kille, and obtain a solid foundation for his studies by an examination of the Brehon Laws. With re- spect to the second section, we cannot omit some of the Scandinavian Sagas from amongst the best books on Ireland. The Landnama Bok of Iceland gives important information as to the intercourse between the peoples of the two islands; like in- formation is found in various other Sagas, and the Saga of Burnt Njal is indispensable to the student of Irish history. Besides it should be remembered that Dublin, Waterford, and Lime- rick, with considerable territory besides, were Norse for generations, and had a Norse literature, possibly at a future time, when it is at length understood that the Norse-Irish, who built churches and had a hierarchy and saints, were really good Catholic Christians, and not perpetual pagans, they will receive some other recognition than comes of denunciation.
The third section is one which "Historicus" has made his own. It was, of course, impossible that he should be perfect in the eyes of all, or that he should make no omissions. Most of those have been supplied, and probably the supply has been in excess of the demand. His definition of Irish Books, as books or parts of books written no matter by whom, about Ire- and or the Irish, is somewhat cramping. It ad- mits all references made by strangers, but it ex- cludes much excellent Irish workmanship. The historical portion of this section has been amply discussed, but a few books or tracts might still be mentioned, such as Robert Paine's "Briefe Description," published in 1856. As the work of an "Undertaker" who renders justice to the Irish character it is of exceptional value. A series of family histories, such as that of the "Earls of Kildare," and a series of county his- tories may perhaps be placed in the category of fact-books. The History of Derry, produced under the Ordnance Survey, and containing the researches of O'Donovan and others, is remark- able as the first and only exemplar of a series, for which the MS materials were prepared, and are preserved. In poetry, the names of Aubrey de Vere, Allingham, and Graves have been mentioned; to these should be added the name of T C Irwin, who has created a style of pictorial and pathetic poetry altogether his own. In polite literature, whilst of course reinstating Goldsmith, Sheridan, Ac, in their proper position, we should insert the works of Sheridan Lefanu, a writer as vigorous as Blackmore at his best and much more versatile; and unquestionably no city or foreign reader can form a faithful idea of Irish country life amongst the peasantry, with its humour, pathos, and per- vading quiet, who does not know [[author:Charles Kick- ham|]]'s works.
As regards the fourth section, it is worth noting that there are several German and French books relating to Ireland, and that the Spanish poet Calderon devoted one of ,his dramas to St Patrick's Purgatory, in Lough Derg. "[[Ireland in 1862]]," by the Abbé Perraud, Professor of the Sorbonne and subsequently Bishop of Autun, is an important work by one who came and studied the state of the country with scrupu- lous exactness. The Abbé Domemech's "[[Voyage Legendaire]]" is worth notice. Published in Paris, the "Memoirs of Myles Byrne" give the highly interesting recollections of one who took part in the outbreak of '98, and who subsequently served as a distinguished soldier of the Irish Legion of Napoleon I, which succeeded Uie Irieli Brigade of the Monarchy. Some works repre-* sentative of the section of Irish-American and Irish-Australian literature would be desirable. J F Maguire's work on the Irish in America, Daviu's "Irish Canadian," "Judge Therry's Memoirs," and Sir C G Duffy's "Australian Speeches" (if he would but edit them) might supply this want. Reverting to the general question, art seems to have been unconsciously excluded. Yet what country can offer a combination of art and litera- tare superior, or even equal to, Moore's Melo- dies, illustrated by Maclise? In order that a 8 cr anger should obtain, in brief, something like an adequate conception of this c-'antry and of its inhabitants there are eight books with which he might begin — first, the reproductions of ancient Irish illuminated manuscripts, edited by Mr. Gilbert. From this he would proceed to the works of Petrie and Miss Stokes on architeoture, etc. Second, the "Fate of the Sons of Usnach," as an example of the Irish heroic tale. Third, Sullivan's "Introduc- tion," which should be published senarately, as an independent study of the Celtic State. Fourth, the speeches of Henry Grattan, as examples of Irish oratory. Fifth, Sir Charles Gavan Duffy's work, which brings ancient and modern history into continuity by the hands of a states- man who has made history. Sixth, Moore's Melo- dies, illustrated by Maclise. Seventh, Bunting's "Ancient Music of Ireland." And, eighth, Sir Robert Kane's "Industrial Resources of Ire- land," a work of vital importance, inasmuch as it is the demonstration of Ireland's claim to progress. The work of "Historicus" has done excellent satvice in stirring up an interest in matters per- ineriiig to Irish literature. You might supple- ment this work by instituting an inquiry as to the diffusion of books throughout the various counties and provinces of Ireland. Laing points out that Iceland, with but 56,000 inhabitants, pro- duced more literature in one century than the major part of Scotland (or of many English shires) in all time, and this literature was well diffused. What can be said for our own country ? Granting all that can be demanded as regards the obstacles which have impeded the cultivation and spread of literature over the land ir the past, it is surely possible that more might be accom- plished in the present. At all events, I ven- ture to propose this question for consideration — Has not the time arrived in Ireland for the revival of literary taste and the diffusion of knowledge amongst a people once so ardently de- voted to its pui'suit ? — Yours faithfully, GkORGE SlGEUSON, M.D. MR. MARTIN HA VERT Y. TO THK KDITOH OF THE FREEMAN. Ki.Xig's Inna Library, Heurieita st. Mt Dear Sir — I feel highly flattered by your invitation to give my opinion on the ext>-emcly interesting subject so ably placed before yonr readers by *' Historicus." The works onutnerated, and in general very judiciously characterised, by him, together with those suggested in the letters of the many distinguished persons who have fol- lowed Imn in your columns, would form such a collection of books relating to Ireland as might, I think, be ilecmcd, if iu)t exhaustive, at loti^^tamply buffici«.nfc for a very usisful Irish library. 1 I'cel
