A Literary History of Ireland, from Earliest Times to the Present Day

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

53793

Title

A Literary History of Ireland, from Earliest Times to the Present Day

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Douglas Hyde presents a comprehensive survey of Irish literature produced by the Irish-speaking population, from ancient times to the late nineteenth century. Rejecting Anglicised works, this volume celebrates a rich tradition of oral poetry, saga, and song that flourished despite historical neglect and political upheaval.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'A Literary History of Ireland,' Douglas Hyde presents a passionate defense of Irish literature as a collective national possession rather than the work of isolated geniuses. He argues that true Irish literature is defined by a vast, spontaneous body of traditional matter owned by the people at large. Unlike other European nations where great individual authors dominate, ancient Irish society was characterized by an almost universal diffusion of literary taste; every barony and townland possessed its own poet or reciter. This tradition ensured that the native population attained a remarkably high level of wit, linguistic mastery, and power of expression without producing a single commanding name. Hyde emphasizes that the most valuable aspects of this literature—the ancient sagas, myths, and songs—are traditional products that grew slowly into the property of an entire nation. Hyde surveys the rich corpus of ancient manuscripts, including Cormac mac Culinan's glossary and lost epics like the Táin Bó Cuailgne. He highlights the unique metrical systems and linguistic sophistication of early Irish poets, noting their invention of rhyme and complex verse forms long before other European cultures. The text contrasts this deep literary instinct with the ignorance prevalent in Anglo-Irish institutions and the condescending contempt often shown toward Celtic studies by contemporary scholars. Hyde defends the value of pagan mythology against critics who dismissed it as worthless, arguing that despite Christian attempts to euhemerize their pantheon, traces of a highly organized primitive culture remain. The work documents the devastation caused by Danish invasions and the Great Famine, which destroyed monasteries and countless manuscripts. Yet, Hyde notes that literacy and oral tradition persisted among the native population until the rise of 'National Schools' threatened to erase these traditions entirely. He laments the neglect of Irish manuscripts by Dublin University compared to their treatment in European libraries, yet celebrates the renewed interest in native civilization. Ultimately, the book serves as both a historical record and a plea for the preservation of Celtic scholarship, asserting that Irish literature holds a unique and marvellous place in the history of European thought.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Literature