An Irish Epic told in English Verse. By Mary A. Hutton.
Fcap 4to. Antique Paper. Bound in Irish Linen gilt, gilt top. 10s. 6d. net.
This work is an attempt to tell the whole story of the Táin Bó Cúailngne in a complete and artistic form. The writer, working always from original sources, has taken the L.L. text of the tale as the basis of her narrative, but much material has been worked into its texture, not only from the L.U. version of the Táin and fragments of other versions, but from very many other Irish epic sources. Some of the material so used has not yet been edited. The object always has been to bring out the great human interests of the story in their own Gaelic atmosphere.
The narrative is divided into fifteen books, and there is a short introductory narrative called "The Finding of the Táin," and a short closing narrative called "The Writing of the Táin"; these form a sort of Early Christian frame to the great Pagan tale.
The medium chosen is blank verse; but the verse, being written under the immediate influence of old Gaelic literature, has a character of its own.
The author has been engaged on the work for the past ten years, and, in addition to writing the poem, has compiled a series of Appendices, comprising a very complete set of topographical notes, an account of the chief authorities used, and various other notes and comments. The book should be of great interest to scholars and folk-lorists, as well as to lovers of poetry, and to all who are interested in the old Irish stories.
DRAMA.
THE FIDDLER'S HOUSE.
A Play in Three Acts. By PADRAIC COLUM. Paper cover. Cr. 8vo. 1s. net.