QUINLAN, May.
⸺ IN THE DEVIL’S ALLEY. Pp. 262. (Art and Book Co.). 3s. 6d. Illustr. very cleverly and humorously by the Author. 1907.
Sketches of the lowest life in the East End of London, chiefly among the poorest Irish. Told with sympathy, close observation, and quiet humour. There is pathos too, but the Author never strains it nor forces the note. Sunt lachrimae rerum. The Author is the dau. of Judge Quinlan, late of Victoria, Australia.
READ, Charles Anderson. 1841-1878. Born near Sligo. Was for some years a merchant in Rathfriland, Co. Down. Went to London, 1863. Was an industrious and able writer, and a man full of enthusiastic admiration for Ireland, its people, and its literature. Produced numerous sketches, poems, short tales, and nine novels, the most notable of the latter being Love’s Service; but better known are his Aileen Aroon and Savourneen Dheelish, of which the London Review said: “We are presented with a view of agrarian crime in its most revolting aspect, and there is no false glamour thrown around any of the characters. Many of the incidents are highly dramatic, while the dialogue is bright and forcible.” The above notice is taken from an article by Mr. Charles Gibbon in the Cabinet of Irish Literature, edited by Mr. Read himself.
⸺ SAVOURNEEN DHEELISH; or, One True Heart. 16mo. (London: Henderson), 1s. [1869]. 1874, 7th ed.
First appeared in The Weekly Budget. A melodramatic but finely told story. The principal incident is the historic tragedy utilised by Carleton in his “Wild Goose Lodge.” Especially thrilling is the scene where Kate Costelloe gives the evidence which she knows will bring her brother and her lover to the gallows. Barney Fegan, a jovial pedlar, plays a conspicuous part. The usual devices of evictions, murders, Whiteboys, traitors, trials, secret caves, &c. Scenery well described: brogue well done. The fair at Keady is a noteworthy piece of description. Scene: the district round Dundalk.
⸺ AILEEN AROON; or, The Pride of Clonmore. (London: Henderson). 1s. [1870.]. Sixth ed. n.d.
First appeared in The Weekly Budget. Garratt O’Neill is falsely accused of murder. His sweetheart Aileen on her way to Downpatrick to defend him is abducted by his enemy. Suspected of infidelity, she is driven from her home, but is befriended by Father Nugent, an unfrocked priest, and his Fenian band, who lurk in the Mourne Mountains. After many thrilling episodes and hairbreadth escapes the lovers are united at last. Sensational but well-told, and containing some good descriptions.
READE, Amos.