Irish Writers and the Thirties: Art, Exile and War

This book explores the lives and work of four Irish writers during the 1930s, highlighting their involvement in Popular Front cultural movements and their relationships with other cultural figures of the time. It also examines how Irish literary women on the Left defied marginalization and seeks to re-imagine Irish literature mid-twentieth century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking study delves into the previously overlooked chapter of Thirties literary history, shedding light on the local and global dimensions of Popular Front cultural movements. Spanning from interwar London to the Spanish Civil War and the Soviet Union, the book explores the lives and work of four Irish writers: Leslie Daiken, Charles Donnelly, Ewart Milne, and Michael Sayers. Through a comprehensive analysis of their writings, witness texts, and political activism, the book uncovers the intricate connections between these writers and influential figures of cultural significance during the interwar period, including George Orwell, Samuel Beckett, T.S. Eliot, Nancy Cunard, William Carlos Williams, and many others.

Moreover, the book delves into the ways in which Irish literary women on the Left challenged marginalization, offering a fresh perspective on the internationalist aspects of a Leftist cultural history. At its core, this book aims to go beyond mere literary salvage and explore innovative ways of re-imagining what constitutes Irish literature in the mid-twentieth century. It also illustrates the significant role that Irish writers played in a transformative political moment of the twentieth century.

This study will appeal to scholars and students of cultural history, Irish diaspora studies, Jewish studies, and the social and literary history of the Thirties, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay of culture, politics, and literature during this pivotal period.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367634995