IRELAND IN FICTION.

IRELAND IN FICTION

A GUIDE TO
IRISH NOVELS, TALES, ROMANCES,
AND FOLK-LORE

BY
STEPHEN J. BROWN, S.J.

Author of A Reader’s Guide to Irish Fiction,
A Guide to Books on Ireland, etc.

Do chum glóire Dé agus Onóra na h-Éireann.

MAUNSEL AND COMPANY, LIMITED,
DUBLIN AND LONDON.
1916.

CONTENTS.

PREFACE.

It may be well to state at the outset in what respects the present work differs from A Reader’s Guide to Irish Fiction published in 1910, and now out of print. The differences may be reduced to four:—

(1). The number of books dealt with is almost double that of the earlier work.

(2). The arrangement is quite new. In the former work the books were classified according to subject matter: in this they are arranged under the names of the Authors, these names being arranged alphabetically. Some lists are appended in which the books are classified as historical novels, Folk-lore, Gaelic Epic and Romantic Literature, &c.

(3). A combined title and subject index has been provided, both of which were lacking in the earlier book. Some new matter is given in the Appendix, in particular some notes on fiction in Irish periodicals.

(4). In A Reader’s Guide, &c., a few notes on Authors were added at the end. In the present work biographical notes on a large proportion of the Authors are given immediately before the notes on their books.

Apart from these differences, the two works have the same scope and aim. In both, the scope includes all works of fiction published in volume form, and dealing with Ireland or with the Irish abroad, and such works only. The present book, therefore, is not, any more than was the earlier book, a guide to the works of Irish novelists—else, Goldsmith, for instance, might surely claim a place. Neither is it, properly speaking, a book of advice as to what is best to read. The aim has been to provide descriptive notes of an objective nature, to record facts, not to set forth personal views and predilections. This is a book of reference pure and simple; it neither condemns nor recommends. In this respect it differs from several other guides to fiction which at first sight it seems to resemble. The Abbé Bethléem’s most valuable Romans à lire et romans à proscrire has been mentioned in the former preface. Its title proclaims its character. Of a similar nature are some works by members of my own Order that have since come to my knowledge. It will be useful to record their titles:

1. P. Gerardo Decorme, S.J.—Lecturas recomendables. (Barcelona: Luis Gili). 1908.

2. P. Pablo Ladron de Guevara, S.J.—Novelistas malos y buenos. Pp. 523. (Bilbao). 1910.

3. Was soll ich lesen? Ein Ratgeber [advice giver] für Studierende (Trier), 1912.

4. Guide de Lecture. (Brussels). Second ed., 1912. A magnificent 4to volume of 1032 pp., compiled by a Belgian Jesuit, Fr. Schmidt, and constituting the catalogue of his great Bibliothèque Choisie of 200,000 volumes.

No. 1 devotes only a chapter to fiction. No. 2 contains a critical examination from a moral point of view of 413 Spanish writers, 1,220 French, 150 English, 98 German, as well as Russian, Belgian, &c. No. 3 devotes a section to Schöne Literatur giving notes and bibliographical details. Symbols are used to indicate the suitability of the books to readers of various ages. The same plan is followed in No. 4, but to a much fuller extent, and the whole work is on a larger scale.

Enough has been said, I think, in the former preface as to the object aimed at in the notes. I have tried to make that object clear: I am far from thinking that it has always been attained, even in this revised work. Some of the excuses for incompleteness that held good for the first steps into an almost untrodden field have no doubt ceased to have the same force. I have had time to explore new ground, and to survey anew that already occupied. On the other hand the years that have slipped away since the former book have been filled by many duties that left little time for literary work. Yet, though I am unable to say with confidence that this work is bibliographically exhaustive, I trust that, for practical purposes, for the purposes for which it is intended, it may be found reasonably complete. For the achievement of even this result I can by no means claim all the credit. My obligations to my numerous helpers are very great indeed, as will appear from the Acknowledgements.

One further point needs to be dwelt upon—the non-inclusion of works of fiction written in the Irish language. I cannot do better in this connection than quote from the preface to a former work[1] in which this same point came up for explanation:—“I have not included books in the Irish language. My reasons for this are threefold. In the first place my own knowledge of Irish is not yet sufficient to enable me even to edit satisfactorily notes of books in Irish.... In the second place I do not think that a bibliography of works in Irish should be made a mere appendage or sub-section, as it would inevitably be, of a work such as the present. Lastly, it may well be doubted whether the time be yet come for doing this work in the way that it deserves to be done.” This last reason is partly based on the fact of the great mass of Irish literature still remaining in MS., a quantity probably much greater than what has been printed and published. The publication of the National Library’s bibliography is mentioned in the Appendix on Gaelic literature as an additional reason for my omission of books in Irish.

Nevertheless, the omission of books in the Irish language from a Guide to Irish Fiction remains an anomaly, one of the many anomalies produced by the historic causes that have all but destroyed the Irish language as the living speech of Ireland.

Dublin, September, 1915.

[1] A Guide to Books on Ireland, Part I. (Hodges & Figgis), 1912.

PREFACE TO A READERS GUIDE TO IRISH FICTION (1910).

The present Guide to Irish Fiction is intended by the Author as the first part of a work in which it is hoped to furnish notes on books of all kinds dealing with Irish subjects.

Before explaining the scope of this section of the work it may be well, in order to forestall wrong impressions, to say at once what it is not. In the first place, then, it does not lay claim to be a bibliography. By this I do not mean that I am content to be inaccurate or haphazard, but simply that I do not aim at exhaustive completeness. In the second place, it is not a catalogue of books by Irish writers. Lastly, it does not deal exclusively with books printed or published in Ireland.

The Author’s aim has been to get together and to print in a convenient form a classified list of novels, tales, &c. (whether by Irish or by foreign writers), bearing on Ireland—that is, depicting some phase of Irish life or some episode of Irish history—and to append to each title a short descriptive note.

Two things here call for some explanation, viz., the list of titles and the descriptive notes.

As to the former, I have, with some trifling exceptions, included everything that I have been able to discover, provided it came within the scope of the work, as indicated above. It has been thought well to do this, because a vast amount of fiction that, from an artistic or from any other point of view, is defective in itself may yet be valuable as a storehouse of suggestion, fact, and fancy for later and better writers. For was it not worthless old tales and scraps of half-mythical history that held the germs of “Hamlet” and “Macbeth,” “King Lear” and “Othello”? There remains, indeed a large class of novels and tales that, so far as one may judge, can serve no useful purpose. It may be thought that with such books the best course to pursue is to allow them to pass into merited oblivion. But it must be remembered that booksellers and publishers will naturally continue to push such books because it is their business to do so, and the public will continue to buy them because it has ordinarily no other means of knowing their contents than the publisher’s announcement, the title, or—the cover. A “Guide” would, therefore, surely shirk an important portion of its task if it excluded worthless books, and thereby failed to put readers on their guard.

Next, as regards the descriptive notes: there are three points which I should wish to make clear—the source of the information contained in these notes; their scope, that is, the nature and extent of the information with which they purpose to furnish the reader; and, thirdly, the tone aimed at throughout the work.

Information about the books has been obtained in various ways. A considerable number have been read by the Author. Indeed, there are few writers of note included in the Guide about whose works he cannot speak from first-hand knowledge. Of the books that remain the great majority have been specially read for this work by friends, and a full account of the same written by them according to a formula drawn up for the purpose. In all cases, except in a very few—and these have been indicated—the wording of the final note is mine. In the few cases referred to, printed reviews or notices of the books have been drawn upon, the source of the note being mentioned in each instance.

A word about the scope of the notes. My chief object in undertaking this work was to help the student of things Irish. This object determined the character of the notes. A few years ago there appeared in France an excellent work, entitled Romans à lire et Romans à proscrire (Cambrai: Masson), by the Abbé Bethléem, which has since passed through many editions. In this work novels are classed au point de vue moral. In the rare cases in which the books included in my list contain matter objectionable from a moral or a religious standpoint, I have not hesitated to remark the fact in the note. This was, however, but a small part of the task. It will be clear likewise, from what has been said that my object is not to attempt literary criticisms of Irish fiction. Such literary appreciations are to be found in other works already published, accounts of several of which will be found in the Appendix. True, a certain amount of criticism is often needed lest the account given of a book should be misleading, but it has been avoided wherever it did not seem to further the main purpose. This purpose, let me repeat, is, above all, to give information to intending readers. I have, therefore, endeavoured, as well as might be, in the small space available, simply to give a clear idea of the contents of the books. In a good many cases I have further attempted an appreciation, or rather a characterization, of the book in question, but this was not always possible nor, indeed, necessary.

