The extracts are given under the name of the authors, and these names are arranged alphabetically, beginning in Vol. I. with Mrs. Alexander, and ending with W. B. Yeats in Vol. IX.
To the extracts from each author there is prefixed a biographical notice, including, in many cases, a literary appreciation by a competent authority, and a fairly full bibliography.
Each volume contains an article, by a distinguished writer, on some special department of Irish literature. Thus, the Editor-in-Chief gives a general survey of the whole subject. W. B. Yeats writes on Irish Poetry, Douglas Hyde on Early Irish Literature, Dr. Sigerson on Ireland’s Influence on European Literature, Maurice Francis Egan on Irish Novels, Charles Welsh on Fairy and Folk Tales, J. F. Taylor, K.C., on Irish Oratory, Stephen Gwynn on the Irish Theatre, &c.
Index of authors, books quoted from, titles and subjects dealt with—exceptionally full and valuable (over 80 pp.).
Publisher’s Work: 1. Illustrations, over 100 (several in colour), consisting of facsimiles of ancient Irish MSS., and of ancient prints and street-ballads, portraits of Irish authors, views of places, objects, scenery and incidents of Irish interest.
2. Letterpress—large and clear type.
3. Binding—cloth, and half-morocco.
4. Price—has varied a good deal since first publication.
2. THE CABINET OF IRISH LITERATURE. Four Vols. Super royal 8vo. Pp. 311 + 324 + 346 + 369. (Gresham Publishing Co.). 8s. 6d. each. Illustrations in black and white by J. H. Bacon, C. M. Sheldon, W. Rainey, &c., and portraits. 1903.