Born of a Belfast manse, Robert Lynd (1879-1949) became one of the most graceful and favoured writers of the early century, and had some thirty books published in his lifetime. The essays in Galway of the Races represent his writings on Ireland (Protestant and Papish, with accounts of Connolly, Kettle, Griffith, Shaw, Yeats and Joyce), on literature (from Donne to Hazlitt, Keats, Turgenev and Chekhov) and on life at large (the Great War, the British Museum, smoking, sport, walking and other pleasures). A biographical introduction underpins the selection. After two posthumous collections Lynd’s reputation declined, but forty years on the work of this autobiographer, critic and social observer re-emerges with all its original vitality. These diverse and entertaining essays will give enduring pleasure to a new generation of readers. ‘At times humorous, reflective and anecdotal, bearing witness to the political and cultural events of his day and yet, withal, holding a timeless appeal. It is an excellent selection of Lynd at his most forceful… Here is the voice of a truly great Ulsterman.’ – Peter Berresford Ellis, Irish Democrat ‘This selection of essays covers a host of topics with zest and elegance and humour.’ – Robert Greacen, Irish Independent ‘It can’t have been easy to choose the essays, since they all attain a high degree of competence and readability.’ – Patricia Craig, The Irish Times
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