Of the tone adopted in these notes little need be said. I did not consider that it would further my purpose to aim at that literary flavour and epigrammatic turn of phrase affected, and with reason, by reviewers in many periodicals. Moreover, to do so would have been inconsistent with brevity. Then, I must disclaim all intention of saying “clever” things at the expense of any book, however low it may deserve to be rated. I have endeavoured to avoid, too, the technicalities of criticism. Lastly, I trust the little work has not been rendered suspect to any class of Irishmen by the undue intrusion of religious or political bias.

Apology might well be made here for the defects of the work. They will, I fear, be but too evident. But it should be borne in mind that, with the exception of Mr. Baker’s works, to which I cannot sufficiently acknowledge my indebtedness, I have had no guide upon the way, since no writer, so far as I am aware, has hitherto dealt in this way with Irish fiction as a whole.

It may be asked, for whom especially this book is meant? In the first place, I hope it may be useful to the general reader who wishes to study Ireland. Next, it may help in the important and not easy task of selection those who have to buy books for any purpose, such as the giving of presents, the conferring of prizes in school or out of it, the stocking of shops and libraries—in other words, booksellers, library committees, heads of schools and colleges, librarians, pastors, and many others. Again, it may be of some service to lecturers and to popular entertainers. I have some hopes, too, that coming writers of Irish fiction, from seeing what has been done and what has not yet been done, may get from it some suggestions for future work. It may even help in a small way towards the realization of a great work not yet attempted, the writing of a history of Anglo-Irish literature.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
(Reader’s Guide, etc.)

My best thanks are due, in the first place, to the authorities of Clongowes Wood College, without whose constant aid and encouragement my task would have been impossible.

Next, I wish to thank those publishers who courteously sent me copies of a number of their books, viz., the Irish publishers, Messrs. Gill; Duffy; Sealy, Bryers and Walker; Maunsel; and Blackie: and the London publishers, Messrs. Macmillan; Nelson; Methuen; Dent; Chatto and Windus; Burns and Oates; Sands; Blackwood; Nutt; Elliot Stock; and Smith, Elder. I should like to give greater prominence to the publications of these firms. The plan of this book prevents me from doing so but I may say that this little work, which will, I hope, help to make known their books, could not have appeared but for their generosity.

To those who, as already mentioned, have aided in the work by reading books, and supplying information about them, my sincerest thanks are hereby tendered. I should be glad, if it were possible, to express here my obligations to each individually, but I must, for obvious reasons, limit myself to this general acknowledgment. There are, however, some whom, on account of special obligations on my part, I shall have the pleasant task of thanking by name. To Mr. E. A. Baker, M.A., D.LITT., Librarian of the Woolwich Public Library, I am indebted both for kind permission to quote from his books and for constant advice and suggestion given with the greatest cordiality. To Dr. Conor Maguire, of Claremorris, I owe most of my notes of books on Irish Folk-lore, and to Mr. Edmund Downey, the well-known author and publisher, notes on Lever’s books, together with many useful suggestions. Mr. Francis J. Bigger, M.R.I.A., of Belfast, the always ready and enthusiastic helper of every Irish enterprise, has aided me with valuable advice and no less valuable encouragement. Mr. J. P. Whelan, Librarian of the Kevin Street Public Library, Dublin, has rendered me every assistance in his power. Dr. J. S. Crone of London, Editor of the Irish Book Lover, has on several occasions kindly opened to me the pages of his periodical. Lastly, I must acknowledge here, with sincere thanks, much help of various kinds given me by many members of my own Order, and notably, Rev. M. Russell, S.J.; Rev. M. Corbett, S.J.; Rev. P. J. Connolly, S.J., and the Rev. J. F. X. O’Brien, S.J.—the last of whom very kindly undertook the tedious labour of revising my proofs.[2]

[Additional (Present Work).]

My obligations to my various kind helpers in the present work are even greater than in the case of the former book, and I am at a loss for an adequate expression of them. My thanks have, of course, been privately conveyed, but there are some collaborators who have had so large a share in the making of this book that I cannot but place on record its indebtedness towards them.

For valuable work in the British Museum Library extending over a considerable length of time I have to thank Mrs. Pearde Beaufort, Miss C. J. Hamilton, and Miss G. B. Ryan. For much tedious labour in the rearrangement of the matter contained in the earlier book, I am indebted to the Misses Chenevix Trench (who also supplied many notes), and to Mrs. O’Neill, of Dundalk. To Dr. Crone, whose readiness to help when any Irish literary enterprise is afoot is inexhaustible, I owe many corrections, suggestions, and additions, and the laborious task of revising my MS. and correcting my proofs. Mr. Edmund Downey, of Waterford, has kindly read part of the proofs. Many books have been read for me and notes supplied by Lady Gilbert; Mrs. Concannon, of Galway; Mrs. L. M. Stacpoole Kenny, of Limerick; Miss J. F. Walsh, of Derry; Miss R. Young, of Galgorm Castle, Co. Antrim; Mrs. Macken, of the National University; Fr. MacDwyer, of Killybegs; and, perhaps most of all, Fr. J. Rabbitte, S.J., of St. Ignatius College, Galway. Mr. D. J. O’Donoghue, Librarian of the National University, has given me many suggestions, as well as some useful notes on fiction in Irish periodicals. Mr. Frank Macdonagh also has been very helpful with notes and corrections. I owe likewise a debt of gratitude to the authorities and the staff of the National Library for their courtesy and helpfulness. Nor must I omit a word of thanks to the publishers (including all the Irish publishers, and Messrs. Flynn, of Boston), who, as on a former occasion, made my task much lighter by supplying me with review copies of their books.

Lastly to all the others, and they are many, who have in various ways given me help my very sincere thanks are hereby tendered.

For the matter contained in my notes on the Authors, I am much indebted to Mr. D. J. O’Donoghue’s Poets of Ireland, and to the pages of the Irish Book Lover.

[2] Through an unfortunate oversight the earlier work contained no mention of much kind help rendered me by several students of St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, notably by Rev. J. Henaghan and Rev. J. Pinkman, at present priests on the mission. I now gratefully acknowledge this help.

SIGNS, ABBREVIATIONS, ETC.

The place of publication has been mentioned in the case of books not published in Dublin or in London. A list of the Irish publishers will be found in [Appendix B].

The price of most new novels on first publication is 6s., not net. When new fiction is issued at a lower price than that this price is usually net. I have not thought it useful to insert the prices of books no longer to be had otherwise than from second-hand booksellers: second-hand prices are constantly varying. The publication Book-Prices Current might be usefully consulted in some reference library. The price I have given is usually the latest price mentioned in the Publishers’ catalogue.

Dates in square brackets, thus [1829], indicate dates of first publication. Besides these I have mentioned the date of the latest edition I am aware of.

The names of an Author placed within square brackets is an indication that the name in question did not appear on the title page of the book to which it is now affixed, the book having been published anonymously, or under a pen-name.

Inverted commas are used thus “M. E. Francis” to indicate a pen-name. The writers’ works are entered under the name most familiar to the public, under Katharine Tynan and Rosa Mulholland rather than under Mrs. Hinkson and Lady Gilbert. However, in the case of old books I have not thought it useful to place the book under the literary disguise. I have entered them under the real name, with a cross-reference. I fear that perfect uniformity and consistency has not been secured, but hope that the book’s usefulness—utility, and not scientific precision, has been the aim—is not thus impaired.

The publishers mentioned are, so far as I have succeeded in discovering them, the publishers not of the first, but of the latest edition.

Books published under a pseudonym which obviously could not be a real name, I have entered as anonymous, except where I have come to know the real name, in which case it will be found under the real name, with a cross reference from the pseudonym.

When the note depends mainly or exclusively on a single already published authority or source, this authority or source is indicated at the end of the note.

IRISH FICTION UNDER NAMES OF AUTHORS, ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY.

ANONYMOUS.

⸺ ADVENTURER, THE.

In Mitchel’s Life of Hugh O’Neill there is a note in reference to his wooing of Sir Henry Bagenal’s sister, stating that a novel was published founded on this story, and entitled The Adventurer. (Query in I.B.L., vol. iv., p. 161.) This book does not seem to be in the British Museum Library, but I have found in an old catalogue a book with the title “The Adventurers; or, Scenes in Ireland in the Reign of Elizabeth, 1825.” This is probably the book referred to by Mitchel.

⸺ ADVENTURES OF FELIX AND ROSARITO, THE; or, The Triumph of Love and Friendship. Pp. 58. (Title-p. missing). 1802.

The hero is one Felix Dillon. Though the story begins and ends in Dublin, its scene is chiefly France, and afterwards Spain.

⸺ ADVENTURES OF MR. MOSES FINEGAN, AN IRISH PERVERT. (N.Y.: Benziger). $0.30.

