MACDONAGH, Michael. B. Limerick, 1862. Ed. Christian Bros.’ Schools. At twenty-two joined the staff of Freeman’s Journal. From 1894 to the present has been on staff of Times, and he lives in London. His father, Michael O’Doherty MacDonagh, was a Donegal man, a printer and poet. Has been writing about Ireland all his life in an immense variety of periodicals, and has published about a dozen books, many of them relating to Parliament, of great historic value.
⸺ IRISH LIFE AND CHARACTER. Pp. 382. (Hodder & Stoughton). 6s. Many editions, the 5th being in 1905.
Object: “To give a clear, full, and faithful picture of Irish life and character, illustrated by anecdotes and by my own experience during a twelve years’ connexion with Irish journalism.” “I have admitted into my collection only anecdotes that are truly genuine, really humorous, and certainly characteristic of the Irish people.” “The face of Ireland as seen in these pages is always puckered with a smile.”—(Pref.). May be described as anecdotes, chiefly comic, classified and accompanied by a running commentary. Chapters: The Old Irish Squire; Duelling; Faction Fighting; Some Delusions about Ireland (e.g., “Stage-Irishman”); Bulls; In the Law Courts; “Agin the Government”; Irish Repartee and Sarcasm; Love-making in Ireland (its matter-of-factness, &c.); Humours of Politics In and Out of Parliament; The Ulster Irishman; The Jarvey; The Beggar; Sunniness of Irish Life, &c. It is to be observed that the laugh is often against the Irish throughout, and perhaps our national failings are rather more prominent here than our national virtues, the serious side of Irish life being scarcely touched on at all.
M’DONNELL, Randal William. B. in Dublin, 1870. Son of Randal M’Donnell, Q.C. Ed. Armagh Royal School. B.A., T.C.D. Was for a time assistant librarian in Marsh’s Library, and now a L.G.B. inspector. Has published also three volumes of verse.
⸺ KATHLEEN MAVOURNEEN. Pp. 270. (Sealy, Bryers). 2s. Frontisp. 1898.
Pictures first the causes and events that led to the rebellion, Tone’s visit to America, his schemes, the French invasion. Then vivid description of the outbreak in Wicklow, the fight at Tubberneering, the battle of New Ross, the capture and death of Lord Edward Fitzgerald.
⸺ WHEN CROMWELL CAME TO DROGHEDA. Pp. 147. (Gill). 2s. 6d. Map of Drogheda and map of Ireland in time of Cromwell. (N.Y.: Benziger). 0.90. 1906.
“Edited from the record of Clarence Stranger,” an officer in the army of Owen Roe O’Neill. Covers principal events from Cromwell’s landing to the Plantation, including defence of Clonmel.
⸺ MY SWORD FOR PATRICK SARSFIELD. Pp. 201. (Gill). 3s. 6d. 1907.