The Oxford Book of Irish Short Stories [Paperback]

William Trevor (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0192828452 | ISBN-13: 978-0192828453 | Publication Date: May 30, 1991

In Ireland what began as both entertainment and communication through the spoken word grew into a literary form unmatched by any other country. The Oxford Book of Irish Short Stories triumphantly demonstrates that development, from early folk tales of the oral tradition (here translated from the Irish) through Oliver Goldsmith, Maria Edgeworth, Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and Joyce Cary to Elizabeth Bowen, Liam O'Flaherty and such rising stars of today as Edna O'Brian and Desmond Hogan. William Trevor, himself a distinguished short story writer, brings a special sensibility and awareness to his role as editor. This wide-ranging collection of forty-six stories will certainly serve to entertain and enrich our understanding of a unique literary genre.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The short story, unlike the novel, is rooted in an oral tradition. Perhaps this explains its popularity and prominence in Ireland, where people have always delighted in the spoken word. From the magical folk tales and fairy stories, seven of which are given here, to classics like Joyce's "The Dead" and O'Connor's "Guests of the Nation," Trevor admirably suggests the variety as well as the continuity of this tradition. Seumus O'Keely's poignantly comic "The Weaver's Grave," about two elderly men's personal battle to remember the last free space in an ancient burial ground, is a turning point, mixing a modern sensibility with antique form. The modern story, which often portrays the brutality, repression, and disappointment characteristic of Irish life, is keenly represented by Mary Lavin's "Sarah." Trevor has chosen well. Bitter Harvest , which supplements Montague's The Book of Irish Verse (Macmillan, 1974; Peter Smith, 1984. reprint), a collection of verse from earliest times to the Irish Renaissance, is not quite as successful. The contemporary poets represented here write against the backdrop of political turmoil, but the verse, less thematically homogeneous than Montague would make us think, reels more from Yeats's powerful influence than from explosives. Included are so many poets who have just started their careers that one might wait on this collection to see if all the fruits of Ireland's "bitter harvest" are really worth saving.
- Donald P. Kaczvinsky, Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

'The book sparkles with apt descriptions' Penny Perrick, Sunday Times

'This magnificent anthology chronicles the development of a rich literary tradition from early folktales to Joyce and the new generation' Books

'the stories in this Oxford anthology are thoroughly and well selected; and from them we can learn a great deal about Ireland's pungent but stifling social atmosphere' The Independent

'Trevor, himself a writer of note, has chosen some of the finest examples of the art form ranging from early folk tales ... It is a little taste of Ireland that leaves you hungry for more.' Maurice Neill, Sunday News

'it is the supreme merit of this splendid anthology that almost all readers will want to draw more from the wells from which William Trevor's draughts surely make him the Irish Ganymede.' Owen Dudley Edwards, The Scotsman

'entertaining collection from the Emerald Isle ... most have been put together by some of the finest writers of the English language' Evening Advertiser (Swindon)

'Trevor has put together an all-embracing volume with some beguiling choices ... This is a rich volume, a splendid bedside-dipper, and handsomely produced.' Alun Richards, Wales on Sunday

'the stories in this Oxford anthology are thoroughly and well selected; and from them we can learn a great deal about Ireland's pungent but stifling atmosphere.' Patricia Craig, Independent

'The publishers have crammed so much into this nicely- bound 563pp volume that you have to work at keeping the pages open but is still a book with the promise of days of enjoyment.' The Phoenix

'a distinguished collection ... Oxford's thoughtful and elegant anthology' Flatlander --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (May 30, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192828452
• ISBN-13: 978-0192828453
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #427,505 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

William Trevor was born in Mitchelstown, County Cork. He has written many novels, and has won many prizes including the Hawthornden Prize, the Yorkshire Post Book of the Year Award, and the Whitbread Book of the Year Award. His most recent novel Love and Summer was longlisted for the Booker Prize. He is also a renowned short-story writer, and his two-volume Collected Stories was published by Viking Penguin in 2009. In 1999 William Trevor received the prestigious David Cohen Literature Prize in recognition of a lifetime's literary achievement, and in 2002 he was knighted for his services to literature. He now lives in Devon.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Most Wonderful & Entertaining Bedtime Companion, March 29, 2000

By 

Tom O'Leary "Writer" (Los Angeles, California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Oxford Book of Irish Short Stories (Paperback)

This collection of short stories by Irish writers is a gem. Having loved William Trevor's stories for years, I bought this book because of his introduction. He draws the reader into these stories with the talent of an ageless storyteller. These stories can only skim the surface of the great body of Irish literature. But it is a wonderful start. Bravo.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Irish Stories., August 29, 2007

By 

Dr. Denise M. Tracey (Gold Coast, Queensland Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Oxford Book of Irish Short Stories (Oxford Books of Prose) (Paperback)

You don't have to be Irish to enjoy this carefully gathered collection of Irish Short Stories.
But no one can tell a tale as well as an Irishman or woman.
This book is a must-have beside the bed to dip into and savour.
Why is it that Irish literature is so pure and lucent?
If you are looking for a gift for a special person, give them a copy of this treasure.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Soul Of Ireland, March 6, 2008

By 

R. J. Marsella (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Oxford Book of Irish Short Stories (Oxford Books of Prose) (Paperback)

The Short Stories presented in this fabulous collection range from short folktales from the the old oral tradition to modern stories of the 20th century. It is a marvelous survey of Irish writing with both the dark and lighter side of the Irish character well represented. I've had this book for years and return to it again and again. There are some real gems here.