⸺ ALBION AND IERNE: A Political Romance; by “An Officer.” Pp. 192. (Marcus Ward). 1886.

An allegory in which the personages stand for countries and institutions. Ierne is of course Ireland, Albion is England. Then there are minor characters, such as Dash, Dupe, Plan, Sacrifice. Under this form the relations between the two countries and the possible results of separation are exhibited. Ends with the happy marriage of Albion with Kathleen, Ierne’s sister, and the burial of the hereditary feud.

⸺ ANNA REILLY, THE IRISH GIRL. (N.Y.: Pratt). $1.50.

⸺ BALLYBLUNDER: an Irish story. Pp. 291. (London: Parker). 1860.

Scene: the N.E. coast of Ireland, with its rugged rocks and lofty cliffs. The plot concerns the kindly family of “Ballyblunder,” on whose estate sheep are constantly being killed. A priest instigates to the crime, and encourages the perpetrators. Mr. Kindly’s son goes out to track the sheep-killers; a friend of his is murdered, and Brady, the murderer, falls off a cliff and is killed. The Kindlys eventually sell the estate. Some social scenes are interspersed. Written in a spirit of religious intolerance.

⸺ BALLYRONAN.

“A wonderfully interesting story, written in an easy, rattling style, with cleverly conceived plot, abundant humour, and no lack of incident. There is an unmistakably Irish atmosphere about it, and it bespeaks an intimate personal knowledge of the people, not only in regard to their speech, but also as to many of their characteristic ways and customs.”—(Press Notices).

⸺ BLACK MONDAY INSURRECTION. Pp. 135-328.

Bound up with “The Puritan,” q.v. The story opens at Bandon with the rescue of two of the principal characters who had been kidnapped by Rapparees. Then follows the taking of Bandon by McCarthy More. The battles of the Boyne and Aughrim, the sieges of Athlone and Limerick are also dealt with, the two latter being described in detail. Standpoint: Williamite. The Irish are “barbarians,” “brave and savage bacchanalians;” the Rapparees are “infernal banditti,” &c., but on the whole the tone is not violent. Through it all runs an interesting and curious story of the private fortunes of several persons. See The Last of the O’Mahonys.

⸺ BOB NORBERRY; or, Sketches from the Note Book of an Irish Reporter; ed. by “Captain Prout.” Pp. 360. Eighteen good illustr. by Henry MacManus, A.R.H.A., and others. Dedicated to C. Bianconi. (Duffy). 1844.

The Author (Pref.) tells us that he has written the book to vindicate the character of his countrymen, and to show Irish affairs to Englishmen in their true light. Accordingly we have, not so much a novel, as a series of crowded canvases depicting nearly every phase of life in Ireland from a period before the Union to the date of this book. It begins with the marriage of the hero’s grandparents in Dublin at the end of the 18th century (1780). We have a glimpse of penal laws at work and of agrarian disturbances, but the Author is especially at pains all through the book to set forth how the law works in Ireland. There are swindling attorneys, bribed and perjured jurors, packed benches, partisan judges, endless proceedings in Chancery, and so on. Young Bob is sent first to a private school, then to Stonyhurst (an account is given of the Jesuits). He is first intended for the priesthood and goes to Louvain, but finally becomes a reporter on a Dublin paper. Here we have a picture of low journalism. Bob shows up several frauds of self-styled philanthropists, describes trial at Assizes of Lord Strangeways’ evicted tenants. This brings in much about the agrarian question. The book ends with his elopement to the Continent and marriage with Lady Mary Belmullet. There are innumerable minor episodes and pictures. There is no literary refinement in the style, and the colours of the picture are laid on thickly.

⸺ BRIDGET SULLIVAN; or, The Cup without a Handle. A Tale. 1854.

⸺ BY THE BROWN BOG; by “Owen Roe and Honor Urse.” Pp. 296. (Longmans). Illustr. by silhouettes. 1913.

An imitation of the Somerville and Ross stories, but with their leading features exaggerated. For Flurry we have Fossy, for Slipper Tinsy Conroy. Instead of by an R.M. the stories are told by a young D.I. There is the same background of comic and filthy peasants, the same general Irish slovenliness and happy-go-luckiness, and universal drunkenness. The brogue is made the most of. Moonlighters of a very sinister kind appear once or twice. The incidents are such as hunting, racing, the local horseshow, country petty sessions, &c. They are very well told, with a jaunty style, and in a vein of broad comedy. There is a chapter purporting to relate experiences in “The Black North,” but for the most part the scene is West Cork. Some of these sketches appeared in the Badminton Magazine.

⸺ BYRNES OF GLENGOULAH, THE. Pp. 362. (U.S.A.)

“The incidents related in this tale really and truly occurred, though not in the consecutive order in which they are placed” ... viz., “the trial and execution, in February, 1846, at the town of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, of Bryan Seery for the murder of Sir Francis Hopkins, Bart.” “The characters introduced are all real.” (Pref.) A sad and touching story of the heartless treatment of the Irish peasantry by certain of the landlords, picturing the deep religious faith of the former, and their patient resignation in their sufferings. The plot, which is vigorously worked out, centres in the execution of Bryan Seery for the attempted murder of Sir Francis Hopkins, a crime of which he was innocent.

⸺ CAVERN IN THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS, THE; or, Fate of the O’Brien Family. Two Vols. 12mo. (Dublin, printed for the Author). 1821.

Told in letters between “Augustus Tranton” and “Sir Edward Elbe.” Said on title-p. to be “a tale founded on facts.” Seems to be a re-issue in a slightly altered form of The United Irishman, q.v. The story is related to “Aug. Tranton” by a gentleman (O’Brien) who had been a U.I., and as a result had lost all, and was then in hiding in a cave near the Dargle river.

⸺ CHARACTERISTIC SKETCHES OF IRELAND AND THE IRISH. 16mo. Pp. 288. (Halifax). 1849.

A reprint of an earlier publication by Philip Dixon Hardy, the fourth edition of which appeared in 1842. Contents: I. By Carleton:—“The Horse Stealers,” “Owen McCarthy,” “Squire Warnock,” “The Abduction,” “Sir Turlough.” II. By Lover:—“A Legend of Clanmacnoise” (sic), “Ballads and Ballad Singers,” “Paddy Mullowney’s Travels in France.” III. By Mrs. Hall:—“The Irish Agent,” “Philip Garraty.”

⸺ CHARLES MOWBRAY; or, Duelling, a tale founded on fact. Pp. 82. (Cork). 1847.

By the author of “The Widow O’Leary.” Dr. B., whose parents live at Y. (probably Youghal), has a practice in England. He is challenged to fight a duel by Sir J. C. He is killed, and his parents both die from the shock. A dull little book, with much moralising.

⸺ COLONEL ORMSBY; or, the genuine history of an Irish nobleman in the French service. Two Vols. (Dublin). 1781.

In form of letters between the Colonel and Lady Beaumont, couched in the most amatory terms. There is no reference to Ireland and little to the history of the gallant Colonel: the correspondence is all about the private love affairs of the writers.

⸺ DUNSANY: an Irish Story. Two Vols. 12mo. Pp. 278 + 308. (London.) 1818.

The principal character and a few of the others, e.g., Mrs. Shady O’Blarney (!), happen to be born in Ireland, and there is talk of the usual tumbled-down castle somewhere in Ireland, but at this the Irishism of the story stops. The scene is England, the persons wholly English in sympathy and education. A sentimental and insipid story dealing chiefly with the marrying off of impecunious sons and daughters. Interesting as giving a picture, seen from an English standpoint, of the Irish society of the day. No politics.

⸺ EARLY GAELIC ERIN; or, Old Gaelic Stories of People and Places. (Dublin). 1901.

⸺ EDMOND OF LATERAGH: a novel founded on facts. Two vols. (Dublin). 1806.

Two lovers kept apart by cruel circumstances and villainous plots meet at last and are happy. This thread serves to connect many minor plots, which bring us from Ireland (near Killarney) to England and then the continent and back again, and introduce a great variety of personages. These latter are nearly all of the Anglo-Irish Protestant gentry—Wharton, Wandesford, Peyton, Ulverton, Blackwood, Elton—no Irish name is mentioned. Great profusion of incident, but not very interestingly told. No historical or social background. Relates rather a large number of instances of misconduct. Speaks of “paraphernalia of Popish doctrine,” yet one of the best characters is Father Issidore (sic).

⸺ EDMUND O’HARA: an Irish Tale. Pp. 358. (Dublin: Curry). 1828.

