Irish Literature: Volume Iv (furlong -- Hyde)

This collection contains in ten volumes representative selections from the works of Irish writers, ancient and modern, in prose and in verse. The works of three hundred and fifty Irish authors are represented, and this collection is a guide, philosopher, and friend to conduct the reader through the wide fields of Irish literary lore. Originally published in 1904, Irish Literature gave to the world a comprehensive glance at the whole development of literary art in prose and poetry from the beginning of Ireland's history. Even literary experts are hardly aware how many of the bright particular stars which stud the firmament of English literature are Irishmen. From the vast storehouses of Irish literature they have extracted the choicest of its treasures -the mythology, legends, fables, folk lore, poetry, essays, oratory, history, annals, science, memoirs, anecdotes, fiction, travel, drama, wit and humor, and pathos of the Irish race are all represented. This library, therefore, focuses the whole intellectuality of the Irish people. It not only presents a view of the literary history of Ireland, but it gives also a series of historic pictures of the social development of the people, for literature is the mirror in which the life and movements of historic periods are reflected.