for children.

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

Life of country gentry and peasantry in County Down. With the latter the Author is particularly effective, bringing out their characteristics with quiet “pawky” humour. Especially, there is Mrs. M’Killop and her wise saws. But the Colonel and his wife are also very well drawn. There is pathos as well as humour. Noteworthy also are the descriptions of sea-coast scenery, and the story of the fight on the “twalth”—(I.B.L.). It is a simple tale of lover’s misunderstandings. Religious strife is pictured with perhaps undue insistence.

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

A charming and delicately-told love story, with a background of life among the Presbyterians (both the better class, and the peasantry and servants) near a small town in Co. Antrim. Shows an intimate and sympathetic knowledge of the people that furnishes the characters of the story. The dialect is perfectly reproduced. There is a pleasant picture of the bright and sunny Sally Bruce growing from girlhood into womanhood amid the dull austerity of Coole House, in the society of her two maiden aunts and her bachelor uncle. There are pleasant gleams of Northern humour, not a few gems of rustic philosophy, and vignettes of Antrim scenery. The human interest is, however, strongest of all.

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

The story of Dick Sandford’s choice between his cousin Betty—English like himself—bright, charming, wholly of this world, and Ethne Blake whom he meets while on a visit to Ireland. The book is really a study, or rather an imaginative presentment of this strange, almost unearthly, figure as typifying the mystic, faery side of the Celtic temperament, and of the background of haunted Irish landscape and peasant fairy-lore, against which she moves. The vital difference in the two temperaments, Celt and Saxon, is suggested throughout. The peasantry of the remote mountain glens are pictured with sympathy and insight.

CROKER, Mrs. B. M., wife of Lieut.-Col. Croker, late Royal Munster Fusiliers; daughter of Rev. W. Sheppard, Rector of Kilgefin, Co. Roscommon; educated at Rockferry, Cheshire. She spent fourteen years in the East, whence the Eastern subjects of some of her novels. These number nearly forty. She resides for the most part in London and Folkestone.

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

A love story, beginning in the Andamans. There is a lively picture of garrison life, including the clever portrait of the “leading lady” (and tyrant), Mrs. Creery. The lovers are separated by the scheming of an unsuccessful rival. The girl first lives a Cinderella life, with disagreeable relations in London, then is a governess, and finally (p. 256) goes to a relation in Ireland. Then there are amusing studies of Irish types—carmen (Larry Flood, with his famous “Finnigan’s mare”), and servants, and a family of broken-down gentry. Things come right in the end.

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

“Seven sketchy little stories of poor folk, written in light and merry style.”—(Baker).

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

Story of an Irish girl of good family, who is obliged to train horses for a living, but ends successfully. Scene: a hunting county three hours’ journey from Dublin. Much stress is laid on the feudal spirit of the peasantry, who are viewed from the point of view of the upper classes, but sympathetically.

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

Scene: an anglers’ hotel in Waterville, Co. Kerry, and the neighbourhood, which the Author knows and describes well. A tale of love and foolish jealousy. The personages belong to the Protestant upper classes. The chief interest is in the working out of the plot, which is well sustained all through. “Contains comedy of a broad and sometimes vulgar kind, turning on jealousy and scandal.”—(Baker 2).

⸺ JOHANNA. Pp. 315. (Methuen). 1903.

The story of a beautiful but very stupid peasant girl who, forced by a tyrannical stepmother to fly from her home in Kerry, sets off for Dublin. On the way she loses the address of the house she is going to, is snapped up by the keeper of a lodging-house, and there lives as a slavey a life of dreadful drudgery and of suffering from unpleasant boarders.

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

How Mary Foley, brought up for twenty-one years in an Irish cabin, is suddenly claimed as his daughter by an English peer, and becomes Lady Joseline Dene. How she gives Society a sensation by her countrified speech and manners, and by her too truthful and pointed remarks, but carries it by storm in the end, and marries her early love. The writer has a good knowledge of the talk of the lower middle classes. There is no bias in the story, which is a thoroughly pleasant one.

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

The six months’ visit of a young English heiress to the stately, dilapidated mansion of Lismoyle, in the Co. Tipperary, involving a comedy of courtship, many amusing situations, and some description of the small social affairs of the county. No Irish “problem” is touched upon.

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

CROKER, T. Crofton. Born in Cork, 1798; died in London, 1854. Was one of the most celebrated of Irish antiquaries, folk-lorists, and collectors of ancient airs. He helped to found the Camden Society (1839), the Percy Society (1840), and the British Archæological Association (1843). Was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and of many Continental societies. Wrote or edited a great number of works. His leisure hours were spent in rambles in company with a Quaker gentleman of tastes similar to his own. In these excursions he gained that intimate knowledge of the people, their ideas, traditions, and tales, which he afterwards turned to good account.