By the author of “Ellmer Castle.” A controversial story of an anti-Catholic kind. The hero goes to Spain to be educated for the priesthood. He meets Hamilton, who indoctrinates him with Protestantism. They are wrecked off the Irish coast. A priest refuses them the money to take them home to the North of Ireland, while the Protestants generously give it. He falls in love with Miss Williams, who insists on a year’s probation so that he may be sufficiently “adorned with Christian graces.” But he dies, and she marries Hamilton.

⸺ ELLMER CASTLE. Pp. 320. (Dublin: Curry). 1827.

By the author of “Edmund O’Hara,” q.v. Henry Ellmer travels, and comes back converted to convert his family. He causes only anger and disturbance. They turn him out, and he departs with a blessing. But after some adventures returns to his father’s deathbed. Contains much controversial matter.

⸺ EMERALD GEMS. (Boston). 1879.

“A Chaplet of Irish Fireside Tales, Historic, Domestic, and Legendary. Compiled from approved sources.”

⸺ FATHER BUTLER; or, Sketches of Irish Manners. 16mo. (Philadelphia). 1834.

I am not sure whether this is the American edition of a little Souper tract by Carleton (q.v.) published by Curry in 1829, in which Father Butler finally is convinced of the falsity of his religion and becomes a Protestant.

⸺ FATHER JOHN; or, Cromwell in Ireland (1649); by “S. E. A.” Pp. 477. (Whittaker, later Gill). Still reprinted. [1842].

A well told story, with a love interest and a mystery admirably sustained to the end. The plot largely turns on the misfortunes and sufferings brought about by Father John’s fidelity to the secrecy of the confessional, a fidelity which the author strongly condemns. The hero is a young Irish Protestant, who before the close of the story has converted to his faith such of the Catholic personages of the tale as do not rank as villains. The moral of the story is the iniquity and falseness of the Catholic religion, for which the author throughout displays a very genuine horror. The author’s political sympathies are Ormondist, but Owen Roe O’Neill is favourably described. The massacres of Drogheda and Wexford are described. It is “by the Author of ‘The Luddite’s Sister,’ ‘Richard of York,’” &c.

⸺ FAVOURITE CHILD, THE; or, Mary Ann O’Halloran, an Irish tale: by a retired priest. (Dublin). 1851.

⸺ FOLK-LORE AND LEGENDS (Ireland); edited by “C. J. T.” 16mo. Pp. 192. (Gibbings). 1889.

A volume of a good popular series which includes vols. on Oriental, English, German, American, and other folk-lores. Thirty-three tales chosen from published collections, chiefly Croker’s. A good selection. Humorous and extravagant element not too prominent. Some in dialect. Some titles:—“Fuin” (sic), “MacCumhal and the Salmon of Knowledge,” “Flory Cantillon’s Funeral,” “Saint Brandon” (sic), and “Donagha,” “Larry Hayes,” and “The Enchanted Man,” “The Brewery of Egg-shells,” “The Field of Boliauns,” &c.

⸺ FORD FAMILY IN IRELAND, THE. Three Vols. (London: Newby). 1845.

Ford, an English merchant comes to the west coast of Ireland to pursue a business speculation in grain, and brings his family. He is imprisoned owing to a misunderstanding, and his daughter marries an officer, Macalbert, who becomes chief of the pikemen, and eventually dies on the scaffold. Period: ’98, soon after the landing of French at Killala. Point of view: very sympathetic towards Ireland and anti-Orange. No religious bias. A pathetic and a dramatic story.

⸺ FRANK O’MEARA; or, The Artist of Collingwood; by “T. M.” Pp. 320. (Dublin: McGlashan & Gill). 1876.

Frank, of the tenant class, falls in love with the landlord’s daughter, Fanny. Their love is discovered, and Frank finds it best to emigrate to Australia. Here he has various adventures—bush-rangers, gold-diggings, and so on. A comic element is afforded by the sayings and doings of his man, Jerry Doolin. Meanwhile F’s father and his friend, another widower, contend for the favours of the widow Daly—rather broad comedy—while Fanny, without losing her place in society, is running a bookshop while waiting for Frank. All is well in the end. A very pleasant story in every respect. “Collingwood” is a village near Melbourne. Part of the story takes place at Bray.

⸺ GERALD AND AUGUSTA; or, The Irish Aristocracy. Pp. 320. (Cameron & Ferguson). 6d. paper.

How Gerald, orphan son of Lord Clangore, is brought up in London to be anti-Irish, while his sister is brought up by a Mr. Knightly (a stay-at-home Irish squire absorbed in Ireland) to love Ireland. How chance brings Gerald to Ireland where he is quite won over to her cause. This chance is a wreck off the W. coast of Ireland resulting in Gerald’s falling temporarily into the hands of “Captain Rock.” Many amusing adventures and situations follow. The author’s sympathies are all for Ireland, but they are not blind or unreasoned sympathies. Very ably written both in style and construction.

⸺ HAMPER OF HUMOUR, A; by Liam. Pp. 176. (Gill). 2s. 1913.

A series of character and genre studies—the shy man, the drunken driver who wakes to find himself in a hearse and thinks it is his own funeral, the returned American, the magistrates who do a good turn for their friends. In this last and in several other sketches (notably in the two concerned with Cork railways) there is a note of satire. There is plenty of genuine humour to justify the title. The Cork accent is cleverly hit off; practically all the sketches are more or less Corkonian.

⸺ HARRY O’BRIEN: a Tale for Boys. (N.Y.: Benziger. 0.25 net. Burns and Lambert). 1859.

By the author of “Thomas Martin.” A little pious and moral Catholic story. The scene is laid in London.

⸺ HERMITE EN IRLANDE, L’. Two Vols. 12mo. (Paris: Pillet Ainé). 1826.

“Ou observations sur les mœurs et usages des irlandais au commencement du xix siècle.” Interspersed with stories, occupying a large part of the book. Titles:—“Le Cunnemara,” “Le naufrage,” “Mogue le Boiteux,” “Le rebelle,” “La sorcière de Scollough’s Gap,” “Les bonnes gens,” “Les cluricaunes,” “Bill le Protestant,” “Turncoat Watt ou l’apostat,” “Le double vengeance,” “Le retour de l’absent,” etc. These are obviously taken for the most part from Whitty’s book, q.v.

⸺ HONOR O’MORE’S THREE HOMES. (N.Y.: Benziger). 0.25 net.

⸺ HUGH BRYAN: The Autobiography of an Irish Rebel. (Belfast). Pp. 478. 1866.

Scene: Valley of Blackwater, Lismore. Time: end of eighteenth century (1798) and beginning of nineteenth century. May be described as a Souper story. Purports to be a moving picture of the last struggle of the Gael against the English Planter, ending in failure, and resulting, in the hero’s case, in conversion to Protestantism. He finally marries an escaped nun whom he meets in an English town while engaged in slum-work.

⸺ IRISH BUBBLE AND SQUEAK, THE. Pp. 160. (London: Clarke & Beeton). 1854.

“A selection [thirty-five in all] of the most popular Irish tales, anecdotes, wit, and humour, illustrative of the manners and customs of the Irish peasantry.” There is many a hearty laugh in these stories, especially for ourselves, for in them the Irishman always comes out on top. Some of the titles are:—“Serving a writ in Ireland,” “Anecdotes of Curran,” “Irish Bulls,” “Paddy Doyle’s Trip to Cork,” “Lending a Congregation,” &c. &c.

⸺ IRISH COQUETTE, THE: a novel. Vol. I. 1844.

No more published. Scene: an old Castle in the South of Ireland.

⸺ IRISH EXCURSION, THE; or, I Fear to Tell You. Four Vols. Pp. 1205. (Dublin: Lane). 1801.

How Mrs. M’Gralahan and family came to London and what they heard and saw and did there. The Irish are represented as dishonest, extravagant, and many other things, but all this and more is to be remedied by the great panacea—the Union—and the last of the four volumes closes with, “Bless the Beloved Monarch of the Union.” Full of political discussions and of lectures delivered to Ireland. What the Author “fears to tell” us is not clear.

⸺ IRISH FAIRY TALES. Illustrated by Geoffry Strahan. (Gibbings). 2s. 6d.

A neat little volume, prettily illustrated, suitable as a present for children.

⸺ IRISH FIRESIDE STORIES, TALES AND LEGENDS. Pp. 400. (N. Y.: Kenedy). 63 cents. net. Illustr. 1910.

“It brings out very well the true Irish wit, for which that race is famous.”—(Publ.).

⸺ IRISH GIRL, THE: a Religious Tale. Pp. 102. (London: Walker). One engraving by Parris. 1814. Second ed. same year.

