Chapter II: Preface: To a Readers Guide to Irish Fiction (1910) (1)

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.

b. = born.
c. (before dates) = approximately.
d. = died, daughter.
ed. = edition, edited, editor, educated.
q.v. = which may be referred to.
n.d. = no date printed in the book referred to.
_sqq._ = and following (years or pages).
=C.B.N.= = Catholic Book Notes.
=D.R.= = The Dublin Review.
=I.B.L.= = The Irish Book Lover.
=I.E.R.= = The Irish Ecclesiastical Record.
=I.M.= = The Irish Monthly.
=N.I.R.= = The New Ireland Review.
=T. Lit. Suppl.= = The Times Literary Supplement.
=C.T.S.I.= = Catholic Truth Society of Ireland.
=S.P.C.K.= = Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge.
=R.T.S.= = Religious Tract Society.
=Allibone= = Allibone’s _Critical Dictionary of English
Literature_.
=Baker= = Baker’s Guides (_see_ Appendix A) a 2 indicates
that the new ed. has been used.
=Krans= = Krans’s _Irish Life in Irish fiction_. (Appendix
A).
=Read= = _The Cabinet of Irish Literature._ (Appendix A).
=I. Lit.= = _Irish Literature_ in twelve Vols. (Appendix A).
=N.Y.= = New York.

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 6_s._, 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_). 6_d._ 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_). 2_s._ 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_). 2_s._ 6_d._

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_). 3_s._ 6_d._ 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_). 1_s._ 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_). 3_s._ 6_d._ 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_). 6_d._

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_). 1_s._ 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_). 3_s._ 6_d._ 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_). 2_s._ 6_d._ 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_). 2_s._ [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_). 6_s._ 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_). 6_s._ 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_), 1_s._ 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.