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

Killarney. A series of stories, similar to those in the Fairy Legends, of fairies, ghosts, banshees, &c.

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

An abbreviated ed. of Legends of the Lakes. Second ed. was edited by Author’s son, T. F. D. Croker. Topographical Index.

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

First appeared 1825; often republished since. Classified under the headings:—The Shefro; the Cluricaune; the Banshee; the Phooka; Thierna na oge (sic); the Merrow; the Dullahan, &c. “I make no pretension to originality, and avow at once that there is no story in my book which has not been told by half the old women of the district in which the scene is laid. I give them as I found them” (Pref.). This is the first collection of Irish folk-lore apart from the peddler’s chap-books. Dr. Douglas Hyde (Pref. to Beside the Fire) calls this a delightful book, and speaks of Croker’s “light style, his pleasant parallels from classics and foreign literature, and his delightful annotations,” but says that he manipulated for the English market, not only the form, but often the substance, of his stories. Scott praised the book very highly in the notes to the 1830 ed. of the Waverley Novels, as well as in his Demonology and Witchcraft. The original ed. was trans. into German by the Bros. Grimm, 1826, and into French by P. A. Dufour, 1828.

CROKER, Mrs. T. Crofton.

⸺ BARNEY MAHONEY. [1832].

“Has for a hero an Irish peasant, who conceals under a vacant countenance and blundering demeanour shrewdness, quick wit, and, despite a touch of rascality, real 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. Publ. The End of the Song, 1904, The Web of the Past, The Golden Guard, &c.

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

Short stories, some Irish, some Highland Scotch, somewhat in the manner of Fiona MacLeod’s beautiful Barbaric Tales. The stories deal with various periods from the time of the Emperor Julian to the present day, and they are vivid pictures of life and manners at these different epochs. The standpoint is thoroughly Gaelic, and there is much pathos and much beauty in the tales.

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

The scene is laid in Ireland in the days of the first Milesians, but does not deal with historical events. Tells of the love of Heremon the King for a beautiful slave. Full of sensuous description in a smooth, dreamy style. Frankly pagan in spirit.

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

“A tale of ‘far off things and battles long ago,’ when King Heremon the Beautiful, who reigned at Tara over Milesian and Phoenician ..., fought with his Golden Guard against the Northern Barbarians. Lady Cromartie gives fire and passion to the shadowy figures, filling her imaginative pages with crowded hours of love and fighting, toil, pleasure, and vigorous life.”—(T. Lit. Suppl.).

CROMIE, Robert. Born at Clough, Co. Down, the son of Dr. Cromie. Was on the staff of Belfast Northern Whig, and died suddenly about ten years ago.

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

A sympathetic study of Ulster Presbyterian life is the background for the romance, ending in tragedy, of a young minister. Besides the occasional dialect (well handled) there is little of Ireland in the book, but the story is told with much skill, and never flags. Bromley, an unbeliever, almost a cynic, but a true man and unselfish to the point of heroism, is a remarkable study. The author has also published The Crack of Doom, The King’s Oak, For England’s Sake, &c.

CROMMELIN, May de la Cherois. Born in Ireland. Daughter of late S. de la Cherois Crommelin, of Carrowdore Castle, Co. Down, a descendant of Louis Crommelin, a Huguenot refugee, who founded the linen trade in Ulster. Educated at home. Early life spent in Ireland; resided since in London; has travelled much. Publ. more than thirty novels.—(Who’s Who). Queenie was the Author’s first novel. A Jewel of a Girl deals with Ireland and Holland.

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

The story of Lily Keag, daughter of a Co. Down Orangeman, who, to the disgust of her social circle, falls in love with her father’s servant boy. The latter goes to America, and thence returns, a wealthy man, to claim Lily. The scenery is well described and the dialect well rendered. A healthy and high-toned novel.

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

We are first introduced to a delightful circle, the three children of Black Abbey (somewhere in Co. Down) and those about them, their German governess and Irish nurse and their playmate Bella, born in America, granddaughter of the old Presbyterian minister. The picture of their home-life is pleasant and life-like, with a vein of quiet humour. Then they grow up and things no longer run smoothly. Bella, by her marriage, well-nigh wrecks four lives, including her own, but things seem to be righting themselves as the story closes. The dialect of the Northern servants is very well done. The tone of the book is most wholesome though by no means “goody-goody.”

⸺ DIVIL-MAY-CARE; alias Richard Burke, sometime Adjutant of the Black Northerns. Pp. x. + 306. (F. V. White). 6s. 1899.