By the Author of “Coelebs Married.” The girl begins life in a mud hut in the filthiest and most disgusting conditions. She is found in a barn and taken in by kindly English people, and after a little management becomes a Protestant at the age of fourteen, and indeed quite a theologian in her way. A visit to a church in Cork and to Ardman, near Youghal, where the dust of St. Dillon is sold by the bushel for miracle purposes, completes her conversion. The book is full of the vilest slanders against the Catholic Church. The Irish are represented as murderers and savages driven on by their priests.

⸺ IRISH GUARDIAN, THE: a Pathetic Story; by “A Lady.” Two Vols. (Dublin). 1776.

Told in a series of letters to Miss Julia Nesbitt, Dublin, from Sophia Nesbitt, of “Brandon Castle,” in Co. Antrim, and from Sabina Bruce, of “Edenvale,” Co. Antrim. The two Miss Nesbitts fall in love, and the course of their love affairs forms the chief subject of the letters. These are dated 1771. There is some vague description of Irish places, but feminine matters, chiefly, absorb the writers. To be found in Marsh’s Library, Dublin.

⸺ IRISH LOVE TALES. (N. Y.: Pratt). $1.50.

⸺ IRISHMAN AT HOME, THE. Pp. 302. (McGlashan & Orr). Five Woodcuts by Geo. Measom. 1849.

“Characteristic Sketches of the Irish Peasantry.” In part reprinted from the Dublin Penny Journal. “The Whiteboy” (1828) Cahill, a scullogue, hanged an innocent man, for which the Whiteboys cut out his tongue. “The Rockite” is a man who took the oath of the secret society when drunk and had to go through with the business. “The Wrestler,” description of the Bog of Allen and of a wake. “The False Step,” a pathetic story of an Irish girl’s ruin, her broken heart, and her mother’s death. “The Fatal Meeting” (1397). How a Palmer meets Raymond de Perrilleaux at St. Patrick’s Purgatory in Lough Derg, and what came of the meeting. They nearly all depict wild times. There is no religious bias, an absence of humour, and much description of scenery.

⸺ IRISHMAN, THE; or, The Favourite of Fortune. Two Vols. (London). 1772.

⸺ IRISHMEN, THE: a Military-Political Novel; by “A Native Officer.” Two Vols. 12mo. (London: Newman). 1810.

Title-page:—“Wherein the idiom of each character is carefully preserved and the utmost precaution constantly taken to render the ebullitionary phrases peculiar to the sons of Erin inoffensive as well as entertaining.” Told in letters between Major O’Grady and Major-General O’Lara, Miss Harriet O’Grady, and Lady Arabella Fitzosborne. The letters are full of italics and of the trifling gossip of fashionable or domestic life. The personages all live in England. Letters from Patrick O’Rourke to Taddy McLenna—heavy humour. Seem to contain no politics save a passing reference to the war then (1808) in progress.

⸺ IRISH PEARL, THE: a Tale of the Time of Queen Anne. Pp. 98. (Dublin: Oldham). 1850.

Reprinted from the Christian Ladies’ Magazine for 1847 and published for charitable purposes. A religious tale of a strongly Evangelical and anti-Roman character, in which Father Eustace, the hermit of Gougane Barra, relates to Lady Glengeary his own conversion to Protestantism and that of her mother. Lady G., in her turn, relates her conversion to Lady Ormond, who tells the story to Queen Anne.

⸺ IRISH PLEASANTRY AND FUN. Pp. 380. 9¼ + 7 in. (Gill). 3s. 6d. 16 illustr. by J. F. O’Hea. [1892] 1910.

Still reprinted without change, and is as popular as ever. Seventy-two stories, fourteen anonymous, the bulk of the remainder by Carleton, Lover, and Lever. Maginn, Maxwell, and M. J. Barry are represented by two each; Irwin, Lefanu, Lynam, Coyne, Sullivan by one each. Practically all the tales are of the Lover (Handy Andy, q.v.) type, genuinely funny in their way, but broadly comic, farcical, and full of brogue. The illustrations are some of them clever, but inartistic and of the most pronouncedly Stage-Irish kind.

⸺ IRISH PRIEST, THE; or, What for Ireland? Pp. 171. 16mo. (Longman, Brown, Green, &c.). 1847.

“This sees the light with the earnest hope that it may conciliate prejudice, disarm opposition....” The Author speaks of his “intensest sympathy for a despoiled, neglected, ill-used people.” Supposed to be a MS. given to a doctor in the W. of Ireland by a doctor on his deathbed. Sentimental and emotional in style. A rambling series of incidents in priest’s life, with much moralising of a non-Catholic tone. Incidents of land agitation given, without explanation of their causes. Suggestions to make Ireland an ideal place, &c.

⸺ IRISH WIDOW, THE; or, A Picture from life of Erin and her Children; by author of “Poor Paddy’s Cabin.” Pp. 205. 12mo. (London: Wertheim and Macintosh). 1855.

Like the Author’s former work, this deals with the religious question in Ireland from a Protestant (Evangelical) standpoint. But in this case the personages are drawn from the middle classes, the causes of their enslavement to Rome being set forth. It is full of religious controversy. See ch. xvi. “The Fruits of an Irish Church Missions sermon,” and ch. xviii., “Priest and Landlords.”

⸺ JIM EAGAN. (N.Y.: Pratt). $1.00.

⸺ KATE KAVANAGH. (N.Y.: Benziger). 0.45 net.

⸺ LAST DROP OF ’68, THE: a Picture of Real Life with Imaginary Characters; by “An Irish Bramwellian.” Pp. 127. (Hodges Figgis). 1s. 1885.

Begins in Dublin, the teller being a Dublin lawyer, but nearly all the incidents take place out of Ireland. All the personages are more or less disreputable, including the teller, but especially the hero, Helgate, who is a thorough blackguard. The story consists chiefly in the doings of this latter, a drunken, swindling wretch, who deceives foolish people and lives on them. The writer does not seem to adopt any definite moral attitude. ’68 refers to the vintage of that year.

⸺ LAST OF THE O’MAHONYS, THE; and other historical tales of the English settlers in Munster. Three Vols. (Bentley). 1843.

Contents:—1. “The Title-story.” 2. “The Physician’s Daughter.” 3. “The Apprentice.” 4. “Emma Cavendish.” 5. “The Puritan.” 6. “Black Monday.” Scene: Co. Cork and chiefly around Bandon. All deal with troublous times of 17th century as seen from the settlers’ point of view, with which the Author is in sympathy. The Irish are painted in no flattering colours. Useful historical notes are appended. Longer notices of Nos. 5 and 6 are given as specimens of the whole.

⸺ LEGENDS AND FAIRY TALES OF IRELAND. With 50 wood engravings. Large 12mo. (N.Y.: Kenedy). 63 cents net.

Being a complete collection of all the Fairy Tales published by Crofton Croker and embodying the entire volumes of Kenedy’s Fictions of the Irish Celts.

⸺ LIFE IN THE IRISH MILITIA; or, Tales of the Barrack Room. Pp. 255. (London: Ridgway). 1847.

The dedication (to O’Connell) is dated 1834, and the first words of the book are “In the summer of 1833....” A very eccentric book, intended by the Author (a lady) as a satire on the “fashionable depravities of the times,” with intent to “exhibit folly and vice to public scorn and reproach.” (Pref.). She is out against proselytism, bigotry, hypocrisy, aristocracy, race-hatred between Ireland and England, and all abuses that bear heavily on the people. This book consists of various parts:—I. “The Sojourner in Dublin”—a young Englishman who lives in lodgings and tells what he sees and hears. II. “The Modern Pharisees of the city of Shim-Sham in Ireland,” in the form of a story. III. “Life in the Irish Militia”—a fierce attack on the militia, especially a Northern and a Kerry regiment. IV. “A Visit to Killarney.” V. An Allegorical Tale.

⸺ MAD MINSTREL, THE; or, The Irish Exile. (Murray). 1812.

⸺ MICK TRACY, THE IRISH SCRIPTURE READER; or, The Martyred Convert and the Priest; by “W. A. C.” (Partridge). 3s. 6d. Illustr., but without reference to the story. n.d.

The hero is “a day labourer reared in the R.C. communion but through mercy enabled to see its delusions and to escape from them.” He is denounced by the priest and assaulted by the parishioners. These are prosecuted, but the only result is moonlighting, murder, and the kidnapping of converts. Yet the converts multiply. The reproduction of the brogue is ludicrous. See Tim Doolin.

⸺ MISTLETOE AND THE SHAMROCK, THE; or, The Chief of the North. (Glasgow: Cameron & Ferguson). 6d.

In C. & F.’s “Sensation Series of Sixpenny Novels.”

⸺ MY OWN STORY: a Tale of Old Times. Pp. 168. (Curry). One illustr. by Geo. Petrie, engraved by Kirkwood. 1829.

