World War I in Irish Art and Literature: Lost Voices, 1915-1939

This book explores how Irish authors responded to World War I, challenging prevailing notions of Irish national identity and examining the war from various perspectives. Works such as "The Amateur Army" and "Daylight Raid from my Studio" demonstrate this, while "My Cousin Justin" reflects the war's impact on Irish society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

This comprehensive book delves into Ireland's literary response to World War I, examining a wide range of perspectives that influenced Irish political and cultural discourse. Works like Patrick MacGill's novel "The Amateur Army" (1915), John Lavery's "Daylight Raid from my Studio" (1917), and Margaret Barrington's "My Cousin Justin" (1939) illustrate how Irish authors thoroughly explored the war, only to be disregarded with the onset of World War II. Diverse voices, including those of Tom Kettle, Patrick MacGill, and Pamela Hinkson, challenged prevailing notions of Irish national identity, offering unique insights into the complexities of the conflict and its aftermath.

Introduction:
The impact of World War I on Ireland was profound, shaping its political and cultural landscape for decades to come. The war brought about significant changes in the country's society, economy, and politics, and it also had a lasting effect on Irish literature. This book aims to explore Ireland's literary response to World War I, examining the various perspectives and themes that emerged in Irish writing during this period.

Works of Literature:
Several notable works of literature emerged from Ireland during World War I. Patrick MacGill's novel "The Amateur Army" (1915) is a powerful portrayal of the war's effects on Irish society. The novel follows the lives of a group of young men who join the Irish Volunteers, a nationalist organization that fought against British rule in Ireland. MacGill's novel explores the themes of nationalism, loyalty, and sacrifice, highlighting the complexities of Irish identity during the war.

John Lavery's "Daylight Raid from my Studio" (1917) is a poignant portrayal of the war's impact on the lives of ordinary people. The poem captures the sense of fear and uncertainty that prevailed during the war, as well as the resilience and determination of the Irish people. Lavery's poem also explores the themes of nationalism, patriotism, and the cost of war.

Margaret Barrington's "My Cousin Justin" (1939) is a novel that takes place during World War I and the Irish Civil War. The novel explores the complex relationships between different social classes and the struggles of the working class during the war. Barrington's novel also examines the themes of class, gender, and social inequality, highlighting the challenges faced by women and the poor during this period.

Diverse Voices:
The literary response to World War I in Ireland was characterized by a diverse range of voices and perspectives. Authors such as Tom Kettle, Patrick MacGill, and Pamela Hinkson challenged prevailing notions of Irish national identity and explored the complexities of the war and its aftermath.

Tom Kettle, a bourgeois cosmopolitan, expressed a sense of pride in Ireland's role in the war and its contribution to the Allied cause. Kettle's writings emphasized the importance of Irish nationalism and the need for Ireland to assert its independence from British rule.

Patrick MacGill, a working-class internationalist, expressed a sense of solidarity with the workers and peasants of other countries who were fighting against imperialism and capitalism. MacGill's writings emphasized the importance of internationalism and the need for workers to unite across national boundaries.

Pamela Hinkson, a feminist and socialist, expressed a cynical view of imperial patriarchy and the war. Hinkson's writings criticized the role of the British Empire in perpetuating social and economic inequality and the exploitation of workers and peasants.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Ireland's literary response to World War I was characterized by a diverse range of perspectives and themes. Works such as "The Amateur Army," "Daylight Raid from my Studio," and "My Cousin Justin" explored the complexities of Irish identity, nationalism, patriotism, and the cost of war. Diverse voices, including those of Tom Kettle, Patrick MacGill, and Pamela Hinkson, challenged prevailing notions of Irish national identity and explored the complexities of the war and its aftermath. This book provides a valuable insight into Ireland's literary response to World War I and its contribution to the broader cultural and political landscape of the time.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476675428