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_). 6_s._ (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_). 1_s._ 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_). 6_s._ (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_). 6_s._ 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_). 3_s._ 6_d._ [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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_),
1_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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. 1_s._ 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_). 1_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 2_s._ 6_d._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 7_s._ 6_d._ 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_). 1_s._ 6_d._
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_). 5_s._ 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_). 3_s._ 6_d._ 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_). 2_s._ 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 5_s._).
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_). 1_s._ 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_), 1_s._ [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_). 2_s._ [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_). 1_s._ [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_). 1_s._ [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_). 1_s._ (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 1_s._ 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_). 2_s._ [1855]. 1908.
Introduction by E. A. Baker, M.A., LL.D., who included this in
his series, “Half-Forgotten Books.” (_Routledge_). 2_s._ 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_). 2_s._ [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_). 2_s._ [1860]. Still
reprinted.
“Probably the weakest of his works.” Perilously near the
ridiculous in style and plot.
⸺ REDMOND O’HANLON. Pp. 199. 16mo. (_Duffy_). 1_s._ [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. 3_s._ 6_d._ N.Y.: (_Dutton_). 1.50.
Perhaps the best is that edited in four volumes, 3_s._ 6_d._
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_), 1_s._ _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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_d._ 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.). 2_s._
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_). 1_s._ 6_d._ (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_). 2_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._
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_). 1_s._ 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_). 3_s._ [_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_), 1_s._
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_). 3_s._ 6_d._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 1904.
Perhaps the best of the lot. Hunting, horse-dealing, and
love-making in Co. Cork.
⸺ AUNT JANE AND UNCLE JAMES. Pp. 342. (_Hutchinson_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 1908.
Life in a small garrison town. Many droll situations.
⸺ THE CONVERSION OF CON CREGAN. Pp. 327. (_Hutchinson_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ and 1_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 1914.
Peasant life in Co. Limerick.
⸺ A MIXED PACK. Pp. 296. (_Methuen_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 5_s._ 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_). 1_s._ 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_). 3_s._ 6_d._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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”_). 1_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 3_s._ 6_d._ 1896.
“Seven sketchy little stories of poor folk, written in light
and merry style.”—(_Baker_).
⸺ BEYOND THE PALE. (_Chatto & Windus_). 3_s._ 6_d._ and 6_d._ (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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ [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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ _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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ [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_). 3_s._ 6_d._ 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_). 9_s._ 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_).
7_s._ 6_d._ 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.
⸺ TALES OF THE FAIRIES AND OF THE GHOST WORLD. Pp. ix. + 198. (_Nutt_).
1895.
Preface by Alfred Nutt. This collection supplements the two
previous collections. It is collected from oral tradition
chiefly in S.-W. Munster. Illustrates the present-day belief
of the peasantry in ghosts, fairies, &c. There are thirty
tales, many of them new. A good number of them are, of course,
grotesque and extravagant. They contain nothing objectionable,
but obviously are hardly suitable for children.
=CURTIS, Robert.=
⸺ THE IRISH POLICE OFFICER. Pp. vii. + 216. (_Ward, Lock_). 1861.
Six short stories, reprinted from DUBLIN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE,
entitled “The Identification,” “The Banker of Ballyfree,” “The
Reprieve,” “The Two Mullanys,” “M’Cormack’s Grudge,” “How ‘The
Chief’ was Robbed.” They deal chiefly with remarkable trials in
Ireland. “They are all founded upon facts which occurred within
my own personal knowledge; and for the accuracy of which not
only I, but others, can vouch.”—(Pref.). Author was Inspector
of Police, and published (1869) _The History of the R.I.C._ and
_The Trial of Captain Alcohol_. Pp. 48. (_McGlashan & Gill_).
1871.
⸺ RORY OF THE HILLS. Pp. 356. Post 8vo. (_Duffy_). 2_s._ [1870]. Still in
print.
A faithful and sympathetic picture of the peasant life and
manners at the time (early nineteenth century). The Author,
a police officer, has drawn on his professional experiences.
The tale, founded on fact, is an edifying one despite the
unrelieved villainy of Tom Murdock. The influence of religion
is felt throughout, especially in the heroic charity of the
heroine even towards the murderer of her lover. Peasant speech
reproduced to the life.
=CURRAN, H. G.= (1800-1876). Natural son of John Philpot Curran, and a
barrister.
⸺ CONFESSIONS OF A WHITEFOOT. Pp. 306. (_Bentley_). (Edited by G. C. H.,
Esq., B.L.). 1844.