James O’Donnell is sworn in by a priest and joins the rebels, but later he is made a “Bible Christian,” turns traitor, and is eventually hanged. Period: some time in reign of George III. The country about Fort nan Gall and the woods of Coolmore are described.

⸺ NATIONAL FEELING; or, The History of Fitzsimon: a Novel, with Historical and Political Remarks; by “An Irishman.” Two Vols. (Dublin). 1821.

A straggling story of the adventures in Ireland (Co. Mayo and Dublin) and abroad of Edward F. Tells of the progress of his wooing of Matilda, which is much interfered with by the machinations of a wicked lord. There are also some minor love affairs. Pp. 103 sqq. of Vol. I. contain some pictures of Dublin life at the time, introducing public personages such as the Duke of Leinster, Lady Rossmore, Mr. Justice Fletcher, Alderman M’Kenny, &c. The hero goes to the U.S. and then to S. America. The title of the tale seems to be due to his meeting various peoples—Greeks, Argentiners, Chilians, &c.—fighting for their national independence. See pp. 206, 217, 222. I failed to come across Vol. II. Preface shows Author to be Nationalist in his Irish views.

⸺ NICE DISTINCTIONS: a Tale. Pp. 330. (Hibernia Press Offices). 1820.

Scene: Co. Wicklow. The Courtneys of Glendalough Abbey have a tutor named Charles Delacour, who makes friends with the clergyman’s family—Mr. Vernon and his wife, son, and daughters. Presented ultimately with a living, he marries Maria Vernon. Many subordinate characters of no importance are introduced into this invertebrate tale, the style of which is stilted and unnatural.

⸺ OLD COUNTRY, THE: a Christmas Annual. Pp. 200. Demy 8vo. (Sealy, Bryers). 1s. 1893.

Irish Stories (and Poems) by Katherine Tynan, F. Langbridge, Dick Donovan, Edwin Hamilton, W. B. Yeats, Edmund Downey, Nora Wynne, &c., &c.

⸺ OUTCAST, THE: a Story of the Modern Reformation. Pp. 172. (Curry). 1831.

The “Outcast” was educated for the priesthood, read Voltaire and Rousseau, but did not finally awake to the error of the Roman “system” until he had read Italy, by Lady Morgan. He ceases to believe in Catholicism; is turned out by his father, while his mother dies of a broken heart. There is a description of the Slaney. Contains much that would be extremely offensive to Catholics and some remarks about Confession and Mass that would appear to them blasphemous.

⸺ PASSION AND PEDANTRY: a Novel illustrative of Dublin Life. Three Vols. (London: Newby). 1853.

A somewhat ordinary tale of the fortunes of young Charles Desmond, an army officer, is made the vehicle for a careful and detailed picture of manners and customs at the period, and for a presentation of the Author’s views on things Irish, though with little reference to politics or to religion. The plot, such as it is, turns chiefly on the question whether Charles will come in for his old uncle’s money and will, in spite of whispering tongues, marry the lady—both of which he does. The conversation of some of the personages is full of pedantry and of quotations in various languages. Dublin life well portrayed by a keen observer.

⸺ PEAS-BLOSSOM; by the Author of “Honour Bright.” (Wells, Gardner). 3s. 6d. 30 illustr. by Helen Miles. C. 1911.

“‘Peas-blossom’ may be described as a rollicking, respectable Irish story, the names of the juvenile pair of heroes being Pat and Paddy.... An exceptionally readable volume.”—(Times).

⸺ PHILIP O’HARA’S ADVENTURES [and other tales]. Pp. 144. (Chambers). 1885.

A young man’s adventures in the American Civil War. Only the first story has the slightest connection with Ireland.

⸺ POOR PADDY’S CABIN; or, Slavery in Ireland. By “An Irishman.” Pp. xii. + 242. 12mo. (London: Wertheimer & Macintosh). 2s. 6d. Second edition. 1854.

“A true representation of facts and characters,” names of persons and places being disguised. “His [the Author’s] aim has been, along with a matter-of-fact representation of the real state of things in Ireland, to exhibit in a parable ... a just and true view of what the gracious dealings of the Almighty always are.” (Pref.). A pamphlet in story form written against the Catholic Church in Ireland and in support of the “Irish Reformation Movement.” Appendix, giving with entire approval a bitterly anti-Catholic article from the Times of November 29th, 1853 (?), and others of like nature from the Morning Advertiser (Oct. 22nd, 1853). The characters are drawn from the peasant class.

⸺ POPULAR TALES AND LEGENDS OF THE IRISH PEASANTRY. Pp. 404. (Dublin: W. F. Wakeman). Illustr. by Samuel Lover. 1834.

Fifteen stories, including two by Carleton and one by Mrs. S. C. Hall. Five are by Denis O’Donoho, three by J. L. L., and one each by J. M. L. and B. A. P. Titles:—“Charley Fraser,” “The Whiteboy’s revenge,” “Laying a ghost,” “The wife of two husbands,” “Mick Delany,” “The lost one,” “The dance,” “The Fetch,” “The 3 devils,” “The Rebel Chief, 1799,” &c., &c.

⸺ PRIESTS AND PEOPLE: a No-rent Romance; by the Author of “Lotus,” etc. Three Vols. (London: Eden, Remington). 1891.

“Lotus” is by I. M. O. A book inspired by the bitterest dislike and contempt for Ireland. The views expressed by the young English soldier (p. 101) seem throughout to be those of the author. The interest turns almost entirely on the relations between landlord, tenant, and League, and no effort is spared to represent the two latter in the most odious light. It is the work of a practised writer, and the descriptions are distinctly good and the story well told. The brogue is painfully travestied. The author is ignorant of Catholic matters.

⸺ PROTESTANT RECTOR, THE. Pp. 216. (Nesbit). 1830.

At the hospitable Protestant rectory even the priest is received. This priest “performed several masses on Sundays”: he is frequently drunk. He goes to Rome and, at the “fearful sight” of the Pope treated as God, he recoils in disgust, and is converted. On his return he is again welcomed at the Rectory, where he converts many and dies a holy death.

⸺ PURITAN, THE. Pp. 134.

The interest of this story turns chiefly on the religious differences of the times. The author is for “the calm and rational service of the Church of England” as against the new fanaticism of the Parliamentarians. The characters, such as those of Obadiah Thoroughgood and Lovegrace, are well-drawn. There is but little local colour and no description of scenery. The scene is laid at Bandon, Co. Cork. Bound up in one vol. with “Black Monday Insurrection,” q.v., being Vol. III. of The Last of The O’Mahonys.

⸺ RIDGEWAY; by “Scian Dubh.” Pp. xx. + 262 (close print). (Buffalo: McCarroll). 1868.

“An historical romance of the Fenian invasion of Canada,” June, 1866. Introd. (pp. xx. close print) gives a view of Irish history and politics from a bitterly anti-English point of view. England has been “a traitor, a perjurer, a robber, and an assassin throughout the whole of her infamous career.” Append. gives in 5 pp. an “Authentic Report” of the invasion of Canada, Fenianism is fully discussed, especially in ch. vi. Career of Gen. O’Neill, ch. vii. A love story of an ordinary kind is used as a medium for politics and historical narrative.

⸺ ROBBER CHIEFTAIN, THE. Pp. 342. Post 8vo. (Duffy). 2s. [1863]. Still in Print.

Scene chiefly Dublin Castle. Cromwellian cruelties under Ludlow depicted, and early years of Restoration. The Robber Chieftain is Redmond O’Hanlon, the Rapparee. The Ven. Oliver Plunket is also one of the characters. Some incidents suggest Catholic standpoint, but in places the book reads like a non-Catholic (though not anti-Catholic) tract. The hero and heroine are Protestant. Full of sensational incidents, duels, waylayings by robber bands, law court scenes, tavern brawls. Also many repulsive scenes of drunkenness among the native Irish, and of murder, wild vengeance, and villainy of all kinds. Hardly suitable for young people.

⸺ ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST, THE. Pp. 298. (Curry). One illustr. by Kirkwood. 1827.

A Catholic boy, Doyle, risks his life and saves a Protestant boy from drowning. The boy’s father out of gratitude offers to send Doyle to T.C.D., guaranteeing that “he will not have to make even a temporary renunciation of his religion.” But the priest refuses, and soon Doyle becomes a Protestant.

⸺ SAINT PATRICK: a National Tale of the Fifth Century; by “An Antiquary.” Three Vols. (Edin.: Constable). 1819.

