Politic Words: Writing Women | Writing History

Politic Words is a collection of literary criticism that revitalizes 35 years of cultural history, drawing on contemporaneous criticism to present urgent news from the literary front. It explores the personal, political, and poetic aspects of Irish literature, from the Troubles to Brexit, and includes contributions from Eavan Boland, Éilís Dillon, and Ethna Carbery. The collection concludes with readings of Irish culture and politics in the context of the Troubles, Brexit, and renewed calls for Irish reunification.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Peter Lang International Academic Publishers

Introduction:
Politic Words is a captivating blend of personal, political, and poetic perspectives, showcasing Gerry Dawe's extensive literary knowledge and analytical skills. Spanning a wide range of literary works, from Eavan Boland's insightful exploration of women's history to war memoirist Christabel Bielenbergs luminous prose, from Éilís Dillon's ambitious historical fiction to the beloved poet of hunger strikers Bobby Sands, Ethna Carbery, Dawe takes readers on a thought-provoking journey from the Troubles to Brexit. By drawing on contemporaneous criticism, Dawe revitalizes 35 years of cultural history, transforming it into urgent news from the literary front.

Part One: Irish Women Writers:
Part one of Politic Words delves into the rich tapestry of Irish women writers, exploring their influence and contributions to the literary landscape. The authors examined include Edna Longley, renowned for her pioneering work in feminist literature, Eavan Boland, whose enigmatic novels and essays have garnered international acclaim, and Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, a trailblazing poet and playwright. Alongside these accomplished figures, the book also highlights the achievements of younger contemporaries such as Lucy Caldwell and Leontia Flynn, whose fresh and innovative voices have made significant impact in contemporary Irish literature.

Part Two: Historical Settings and Themes:
Part two of Politic Words expands upon the historical settings and themes explored in part one, delving deeper into the social and political legacies of traumatic Irish historical events such as the Great Famine. The authors examine the ways in which these events have been represented in the fiction of William Carleton and subsequently reimagined by later interpreters, including Benedict Kiely. Through these readings, the book offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between historical events and literary representations, shedding light on the enduring impact of such historical traumas on Irish society.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Politic Words is a remarkable achievement that showcases Gerry Dawe's profound understanding of Irish literature and its connections to broader cultural and political contexts. Through his meticulous analysis and engaging writing style, Dawe has created a collection that not only offers valuable insights into the literary contributions of Irish women writers but also provides a thought-provoking exploration of historical events and their impact on Irish society. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Irish literature, history, and culture, and it will undoubtedly inspire further discussions and debates about the rich and complex tapestry of Irish writing.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803742595
Edition number: New ed