The supposed teller began as a supporter of “law and order,”
but the conviction of the abuses of landlordism is forced upon
him by experience and observation, and he ends by joining the
secret society of the Whitefeet. He makes no secret of the
crimes of this body, and many of them are described in the
course of the narrative.
=CUSACK, Mary Frances=, known as “The Nun of Kenmare.” Originally a
Protestant, she became a Catholic and a Poor Clare. From her convent
in Kenmare she issued quite a library of books on many subjects—Irish
history, general and local, Irish biography, stories, poems, works of
piety and of instruction. Subsequently she left her convent, went to
America, and reverted to Protestantism. Died Leamington, 1899, aged 70.
She has published her autobiography.
⸺ NED RUSHEEN; or, Who Fired the First Shot? Pp. 373. (_Burns & Oates._
BOSTON: _Donahoe_). Four rather mediocre Illus. 1871.
A murder mystery. The hero is wrongly accused, but is acquitted
in the end. The real culprit (scapegrace son of the victim,
Lord Elmsdale) confesses when dying. The mystery is well kept
up to the end. Indeed, the explanation of it is by no means
clear, even at the close. The moral purpose is kept prominently
before the reader throughout. Tone strongly religious and
Catholic, the Protestant religion being more than once
compared, to its disadvantage, with the Catholic.
⸺ TIM O’HALLORAN’S CHOICE; or, From Killarney to New York. Pp. 262.
(LONDON: _Burns_). [1877]. 1878.
“This little story gives a strong picture of the heroic faith,
sufferings, and native humour of the Irish poor.”—(_Press
Notice_). When Tim is dying a priest and a “Souper” contend for
possession of his boy Thade. Tim is faithful to his Church,
but after his death the boy is kidnapped by the proselytisers.
He escapes, and is sheltered by a good Catholic named O’Grady.
Subsequently he finds favour with a rich American, who takes
him off to New York.
=D’ARBOIS DE JUBAINVILLE, Henri.= Born in Nancy, 1827. Died 1910.
Educated in École des Chartes. A biographical notice of him, followed
by a bibliography of his works, will be found in the _Revue Celtique_
(Vol. 32, p. 456, 1911), which he edited for many years. The list of his
works contains 238 items, the greater number of which concern Celts.
Perhaps rather more than half deal with Ireland. They include a _Cours
de Littérature Celtique_ in 12 vols., a history of the Celts, a work on
the Irish mythological cycle, and a catalogue of the epic literature of
Ireland. That on the Irish mythological cycle has been well translated by
R. I. Best (_Hodges & Figgis_). 1903. Pp. xv. + 240.
=D’ARCY, Hal.=
⸺ A HANDFUL OF DAYS. Pp. 319. (_Long_). 6_s._ 1914.
“How John O’Grady left his irritating wife and selfish children
to revisit the home of his fathers in I. for a short time;
how he met ... Mary O’Connor ...; how he fell in love, and
told her so—forgetting to mention the irritating wife, &c....
The picture of the old Irish priest, Mary’s uncle, is the one
redeeming feature of a mawkish, unsatisfactory tale.”—(T. LITT.
SUPPL.). This fairly describes the story. Non-Catholic, but not
prejudiced. Scene: Glendalough.
=DAMANT, Mary.= The Author is a daughter of General Chesney, the Asiatic
explorer.
⸺ PEGGY. Pp. 405. (_Allen_). 1887.
_Domestic_ life in North Antrim previous to, and during, the
Rebellion of 1798. “Many of the facts of my little tale were
told me in childhood by those, whose recollection of the rising
was rendered vivid by desolate homes, loss of relations,
&c.”—(Pref.). Eschews historical or political questions.
Favourable to “poor deluded peasants.” Thinks little of United
Irishmen who are “imbued with the poison of revolutionary
principles.” Well and pleasantly written in autobiographical
form.
=DAUNT, Alice O’Neill=, 1848-1915. Was the only daughter of W. J. O’Neill
Daunt. Contributed to THE LAMP, IRELAND’S OWN, and other magazines. She
wrote many little stories, as serials or in book form, for the most part
religious (Catholic) and didactic.
⸺ EVA; or, as the Child, so the Woman. Pp. 107. 16mo. (_Richardson_).
1_s._ 1882.
One of a little series of Catholic Tales for the young. A sad
little story, full of piety. Scene in Ireland, but the story is
not specially Irish in any way.
