Skip to main content

Distributed for University College Dublin Press

Writing Beyond the Revival

Facing the Future in Gaelic Prose, 1940-1951

This is the second volume of a two-part collection following on from O’Leary’s "Gaelic Prose in the Irish Free State 1922-1939". The first part, "Irish Interior: Keeping Faith with the Past in Gaelic Prose, 1940-1951", was published in 2010. "Writing Beyond the Revival" explores the evolving ideology that inspired the successful campaign of writers such as Ciaran and Brian O Nuallain, and Cathal O Sandair for artistic independence from the restrictive demands of the language revival. The real progress made by writers such as Seamus O Neill with "Tonn Tuile" (1947) and Tarlach O hUid in his story collection "Taobh Thall den Teorainn" (1950) are also examined. The book includes a detailed discussion of Gaelic theatre when, under the direction of Ernest Blythe, the Abbey made the development and performance of Irish-language scripts a central element in its national mission. In revealing the vast output of writing in Irish for non-Irish readers, Philip O’Leary provides an invaluable guide for anyone studying or interested in the literature, languages, society and politics of Ireland.

606 pages | © 2010

Gaelic Prose

History: British and Irish History


University College Dublin Press image

View all books from University College Dublin Press

Table of Contents

Introduction - Facing the Future The Language Itself Is for All Ireland - Debates and Controversies Comparable in Conception with Any Language at All - Modernising Irish Light and Entertaining Books that the Public Would Like - Popular Literature in Irish Escaping the Rural Ghetto - Gaelic Prose and the City Tons of Wasted Paper? The Question of Translation Swallow’d in the Conqueror’s Chronicle? Gaelic Attitudes towards Irish Literature in English Quite Exceptional Handicaps and Difficulties - Issues in Gaelic Drama Taking the Tedium Out of the Medium - Gaelic Variety Shows, Pantomimes, Plays and Movies Conclusion - Writing Beyond the Revival Notes Selected Bibliography Index.

Be the first to know

Get the latest updates on new releases, special offers, and media highlights when you subscribe to our email lists!

Sign up here for updates about the Press