A romance of love and vengeance and druidical mysteries into which St. Patrick enters as one of the dramatis personæ. There are plenty of exciting incidents, some fine scenes, and a very good picture of druidism in the fifth century. Very well written but for the unfortunate introduction of modern Irish brogue and Scotch dialect. The religious point of view is Church of Ireland, and there is an effort to represent the Christianity of those days as essentially different from the Catholicism of these. Scene: chiefly Tara, Dunluce, the Giant’s Causeway, the Bann.

⸺ SEPARATIST, THE; by “A New Writer.” Pp. 323. (Pitman). 6s. 1902.

The love story of Stella Mertoun, who is a Royalist, and Philip Venn, who is on the Parliamentary side in the Civil War. Only a small portion of the action takes place in Ireland. The author’s sympathies are with the Puritans, but the bias is not pronounced.

⸺ SIEGE OF MAYNOOTH, THE; or, Romance in Ireland. Two Vols. (Chelsea: Ridgeway). 1832.

A very long novel with a rather confused plot, but containing good scenes. Purports to be a MS. given to her descendant by the old Countess of Desmond, who has fallen on evil days, and relating stirring incidents of the Desmond wars and of the rebellion of Silken Thomas, including the attack on Desmond castle by the Butlers, the defeat and capture of Lord Grey in Glendalough, the escape of Lord Thomas Fitzgerald from the Black Castle of Wicklow, and the siege and betrayal of the Castle of Maynooth. Written on the whole from the Irish point of view.

⸺ SIR ROGER DELANEY OF MEATH; by “Hal.” Pp. 228. (Simpkin, Marshall). 6s. 1908.

The Sir Roger of the story (he is “10th baron Navan”) is an elderly married man, blustering, cursing, lying, cheating, but described in such a way that one does not see whether the author means him for a hero or not. He falls in love with Lady Kitty, who is in love with somebody else. Sir Roger tries to get the latter into disreputable situations. They fight a duel, and the curtain falls on Sir Roger mortally wounded. The book is quite devoid of seriousness.

⸺ SMITH OF THE SHAMROCK GUARDS; by “An Officer.” (Stanley Paul).

⸺ STORIES OF IRISH LIFE, PAST AND PRESENT; by “Slieve Foy.” Pp. 160. (Lynwood), 1s. 1912.

Ten stories, amusing and pathetic, some of which have appeared in the Weekly Freeman and the Irish Emerald.

⸺ STORY OF NELLY DILLON, THE; by the author of “Myself and my Relatives.” Two Vols. (London: Newby). 1866.

Nelly Dillon, daughter of a Tipperary farmer, is abducted in suspicious circumstances by a former lover, who is a Ribbonman and illicit distiller. She is disowned by her parents but befriended and sheltered by Bet Fagan, a fine character. The latter prevails upon the abductor, when under sentence of death, to clear Nelly Dillon’s character in presence of the parish priest, who afterwards tells the facts from the altar. The parents wish to receive Nelly back, but she rejects their advances and dies. A sad story, well told, and with a healthy moral.

⸺ TALES AND LEGENDS OF IRELAND. Two Vols. (Cork: Bolster). 1831.

“Illustrative of society, history, antiquities, manners, and literature, with translations from the Irish, biographical notices, essays, etc.”

⸺ THOMAS FITZGERALD THE LORD OF OFFALEY; by “Mac Erin O’Tara, the last of the Seanachies.” Three Vols. (London). 1836.

“The first of a projected series illustrative of the history of I.” (Title-p.). See also Introd. (pp. xxx.) containing some interesting remarks about Irish historical fiction. Claims to “give the history as it really occurred.” The book is a quite good attempt to relate the rebellion of Silken Thomas in a romantic vein (though with no love interest) and to picture the times. The conversations, though somewhat long-drawn-out, are in very creditable Elizabethan English, redolent of Shakespeare. Opens with a description of Christmas in Dublin in 1533. The Author is not enthusiastically Nationalist, but is quite fair to the Irish side.

⸺ TIM DOOLIN, THE IRISH EMIGRANT. Pp. 360 (close print). (Partridge). 3s. 6d. Illustr. Third ed., 1869.

By the Author of “Mick Tracy” (q.v.). Tim, son of a small farmer in Co. Cork, as a result of his conversion to Protestantism, has his house burned down and his cattle killed. He emigrates to U.S.A., but soon passes to Canada, and helps to repel the Fenian raid. He is joined by his family, and all live happily at Castle Doolin. Less offensive than “Mick Tracy” in its allusions to religious controversies.

⸺ UNITED IRISHMAN, THE; or, The Fatal Effects of Credulity. Two Vols. (Dublin). 1819.

A United Irishman who had escaped from Dublin Castle by the heroism of a sister, tells the tale of his woes to an Englishman, who meets him by accident. The latter in turn tells his story, equally woeful. The writer seems to be a Catholic and to sympathize more or less with the United Irishman. The book contains material for a good story, but it is told in a rambling manner, without art, and is full of sentimentality. No attempt to picture events or life of the times.

⸺ VERTUE REWARDED; or, The Irish Princess. A New Novel. Pp. 184. 16mo. (London: Bentley). 1893.

This is No. III. in Vol. xii. of “Modern Novels,” printed for R. Bentley, 1892-3. Dedicatory Epist. “To the Incomparable Marinda.” (Pref.) “To the ill-natured reader.” A petty foreign prince in the train of William III. falls in love with an Irish beauty whom he sees in a window when passing through Clonmel. The story tells of the vicissitudes of his love suit. It is eked out by several minor incidents. Nothing historical except the mention of the siege of Limerick.

⸺ VEUVE IRLANDAISE ET SON FILS, LA; Histoire véritable. Pp. 36. (Paris: Delay). 1847.

A little Protestant religious tract telling how a poor Irish widow was brought round to Protestant ideas by means of Bible readings.

⸺ WEIRD TALES. Irish. 256 pp. 18mo. (Paterson). [1890].

Eleven tales selected from Carleton (“The Lianhan Shee”), Lover (“The Burial of O’Grady”), Lever, Croker (“The Banshee”), Mrs. Hall, and J. B. O’Meara, together with some anonymous items.

⸺ WILLIAM AND JAMES; or, The Revolution of 1689; by “A Lady.” Pp. xiv. + 354. (Dublin). 1857.

“An Historical Tale, in which the leading events of that ... period of our history ... are faithfully and truly narrated.” Introduces William III., James II., Tyrconnell, Sarsfield, Richard Hamilton, &c. Describes Boyne and Aughrim. Scene chiefly Co. Fermanagh. Tone strongly Protestant (there are digressions on religious matters), but without offensiveness to the other side. It is a rather rambling, ill-connected story, the work of a prentice hand. The initials of the author seem to be J. M. M. K.

[ABRAHAM, J. Johnstone], a native of Coleraine. B.A., 1898; M.D., T.C.D., 1908; a consulting Surgeon in London; now serving in R.A.M.C. Author of The Surgeon’s Log.

⸺ THE NIGHT NURSE. Pp. 318. (Chapman & Hall). 6s. Fifth edition. 1913. 2s.

Life in a Dublin hospital, carefully observed. Sex problem of “the greater and the lesser love,” studied in a distinctly “biological” way. As foil to the main characters, who are of the respectable Protestant classes, we have “R.C.’s” of a most undesirable type, and, in the background, the wholly disreputable Irishry of a western town. The four plagues of Ireland are Priests, Politicians, Pawnbrokers, and Publicans, according to one of the personages. The medical interest is prominent throughout. By the same Author: The Surgeon’s Log.

ADAMS, Joseph.

⸺ UNCONVENTIONAL MOLLY. Pp. 320. (Methuen). 6s. 1913.

The young heir of the old rackrenting absentee comes (from Cambridge) incognito among his tenantry in the West and lives their life. He meets the heroine who gives its title to the book—with the expected result. The rest is a series of little episodes—fishing in a western mountain-stream, a day’s shooting on a moor, a sail on Clew Bay, a petty sessions court, a matchmaking, a fair, &c., &c., all with a splendid setting of Western scenery. Might be written by a sympathetic and kindly visitor who had enjoyed his holiday.

ALEXANDER, Eleanor. Born at Strabane, daughter of the late Dr. Alexander, Archbishop of Armagh (d. 1911), and of Mrs. Cecilia Frances Alexander, both of them well known as poets. Educated at home. Has written verse for the Spectator and for other periodicals. At the outbreak of war was preparing for publication a collection of Ulster stories illustrative of the peculiar humour of the North. Her Lady Anne’s Walk, a miscellany of historical reminiscence woven round a place and one who walked there long ago, contains an excellent bit of Ulster dialect—the talk of the old gardener.

⸺ THE RAMBLING RECTOR. Pp. 344. (Arnold). Third impression, 1904. (N.Y.: Longmans). 1.50.