=DAUNT, W. J. O’Neill.= Born in Tullamore, 1807. Son of Joseph Daunt, of
Ballyneen, Cork. Became a Catholic about 1827. Was in Repeal Association
from the first, and remained to the end one of O’Connell’s most loyal
co-operators. Died 1894. His biography has been published under the
title, _A Life Spent for Ireland_, 1896.
⸺ SAINTS AND SINNERS. Two Vols. aftds. One Vol. (_Duffy_). (N.Y.:
_Pratt_). 0.50. 1843, &c.
“The reader who expects in this narrative what is commonly
called the plot, or story, of a novel will, we fairly warn
him, be disappointed. Our object in becoming the historian of
Howard is merely to trace the impressions produced on his mind
by the very varied principles and notions with which he came in
contact” (beginning of chap. xiii.). The book is, besides, a
very satirical study of various types of Ulster Protestantism,
and a controversial novel, reference to Scripture and to
various Catholic authorities being frequently given in
footnotes. The story, a slight one, moves slowly, but the
situations have a good deal of humour.
⸺ HUGH TALBOT. Pp. 473. (_Duffy_). 1846.
“A Tale of the Irish confiscations of the 17th century,”
_i.e._, the reign of James I. Scene varies between England,
Ireland, and Scotland. Opens in 1609. Portrait of James I. No
other historical personage. Persecution, arrest, and adventures
of Father Hugh Talbot. Chief interest lies in the picture of
the times, which is carefully drawn. The story, however, is
well told, the conversations clever and fairly natural, the
character-drawing good. The Author is strongly opposed to
religious persecution. The Irish localities are not specified.
⸺ THE GENTLEMAN IN DEBT. Pp. 339. (_Cameron & Ferguson_). 1_s._ (N.Y.:
_Pratt_). 1.50. [1848]. 1851, &c.
Adventures of a penniless young gentleman trying to get a
position. Depicts (after Lever), first life in Galway, among
impecunious, fox-hunting, hard-drinking, duelling squires
(Blakes, Bodkins, and O’Carrolls); then the vapid life of
Castle aristocracy in the Dublin of the time, with its
place-hunting and ignoble time-serving. Incidentally (for the
author does not moralise) we have glimpses of the working
of the Penal laws. The story is an unexciting one of rather
matter-of-fact courtship and of domestic intrigue. There are
not a few amusing scenes, nothing objectionable, and little
bias. A striking character study is that of the Rev. Julius
Blake, who is of the tribe of Pecksniff, but with quite
distinctive features.
=[DEACON, W. F.].=
⸺ THE EXILE OF ERIN; or, the Sorrows of a Bashful Irishman. Two Vols.
(_Whittaker_). 1835.
Early 19th century. Adventures of a villain of the worst type
in Ireland, England, and on the Continent. Commits almost every
conceivable crime, including bigamy and embezzlement. Acts
every part from strolling player to journalist and political
partisan. Tells all this in first person. Incidentally the
book is a bitter satire on Ireland, Irish priests, Irish
politicians. Represents the “O’Connellite rabble” as capable
of any outrage and O’Connell himself (under the name of
O’Cromwell) as a political adventurer. Author admits not being
Irish.
⸺ ADVENTURES OF A BASHFUL IRISHMAN. (LONDON). 1862.
This is a new ed. of _The Exile of Erin; or, the Sorrows of a
Bashful Irishman_.
=DEASE, Alice.= Daughter of J. A. Dease, of Turbotstown, Co. Westmeath.
Lives Simonstown, Coole, Co. Westmeath.—(CATH. WHO’S WHO).
⸺ THE BECKONING OF THE WAND. Pp. 164. (_Sands_). 3_s._ 6_d._. Very
tastefully bound. 1908. (N.Y.: _Benziger_). 1.00. Cheap edition, 1_s._
6_d._ 1915.
We are used to having depicted with painful realism all our
faults, all the defects of Irish life on the material side.
This little book denies none of these, but it shows another
side of the Irish character, the deep-rooted, intense Catholic
faith, the union with the supernatural, that brightens even the
most squalid lives. The anecdotes, which are true, are related
with delicate insight by one who knows and loves the people.
There is a vivid sketch of a Lough Derg pilgrimage.
⸺ OLD-TIME STORIES OF ERIN. Pp. 215. (_Browne & Nolan_). 2_s._ Illustr.
by C. A. Mills. 1908.