A series of humorous and exciting episodes, forming the adventures of an officer home from India on sick leave. Most of them are located in Antrim. No religious or political bias, but a tinge of the stage Irishman.

⸺ 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 crippled sister Melissa. Scene: N. of Ireland. There is a good deal of dialect, and the ways of the peasantry are faithfully depicted.

CROSBIE, Mary. Born in England. Educated privately and at various English schools. Has frequently visited and stayed in Ireland. Her first novel, Disciples, was publ. in 1907; but it was the second that was most successful, three editions being called for within a short time.

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

Main theme: wife and lover waiting for invalid and impossible husband to die. The treatment of this theme and that of a minor plot makes the book unsuited for certain classes of readers. Moreover, the tone is alien to religion. God is “perhaps the flowering of men’s ideals under the rain of their tears.” But the tone is not frankly anti-moral. The personages are all of the country Anglo-Irish gentry, except one peasant family, and this shows up badly. The types are drawn with much skill, and there is constant clever analysis of moods and emotions. The story brings out in a vague way the transmission through a family of ancestral peculiarities.

⸺ BRIDGET CONSIDINE. Pp. 347. (Bell). 6s. 1914.

Bridget’s father is the son of a broken-down shopkeeper somewhere beyond the Shannon, but clings to aristocratic notions. She grows up in London along with “Lennie-next-door,” but her mind outgrows his. She goes to stay W. of the Shannon as secretary to a rich lady. There she becomes engaged to Hugh Delmege, a young landowner. All her yearnings seem fulfilled, yet somehow it is not what she had expected; a short separation from Hugh still further opens her eyes, and she returns disillusioned. This is the bare skeleton: it does not do justice to the philosophy and the style of the book, both of which are remarkable.

CROSBIE, W. J.

⸺ DAVID MAXWELL. (Jarrold). 6s. 1902.

’98 from the loyalist standpoint, and adventures in Mexico and South Texas, &c. “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 accidents the teller finds himself on board one of the ships that raises the blockade of Derry; he escapes and goes to Dublin, where he has exciting adventures. Tyrconnell is introduced—a very unfavourable portrait; and the hero goes through the Boyne Campaign. Told in lively style, with plenty of incident.

CROTTIE, Julia M. Born in Lismore, Co. Waterford. Educated privately and at the Presentation Convent, Lismore. Contributed to the Catholic World, N.Y., and to other American Catholic periodicals, also to the Month, the Rosary, &c. She resides in Ramsay, Isle of Man.

⸺ NEIGHBOURS. Pp. 307. (Unwin). 6s. 1900.

Pictures of very unlovely aspects of life in a small stagnant town. Twenty separate sketches. Wonderfully true to reality and to the petty unpleasant sides of human nature. The gossip of the back lane is faithfully reproduced, though without vulgarity. The stories are told with great skill.

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

“A tale of a Cromwellian Irish town [in Munster]. Being the autobiography of Miss Annita Lombard.” A picture of the pitiful failure of the United Irishmen to raise and inspirit a people turned to mean, timid, and crawling slaves by ages of oppression. Thad Lombard, sacrificing fortune, home, happiness, and at last his life for the Lost Land, is a noble figure. The book is a biting and powerful satire upon various types of anglicized or vulgar or pharisaical Catholicism (the author is a Catholic). The whole is a picture of unrelieved gloom. The style, beautiful, and often poetic, but deepens the sadness. Thad Lombard, a hundred years before the time, pursues the ideals of the Gaelic League. Period: c. 1780-1797.

CROWE, Eyre Evans, 1799-1868. Though born in England, this distinguished historian and journalist was of Irish origin, and was educated at Trinity. In Blackwood he first published several of his Irish novels. Though imperfectly acquainted with the art of a novelist this writer is often correct and happy in his descriptions and historical summaries. Like Banim he has ventured on the stormy period of 1798, and has been more minute than his great rival in sketching the circumstances of the rebellion.—(Chambers’s Cyclopædia of English Literature).

⸺ TO-DAY 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 scene of 1 is “Rathfinnan,” on Lough Ree, not far from Athlone. It is a very dark picture of the secret societies and of the peasants in general, but an equally merciless picture of certain types of the Ascendancy class, notably a Protestant curate and Papist-hunter named Crosthwaite. The hero Arthur Dillon (a true hero of romance) is a young Catholic student of T.C.D., who narrowly escapes being implicated in the secret societies. He dreams of rebellion, and is nearly caught in the meshes of a villainous-plotting Jesuit. There is a love story, with a happy ending. 2. Is a burlesque story telling how M’Laughlin, a sort of King of Connemara, escaped his debtors in a coffin. Some smuggling episodes. Description of the fair of Ballinasloe, p. 196. Much about wild feudal hospitality and lawlessness. 3. Is a satirical study of Protestant religious life at “Ardenmore,” Co. Louth. “Sir Starcourt Gibbs” seems obviously intended as a portrait of Sir Harcourt Lees, an Evangelical Orange leader in Dublin in the twenties and thirties.