A story of love, marriage, and social intercourse among various classes of Church of Ireland people in Ulster. Draws a sympathetic picture of clerical life, the hero being a clergyman. Every character, and there are very many interesting types, is drawn with sure and distinct traits. There are no mere lay figures. John Robert is a curious and amusing study of a certain type of servant. Full of shrewd observation and knowledge of human nature, at least in all its outward aspects. Very well written. By the same author: Lady Anne’s Walk, The Lady of the Well, &c.

ALEXANDER, Evelyn.

⸺ THE HEART OF A MONK. Pp. 318. (Long). 6s. 1910.

The love story of Ivor Jermyn, who for reasons connected with an hereditary family curse is induced by his mother to become a Benedictine. During a vacation five years after his profession he meets his former love at a country house, and a liaison is formed. Taxed with this by his rival, the shock makes him see the family “ghost”—the “old man of horror.” A fatal illness results, and he leaves the field to his rival. Written pleasantly and lightly. Shows little knowledge of Catholic ways and doctrines.

⸺ THE ESSENCE OF LIFE. Pp. 320. (Long). 6s. 1911.

Youth is “the Essence of Life,” as exemplified in the heroine’s crowded moments in the social life of Dublin and London, closing with her marriage with Lord Portstow, but shadowed by the tragedy of a beautiful actress, who turns out to be her mother. The novel does not rise above the commonplace.—[Times Lit. Suppl.].

ALEXANDER, L. C.

⸺ THE BOOK OF BALLYNOGGIN. Pp. 315. (Grant, Richards). 6s. 1902.

Stories of a miscellaneous kind, mostly humorous, told in a pleasant and readable style. Shows little knowledge of Irish life. The peasantry are treated somewhat contemptuously. The interest at times turns on the absurdities of Irish politics and of Irish legal proceedings.

ALEXANDER, Miriam (Mrs. Stokes). Born at Birkenhead. Educated at home, except for a short period at Alexandra College, Dublin. Has almost finished another novel, dealing this time with modern Irish life. Was much interested in the Gaelic League till alienated from it by recent events.

⸺ THE HOUSE OF LISRONAN. Pp. 312. (Melrose). 6s. 1912.

A tale of the Williamite wars. Dermot Lisronan vows vengeance on the brutal Dutchman who has driven him from his ancestral home and been the death of his mother. The book is the story of that vengeance. Dermot by a strange fatality marries the daughter of this Dutchman, and some fine psychological and human interest is afforded by the struggle in her mind between love (the love of Dermot’s once bosom friend Fitz Ulick) and wifely duty. The book is full of exciting and dramatic incidents and situations, and never flags from the lurid beginning to the tragic close. The characters are clearly drawn and they are worth drawing:—Bartley, the Hedge-schoolmaster; Taaffe, the besotted coward, sorry product of Williamite rule; Father Talbot, the devoted priest of penal days; Barry Fitz Ulick, a kind of Sir Launcelot, and the rest. William III. is painted in darkest colours, and the penal days that he inaugurated are shown in their full horror, though as an offset to this we have a picture of the persecution of Huguenots in France.

N.B.—This novel gained a 250 guinea prize by the unanimous award of three competent judges. Six editions were sold in less than two months.

⸺ PORT OF DREAMS, THE. Pp. 351. (Melrose). 6s. 1912.

Dedication: To Caitlín ni Houlihan. A stirring and vivid romance of Jacobite days (18th century) in Ireland, containing some intensely dramatic episodes, e.g., the escape of Prince Charles Edward. There are many threads in the narrative, but the chief interest, perhaps, centres in a Jacobite who, having served the cause well for twenty years, finds himself confronted with the spectre of physical cowardice. To save the cause from disgrace, his cousin Denis takes his place on the scaffold. The girl marries Clavering for the same reason, not for love. The author interrupts her narrative at times to express her views on Celticism (for which she is enthusiastic), religious persecution, and modern degeneracy.

⸺ RIPPLE, THE. Pp. 367. (Melrose). 6s. 1913.

Opens in Mayo (Achill scenery described), but soon shifts to Poland and then to France. Adventures of Deirdre van Kaarew (daughter of a recreant Irishman who has Dutchified his name and turned Protestant), who has followed her brother to rescue him from the designs of a hated kinsman. She falls in love with Maurice de Saxe (of whom a careful and vivid portrait is drawn), and the story of this “friendship” takes up much of the book. She refuses him in the end, and marries the hated kinsman. A fine plot, full of dramatic incidents.

⸺ MISS O’CORRA, M.F.H. (Melrose). 6s. 1915.

Miss O’Corra, who has become a rich heiress, leaves her English home and comes to hunt in Ireland. She is quite ignorant of equine matters, and various amusing difficulties beset her. She meets her fate in the person of a young Irish sportsman.—(Press).

ALEXANDER, Rupert.

⸺ MAUREEN MOORE: a Romance of ’98. Pp. viii. + 355. (Burleigh). 6s. 1899.

A well told story, introducing Lord Edward and the other leaders. Maureen, an American, is the niece of John Moore, who is driven into rebellion by the persecution of the “Yeos.” His two sons, one a captain in the army, the other a priest, also join the rebel ranks. A love interest with cross purposes pervades the story. Larry Farrell is a great character, performing wonderful deeds of bravery and having equally wonderful escapes. The book leans entirely to the rebel side. The fight at New Ross and the atrocities of Wexford are vividly described.

ALGER, Horatio. Author of over fifty books for Boys.

⸺ ONLY AN IRISH BOY. (N.Y.: Burt). $0.75. 1904.

ANCKETILL, W. R.

⸺ THE ADVENTURES OF MICK CALLIGHIN, M.P.: A Story of Home Rule; and THE DE BURGHOS: A Romance. Pp. 243. (Tinsley). Seven rather rough illustr. 1874. Second ed., Belfast, 1875. 1s.

1. Mick Callighin leaves Ballypooreen, somewhere near the Galtees, of which there is a fine description, for Dublin and then London. He meets his future wife in Kensington Gardens. The plot is slight, but there is a good deal of pleasant wit, many political hits, and much satire, not of Home Rule but of Home Rulers.

2. Arthur Mervyn meets Col. de Burgho and his daughter, home from Italy. An Italian count, who is also a pirate, carries off Nora, but she is rescued and married to Arthur. A pretty story, with some good descriptions of life among the better classes in the West of Ireland.

ANDREWS, Elizabeth, F.R.I.A.

⸺ ULSTER FOLKLORE. Pp. 121. (Stock). 5s. net. Fourteen illustr., mainly from photos. 1914.

A series of papers read before local learned societies or contributed to archæological journals. An endeavour to deal with the folk belief in fairies from an archæological point of view. The conclusion is that the “souterrains” were originally the abode of a primitive pigmy race. Imbedded in these pages (the outcome of much personal research) are many good fairy and folk stories.

ANDREWS, Marion.

⸺ COUSIN ISABEL. Pp. 147. (Wells Gardner, Darton). 1s. 6d. Two illustr. 1903.

A tale, for young people, of the Siege of Londonderry, the hardships of the defenders, and their brave patience. Isabel, a veritable angel of mercy for her uncle and cousins is a pleasant study. Another fine character is old Geoffrey Lambrick, drawn from a quiet life and his tulips into the smoke of battle.

[ARCHDEACON, Matthew].

⸺ LEGENDS OF CONNAUGHT, TALES, &c. Pp. 406. (Dublin: John Cumming). 1829.

Seven stories:—“Fitzgerald,” “The Banshee,” “The Election,” “Alice Thomson,” “M’Mahon,” “The Rebel’s Grave,” “The Ribbonman.” “Almost every incident in each tale is founded on fact.” (Pref.). The first story (165 pp.) depicts Connaught “in a wild and stormy state of society” towards the close of the eighteenth century, and records the wild deeds and memorable exit of the very widely known individual who is its hero.

⸺ CONNAUGHT: a Tale of 1798. Pp. 394. (Dublin: printed for M. Archdeacon). 1830.

The Author was “from infancy in the habit of hearing details of ‘the time of the Frinch’” ... and has “had an opportunity of frequently hearing the insurrectionary scenes described by some of the Actors themselves.” (Pref.) The Author is loyalist, but not bitterly hostile to the rebels. The rebellion is not painted in roseate colours, but it is not misrepresented. Humbert’s campaign is vividly described, but history does not absorb all the interest. The love story (the lovers are on the rebel side) is told with zest, and there is abundance of exciting incident. Quite well written.

⸺ SHAWN NA SAGGARTH, THE PRIESTHUNTER. (Duffy). 6s. 1843.

A tale of the Penal times.

ARCHER, Patrick, “MacFinegall.” Born at Oldtown, North County Dublin, about fifty years ago. Lives in Dublin, where he is a Customs Official.