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). 6s.
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). 1s. 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.