Irish Writing London: Volume 2

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.

Review: Irish Writing London is, in both of its impressive, high-powered volumes, a tour de force of critical and analytical insight and originality ... The reader comes away seeing London from the inside but with different lenses, and so becomes aware of a wholly different vision and understanding of the cityscape.

Together, the two volumes of Irish Writing London present an unimpeachable case for being considered the nonpareil of critical intervention on the modern metropolis.' Julian Wolfreys, Professor of Modern Literature and Culture, Loughborough University, UK.