W.B. Yeats's Robartes-Aherne Writings: Featuring the Making of His "Stories of Michael Robartes and His Friends"

W.B. Yeats' Robartes-Aherne Writings is a collection of published and unpublished writings featuring Michael Robartes and Owen Aherne, tracing their history and the development of Yeats' mystical thought, culminating in his visionary work A Vision. It includes reproductions of manuscript and notebook pages, transcriptions, and commentary, making it an essential resource for scholars of Yeats' thought, stylistic evolution, and esoteric influences on modernist writing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The enigmatic figures of Michael Robartes and Owen Aherne loom large throughout the diverse body of writing produced by the renowned Irish poet W.B. Yeats. These figures find their presence in his poems, short stories, dialogues, and even as authoritative references in the notes accompanying his work. In an effort to bring together both published and unpublished writings that feature these enigmatic figures, W.B. Yeats' Robartes-Aherne Writings presents a comprehensive exploration of their history and the evolution of Yeats' mystical thought, culminating in the publication of his visionary masterpiece, A Vision (1925, 1937).

This book offers a rich tapestry of materials, including reproductions of manuscript and notebook pages, transcriptions, and extracts from a wide array of Yeats' mystical writings. Accompanied by substantial commentary and annotation, it serves as an invaluable resource for scholars seeking to delve into the depths of Yeats' thought, his stylistic development, and the profound esoteric influences that shaped modernist writing in the early 20th century.

Michael Robartes, a figure shrouded in mystery and intrigue, emerges as a central character in Yeats' writings. His presence is felt in various poems, such as "The Second Coming," where he appears as a symbol of impending change and transformation. Robartes' influence extends to short stories like "The Wandering Rocks," where he serves as a guide to the protagonist's spiritual journey. In dialogues like "The Holy Office," he engages in profound conversations with Yeats' other characters, imparting wisdom and offering insights into the mysteries of existence.

Owen Aherne, on the other hand, is a lesser-known figure, but his presence is equally significant. He appears in poems like "Under Ben Bulben" and "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," where he represents the essence of nature and the spiritual connection between humans and the natural world. Aherne's influence is also evident in short stories like "The Vision," where he appears as a visionary figure who guides the protagonist on a transformative journey.

Through the Robartes-Aherne Writings, scholars gain a deeper understanding of Yeats' mystical philosophy and its profound impact on his artistic expression. The book explores the historical context in which these figures emerged, the influences they bore upon each other, and the ways in which they shaped Yeats' visionary ideas. It sheds light on the esoteric traditions that influenced his work, including the occult, Celtic mythology, and theosophical concepts.

The reproductions of manuscript and notebook pages included in the book provide a glimpse into the creative process of Yeats. These pages offer a raw and intimate view of his thoughts and ideas, allowing readers to witness the evolution of his mystical thought over time. The transcriptions and extracts from his mystical writings provide a deeper understanding of the symbols, metaphors, and themes that permeate his work.

Furthermore, the substantial commentary and annotation provided by scholars and experts in the field enrich the reading experience. They offer insights into the historical, cultural, and literary contexts that shaped Yeats' work, helping readers to place his writings within the broader context of early 20th-century artistic movements.

In conclusion, W.B. Yeats' Robartes-Aherne Writings is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive exploration of the enigmatic figures of Michael Robartes and Owen Aherne. By bringing together both published and unpublished writings, the book provides a rich tapestry of materials that shed light on the history and development of Yeats' mystical thought. Through reproductions of manuscript and notebook pages, transcriptions, extracts, and substantial commentary, it serves as an essential resource for scholars of Yeats' thought, his stylistic evolution, and the esoteric influences on modernist writing in the early 20th century.

Weight: 642g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350210745