⸺ CONNEMARA OU UMA ELEIÇÃO NA IRLANDA: Romance Irlandez tradusido por C[amillo] A[ureliano] da S[ilva] e S[ousa] (Porto). 1843.

⸺ YESTERDAY IN IRELAND. Three Vols., containing two long stories, viz.: 1. “Corramahon.” Pp. 600. Large loose print.

O’Mahon, an Irish Jacobite soldier of fortune, is the hero. The plot consists mainly of the intertwined love stories of men and women separated by barriers of class, creed, and nationality. Good picture of politics at the time. Hardships of Penal days illustrated (good description of Midnight Mass). Ulick O’More, the Rapparee, is a fine figure. Interest sustained by exciting incidents. Scene laid near town of Carlow.

2. “The Northerns of ’98.” Pp. 367.

Scene: Mid-Antrim. Adventures of various persons in ’98 (Winter and Orde are the chief names). Feelings and sentiments of the times portrayed, especially those of United Irishmen. Battle of Antrim described. Author leans somewhat to National side.

[CRUMPE, Miss]. Daughter of Dr. Crumpe (1766-1796), a famous physician in Limerick. According to the Madden MSS., she wrote 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, &c.) with, as personages in the story, the chief historical figures of the time:—the Desmonds and Ormonds, Fr. Allen, S.J., Sanders, Sir Henry Sidney, Sir William Drury, Dr. Dee the Astrologer, Queen Elizabeth herself. The Author has worked into the slight framework of her story an elaborate and careful picture of the times, the fruit, she tells us, of years of study and research. As a result the romance is overlaid and well-nigh smothered with erudition, apart even from the learned notes appended to each volume. The Author is obviously inspired by a great love and enthusiasm for Ireland, and takes the national side thoroughly. The book is ably written, but resembles rather a treatise than a novel.

⸺ THE DEATH FLAG; or, The Irish Buccaneers. Three Vols. (London). 1851.

CUNINGHAME, Richard.

⸺ THE BROKEN SWORD OF ULSTER: A brief relation of the Events of one of the most stirring and momentous eras in the Annals of Ireland. Crown 8vo. (Hodges & Figgis). 3s. 6d. 1904.

Account of chief events. Not in form of fiction. Tone somewhat anti-national (cf. authorities chiefly relied on). Moral: Ireland’s crowning need is to accept the teaching of St. Paul on charity. This is “the God-provided cure for all her woes.” This Author wrote also In Bonds but Fetterless, 1875.

CURTIN, Jeremiah, 1840-1916. Born in Milwaukee, educated at Harvard. A distinguished American traveller, linguist, and ethnologist. Has translated great numbers of books from the Russian and the Polish, and has published many works on the folk-lore of the Russians, Magyars, Mongols, American Aborigines, &c. Visited Ireland in 1887 and 1891.

⸺ MYTHS AND FOLK-LORE OF IRELAND. (Sampson, Low). 9s. Etched frontispiece. 1890.

“Twenty tales” says Douglas Hyde (Pref. to Beside the Fire), “told very well, and with much less cooking and flavouring than his predecessors employed.” The tales were got from Gaelic speakers through an interpreter (Mr. Curtin knowing not a word of Gaelic). Beyond this fact he does not tell us where, from whom, or how he collected the stories. Dr. Hyde says again, “From my own knowledge of Folk-lore, such as it is, I can easily recognise that Mr. Curtin has approached the fountain-head more nearly than any other.”

⸺ HERO TALES OF IRELAND, collected by. Pp. lii. + 558. (Macmillan). 7s. 6d. 1894.

Learned introduction speculates on origin of myths of primitive races. Compares Gaelic myths with those of other races, especially North American Indians. Contends that the characters in the tales are personifications of natural forces and the elements, and that the tales themselves in their earliest form give man’s primitive ideas of the creation, &c. The volume consists of twenty-four folk-lore stories dealing chiefly with heroes of the Gaelic cycles. Not interesting in themselves, and with much sameness in style, matter, and incident. There is some naturalistic coarseness here and there, and the tone in some places is vulgar. The stories were told to the Author by Kerry, Connemara, and Donegal peasants, whose names are given in a note on p. 549.