The Poets and Poetry of Munster

This collection is a multi-author volume of essays examining the work of over twenty poets from South Western Ireland, who write in both English and Irish. Offering overviews of each of the poets’ work, the chapters also focus on significant features of their respective oeuvres. Among the poets studied are Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Seán Ó Tuama, John Montague, Gerry Murphy, Thomas McCarthy, Trevor Joyce, and Doireann Ní Ghríofa. The multifaceted volume addresses the different currents that are significant in the work of these poets, from the Modernism of MacGreevy to the politico-historical approach adopted by Thomas McCarthy. It places poetry in English and Irish side by side and creates a system of echoes that become apparent when the poets’ work is read in conjunction with that of their fellow writers. The contributors to the volume come from Ireland, the US, and Europe and include confirmed and emerging academics. "The volume greatly enhances our knowledge of Irish poetry. It offers a comprehensive vision of poetic writing from the South-West of Ireland, both in Irish and in English." —Munira Hamud Mutran, professor of Irish Studies, University of São Paulo, Brazil “The south of Ireland has been blessed with several excellent, albeit underestimated poets. While readers who are aware of the accomplishments with figures such as John Montague, Elaine Ní Chuillianáin, Thomas McGreevy, and Seán Dunne will welcome Poets of Munster with pleasure, readers unfamiliar with these writers will be grateful to learn of the hidden riches revealed in this book.“ —Charles Armstrong, professor of English literature, University of Agder, Norway