Sixteen old Gaelic hero legends retold in simple, lucid style
for children. Most of them are well known: “The Wise Judgment
of Cormac Mac Art;” “The Neck Pin of Queen Macha;” “The
Chivalry of Goll Mac Morna,” &c.
⸺ GOOD MEN OF ERIN. (_Browne & Nolan_). 2_s._ Six Illustr. 1910.
Stories of a quaint legendary kind connected with nine Irish
Saints. Prettily told.
⸺ THE MARRYING OF BRYAN; and Other Stories. Pp. 83. (_Sands_). 7_d._
Coloured frontisp. (N.Y.: _Benziger_). 0.50. Second edition. 1911.
Six little tales, slight in theme, but delicately wrought. They
are the poetry of real life, mostly Irish peasant life. A moral
may be gleaned from each, but there is no irritating insistence
on it. One tells how, through his love for birds and his fear
of frightening them, a good old P.P. loses his chance of a
canonry. Another tells of the beautiful neighbourly charity of
the Irish peasant. Four are love stories. They are perfect of
their kind.
⸺ SOME IRISH STORIES. Pp. 96. (_C.T.S._). 6_d._ Stiff wrapper. 1912.
Eight little stories similar in character and qualities to
_Down West_, _q.v._
⸺ THE LADY OF MYSTERY. Pp. 159. (_Duffy_). 2_s._ 1913.
Better class Catholic family life somewhere in the
West—O’Malleys, Dillons, Burkes. Two interwoven love-stories,
a mystery of identity, and the story of a philanthropic
enterprise, the Drinagh Mills. Thoroughly Catholic atmosphere
and moral purpose.
⸺ DOWN WEST, and Other Sketches of Irish Life. Pp. 119. (ROEHAMPTON: _The
Catholic Library_). 1_s._ Preface by Sir H. Bellingham. 1914.
Glimpses of real life in Connemara and Aran (described p. 48
_sq._), dealing less with outward incidents than with the
beauty of the people’s faith, the hardness of their lot, the
joys and sorrows of their lives. Told with a very delicate
suggestiveness, full of touches of humour and of feeling,
without preaching or moralising, by one in thorough sympathy
with the people, and alive, too, to all the influences of
nature. The dialect is reproduced with great fidelity.
=DEASE, Charlotte.=
⸺ CHILDREN OF THE GAEL. Pp. 196. (_Washbourne_). 2_s._ 6_d._ (N.Y.:
_Benziger_). 0.75. 1911.
Eight little studies—vignettes—of Irish peasant types,
evidently drawn direct from real life. They are in narrative
form, but in most the incident is slight. They give curiously
vivid glimpses of the life of the poor, of which the Author
has intimate knowledge. The tone is Catholic and “Gaelic.” The
Author avoids phonetic renderings of peasant dialect.
=DEBENHAM, Mary H.=
⸺ CONAN THE WONDER WORKER. Pp. 302. (_National Society_). 3_s._ 6_d._
Four or five illustr. (N.Y.: _Whittaker_). 1902.
Norway, _c._ 912-3. Conan is a Christian Scot (_i.e._,
Irishman) who is captured by a Viking, and brought to Norway.
In time he converts the Viking and his family. A good story for
children and even for grown-ups.
⸺ THE SHEPHERD PRIOR; and other Stories for Sunday Evenings. Pp. 252.
(_National Society_). 2_s._ 6_d._ Four illustr. by Violet M. Smith.
(N.Y.: _Whittaker_). 1907.
Written for children in a religious vein, with a moral
attached. Only one story deals with Ireland, “The Great
Handwriting.” In it the conversion of the King’s daughters by
St. Patrick is prettily told. Protestant, but not unsuited to
Catholic children.
=DEENEY, Daniel.=
⸺ PEASANT LORE FROM GAELIC IRELAND. Second edition. Pp. 80. (_Nutt_).
1_s._ Stiff wrapper. 1901.
Relates to the Donegal Highlands and Connemara, in the latter
of which (at Spiddal, I believe) the writer taught Irish.
Consists of illustrations of the peasants’ belief in the
preternatural world of spirits and fairies and influences,
with examples of common superstitious practices. The writer,
if he does not share these beliefs, at least is very far from
despising them. “The majority of them [the items included]
were related to me in the broken English of a Western
peasant”—(Introd.). The book is chiefly interesting to
folk-lorists.
The same Author’s _Tales and Superstitions of the Connaught
Peasants_. (_Nutt_), 1_s._, 1901, is a collection similar to
the preceding.
