“A tale of the days of King Milcho,” the time of St. Patrick.
COLTHURST, Miss E. “A Cork lady of marked poetical ability. She wrote also some prose works, such as The Irish Scripture Reader, The Little Ones of Innisfail, &c. Most of her works were publ. anon. She was associated with the Rev. E. Nangle’s mission to Achill” (D. J. O’Donoghue, Poets of Ireland).
⸺ THE IRISH SCRIPTURE READER.
⸺ IRRELAGH: or, The Last of the Chiefs. Pp. 448. (London: Houlston & Stoneman). 1849.
Dedication dated from Danesfort, Killarney. Scene: Killarney. Time: towards the close of 17th century, but there is no reference to historical events, and the tone and the atmosphere are quite modern. A Waldensian pastor comes to live in the family of the O’Donoghue, and converts that family and some of the neighbouring chieftains’ families. A great deal of Protestant doctrine is introduced; Catholic doctrines (e.g., the Rosary, p. 49) are referred to with strong disapproval. There is a slight love interest and some vague descriptions of scenery. The style is somewhat turgid.
⸺ THE LITTLE ONES OF INNISFAIL.
COLUM, Padraic. Born in Longford, 1881. Has published several plays, which have been acted with success in the Abbey Theatre and elsewhere; a volume of verse; and a very interesting social study of Ireland, My Irish Year.
⸺ A BOY IN EIRINN. Pp. 255. (N.Y.: Dutton). Frontisp. in colour and four Illustr. by Jack B. Yeats. 1913. New ed. (Dent), 1915.
Third volume in “Little Schoolmate Series.” Adventures of peasant lad, Finn O’Donnell at home in the Midlands and on his way to Dublin by Tara in the time of the Land War. Charming pictures of the world as seen with the wondering eyes of a child. Finn learns Irish legend and history from stories told by his grandfather, a priest, and others. The pictures of things seen and lived in Ireland are what one might expect from the Author of My Irish Year—literal reality vividly but very simply presented. This boy is not idealised; he is very life-like and natural. The Author does not “write down” to children.
N.B.—In this case at least the reader would do well to take the book before the Preface, which latter is by the general editor of the series.