Synopses & Reviews
In his introduction to this collection, Frank O'Connor, himself a distinguished short story writer, emphasizes the richness of the short story tradition in Ireland. The stories he has chosen, all written between the end of the last century and the 1950s, illustrate his meaning and demonstrate how the style and approach of these writers changed in response, not only to the demands of a developing aesthetic, but also to the social and political conditions of their day.
The volume represents the finest writers of their time with their best work, revealing the variety of styles and approaches within the genre, and ranging from the folk tale to the romance, and from the symbolic to the naturalistic. It contains selections by George Moore, Somerville and Ross, Daniel Corkery, James Joyce, James Stephens, Liam O'Flaherty, L.A.G. Strong, Seán O'Faoláin, Frank O'Connor, Eric Cross, Michael McLaverty, Bryan MacMahon, Mary Lavin, James Plunkett, and Elizabeth Bowen.
Synopsis
This anthology traces the development of the Irish short story from the end of the last century up to the 1950s. From its origins in the folk tale, through its evolution in response to changing social and political conditions to its current form, the Irish short story has retained its own distinct and unique form. The finest writers of their time are represented here by their best work, showing the variety of style and approach within the genre. From George Moore's masterpiece, Homesickness, and the warmth and humor of James Stephens, to the romantic eloquence of Bryan MacMahon, these stories capture the Irish people, their way of life, mythology, and history.
About the Author
The late
Frank O'Connor was a highly acclaimed Irish short story writer, critic, and translator. His books include
Bones of Contention,
Crab Apple Jelly,
Traveller's Samples, and
Domestic Relations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Home Sickness, George Moore
2. Lisheen Races, Second-hand, E. O. Somerville and Martin Ross
3. The Awakening, Daniel Corkery
4. The Dead, James Joyce
5. A Rhinoceros, Some Ladies and a Horse, James Stephens
6. The Fairy Goose
7. Three Lambs, Liam O'Flaherty
8. Going into Exile, Liam O'Flaherty
9. Prongs, L. A. G. Strong
10. Unholy Living and Half Dying, Sean O'Faolain
11. The Trout, Sean O'Faolain
12. Guest of the Nation, Frank O'Connor
13. My OEdipus Complex, Frank O'Connor
14. The Jury Case, Eric Cross
15. The Poteen Maker, Michael McLaverty
16. Exile's Return, Bryan MacMahon
17. The Will, Mary Lavin
18. The Eagles and the Trumpets, James Plunkett
19. Summer Night, Elizabeth Bowen