=DENANCE, L. V.=
⸺ O’SULLIVAN, DERNIÈRE INSURRECTION DE L’IRLANDE. Pp. 130. (LIMOGES:
_Ardant et Thibant_). 1874?
Historical introd. very favourable to Ireland. Scene of story:
Cork. Relates incidents of ’98, including French expedition.
Told by O’S. himself, part of whose adventures take place in
Africa. The last page brings him back to Ireland.
=DENNY, Madge E.=
⸺ IRISH TOWN AND COUNTRY TALES. Pp. 232. (_Sealy, Bryers_). 1_s._ An ugly
cover.
Pleasant little tales, some of them humorous, written in a
light, breezy style. Many of them deal with love and courtship,
and are sentimental enough, but not in the least objectionable.
=DENVIR, John.= Born 1834. Lived nearly all his life in England
(Liverpool, London, and Birmingham). Throughout his long career has never
ceased to work for Ireland. Conducted for some years the CATHOLIC TIMES.
Publ. _The Irish in England_ and his own autobiography, _The Life Story
of an Old Rebel_ (1910), new ed., 1914. He is still living in London. He
has publ. there a considerable number of popular books about Ireland,
including “Denver’s Irish Library,” booklets at a penny each.
⸺ THE BRANDONS: a Story of Irish life in England. Pp. 153. (_Denver’s
Irish Library_). 2_s._ 6_d._ Paper 1_s._ 1903.
An Italian carbonaro tragedy that by a strange combination of
circumstances comes into a peaceful back water of Liverpool,
Homer’s Gardens, and mingles with the lives of its Irish
inhabitants. A romantic interest is added by the love of
Hugh and Jack Brandon for Rose Aylmer. Jack’s self-sacrifice
is rewarded in the end. There are several pleasant Irish
characters besides Hugh and Jack—Father MacMahon, genial,
generous, and fatherly; Mick Muldowney and his wife, rough
customers enough, but always cheery, and willing to share their
last crust with anyone in need.
⸺ OLAF THE DANE. Pp. 103. (_Sealy, Bryers_). 6_d._ Paper.
Scene: Donegal. Extraordinary story, full of sensational
incidents. It turns chiefly on a prophecy made in the ninth
century about men then living, which is fulfilled in their
descendants of the nineteenth century. One of these latter
is endowed with supernatural powers. There are some pretty
faithful pictures of the peasantry.
=[DERENZY, M. G.].=
⸺ THE OLD IRISH KNIGHT: a Milesian Tale of the Fifth Century. Pp. 186.
(LONDON: _Poole & Edwards_). 1828.
By the Author of _A Whisper to a Newly-married Pair_,
_Parnassian Geography_, &c. In spite of an apparent effort to
be archæologically correct the book is full of rather absurd
anachronisms. There are already in Ireland abbeys with long
lines of arches, there is talk of the finest organ in Europe
being purchased for one of them, and so on. The story does not
hang together. It is merely a string of disjointed incidents,
most of them wholly improbable.
=D’ESPARBÈS, Georges.=
⸺ LE BRISEUR DE FERS. Pp. 316. (PARIS: _Louis-Michaud_). 3_fr._10.
[1908]. New edition, 1911.
Dedication (to Colonel Arthur Lynch), and Preface (telling
about the erection of the Humbert Memorial at Ballina).
Humbert’s invasion told in impassioned and somewhat high-flown
language. Describes some of the episodes with extraordinary
vividness. Based mainly on reliable works, but not strictly
historical. The Author is a distinguished writer, and very
prolific, having produced a long series of novels, volumes of
verse, &c. Born 1863 in the department of Tarn-et-Garonne.
=DEVINE, D. C.= Is a native of Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, where at present
he is a National School Teacher. Is a man of about 45.
⸺ FAITHFUL EVER, and Other Tales. Pp. 280. (_Duffy_). 2_s._ 1910.
Eleven stories of Sligo peasant life. The Author has thorough
sympathy with the aspects of life about which he writes. Three
of the tales are love stories, one is a story of ’67, others
are humorous, _e.g._, “Meehaul M’Cann’s Wooing.” We have a
glimpse of the dance, the pattern, rustic courtship, lake and
mountain scenery. The Author avoids politics, but the Catholic
atmosphere is pronounced, throughout. The literary standard is,
perhaps, not of a high order.
⸺ BEFORE THE DAWN IN ERIN. Pp. 308. (_Duffy_). 2_s._ [1913]. Second
edition. 1914.