Irish Writing London: Volume 2

The first study to consider how Irish writers have regarded, reported and represented London in their fiction, drama and poetry.

The presence of Irish writers is almost invisible in literary studies of London. This study considers how Irish writers have regarded, reported and represented London in their fiction, drama and poetry. It includes essays on key figures that challenge the deep-seated stereotype of what constitutes the proper domain of Irish writing.The presence of Irish writers is almost invisible in literary studies of London. The Irish Writing London redresses the critical deficit. A range of experts on particular Irish writers reflect on the diverse experiences and impact this immigrant group has had on the city. Such sustained attention to a location and concern of Irish writing, long passed over, opens up new terrain to not only reveal but create a history of Irish-London writing. Alongside discussions of MacNeice, Boland and McGahern, the autobiography of Brendan Behan and identity of Irish-language writers in London is considered. Written by an internal array of scholars, these new essays on key figures challenge the deep-seated stereotype of what constitutes the proper domain of Irish writing, producing a study that is both culturally and critically alert and a dynamic contribution to literary criticism of the city.