Ireland in Fiction: A Guide to Irish Novels, Tales, Romances, and Folk-lore

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

66638

Title

Ireland in Fiction: A Guide to Irish Novels, Tales, Romances, and Folk-lore

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This guide surveys Irish fiction from the 18th century to 1916, analyzing novels, tales, romances, and folklore. It evaluates works by authors like Mrs. A.H. Dorsey, Edmund Downey, George Moore, and Lady Morgan, examining themes of emigration, religion, nationalism, and rural life.

Summary up to 500 words

Stephen J. M. Brown's *Ireland in Fiction* serves as a comprehensive critical survey of Irish novels, tales, romances, and folklore, tracing the genre's evolution from sentimental romances to realistic social commentaries. Published in 1916, the guide categorizes works by author and subject matter, offering detailed assessments of specific titles, settings, plots, and characterizations. Brown provides sharp critical commentary on the portrayal of Irish peasants, clergy, and political movements such as the Land League and Fenianism. The text highlights significant shifts in literary tone, praising Edmund Downey's humorous 'Dan Banim' stories for their authentic dialect and keen observation of southern life, while critiquing George Moore's naturalistic approach and perceived religious bias. Brown assesses historical fiction, such as F. Frankfort Moore's *Castle Omeragh*, which depicts Cromwell's invasion, and romantic tales like Lady Morgan's *The Wild Irish Girl*, noting their focus on antiquities and national identity. The guide also examines the works of Richard Dowling, whose *The Mystery of Killard* is lauded for its original study of a deaf-mute character, and J.J. Moran, whose stories vividly capture the Fenian movement and Land League agitation. Brown's analysis extends to the depiction of religious life, contrasting the heroic virtues of 'new Christians' in Mrs. Dorsey's works with the 'decaying Druidic paganism' of earlier legends. He notes the emotional resonance of stories like *Nora Brady's Vow*, which blends national sympathy with humor. The book serves as an essential reference for understanding the cultural history of Ireland as reflected in its fiction, bridging the gap between local folklore and broader literary trends. By including appendices on publishers, periodicals, and classified lists of historical and fairy literature, Brown provides scholars and readers with a robust resource for navigating the rich tapestry of Irish narrative tradition.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Literature