Customer Reviews

An Age of Innocence: Irish Culture 1930-1960

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I was surprised that Mr. Fallon chose to write about culture in a narrow and classic sense but was immediately glad. He focuses on the artists of the period, touching on sociological aspects like politics and religion but always in relation to the art of the time. How exactly did the church, national politics, changing lifestyles and art interact? While more at home with the writers he also touches on visual arts and music.

There is a widespread belief that this was a sleepy time for Irish art and Mr. Fallon tears this notion down with relish. Like any simplification this ignores the facts and he uses exhaustive research and personal experience to bring the characters and their struggles into light.

There's no question that this is written for an Irish audience, or at least people with more than a passing interest in Irish art. As a novice I had a hard time keeping up with the names and events. Most of the time Mr. Fallon would provide enough background to get by. In some cases, like the Mother and Child episode which showed up several times in the book, I was left in the dark. However, he is such a good writer and so enthusiastic about his subject that the narrative moves along with a great deal of energy. Even when he is simply listing names it's easy to get through. And there are a lot of names. This volume provides more material than a college course could get through.

Fallon's writing is an absolute joy to read. It's not only clear but has a breadth of expression that is wonderful to experience. He uses an extensive vocabularly without becoming wordy or pompous. A true professional with the kind of talent that seems long lost here in America.

Scholarly and entertaining, An Age of Innocence is for the reader who is interested in more than Yeats and Joyce and would like a glimpse at other artists and Ireland itself during this time.