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English literature -- Irish authors Books
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W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 4 (of 8) The Hour-glass. Cathleen ni Houlihan. The Golden Helmet. The Irish Dramatic Movement
"The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 4 (of 8)" is a collection of plays and essays written in the early 20th century. This volume features notable works such as "The Hour-Glass," "Cathleen ni Houlihan," and "The Golden Helmet," reflecting on themes of morality, national identity, and the human experience through a blend of drama and the poetic form. Yeats captures the struggles of his characters, often rooted in Irish folklore and contemporary issues, inviting readers to explore the intricate landscape of early Irish theatre. The opening of the collection introduces "The Hour-Glass," a morality play that unfolds in a large room occupied by a Wise Man, who grapples with a profound lesson to be shared with his pupils. With the arrival of a Fool who seeks kindness and candor, the interplay between wisdom and folly is established. The Wise Man's quiet contemplation is abruptly challenged by the appearance of an angel, who delivers a harrowing message that he will die when the hourglass empties. Facing existential dread and the ultimate spiritual reckoning, the Wise Man desperately searches for belief among his students, revealing the tension between knowledge and faith in human understanding. This sets the stage for powerful explorations of belief, denial, and redemption that resonate throughout Yeats's work.
W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 1 (of 8) Poems Lyrical and Narrative
"The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 1 (of 8)" is a collection of poetry and prose written in the late 19th to early 20th century. This work presents a rich tapestry of Yeats's lyrical expressions, exploring themes of love, beauty, mythology, and the human experience through various poetic forms. The volume is characterized by both its introspective nature and its reflections on nature and the mystical connections inherent in life. The opening of this collection introduces readers to a variety of poems that showcase Yeats's distinctive style. It begins with "The Hosting of the Sidhe," evoking an ethereal scene of the faery host in motion, accompanied by an exploration of timeless beauty and passion in works like "The Fisherman" and "The Song of Wandering Aengus." Other poems, such as "The Lover Tells of the Rose in His Heart," delve into themes of unrequited love and longing, setting a tone of bittersweet nostalgia. Throughout this initial section, readers are invited to traverse a world where the mystical and the real intertwine, filled with emotional depth and lyrical beauty, as Yeats weaves together personal and collective mythologies.
W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 8 (of 8) Discoveries. Edmund Spenser. Poetry and Tradition; and Other Essays. Bibliography
"The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 8 (of 8)" is a collection of essays and poetic writings likely penned in the early 20th century. This volume encompasses various writings by Yeats, which delve into the themes of art, poetry, tradition, and the cultural landscape of his time. It reflects on the emotional and aesthetic dimensions of human experience, exploring how art and literature are intertwined with the broader societal context. At the start of the volume, the opening portion introduces the context of a theatrical performance in a west of Ireland town, involving a company of players and a young priest who has invited them. Yeats observes the contrasting ambiance of the half-ruined ballroom where the play unfolds, juxtaposing it against the surrounding town and its artistic developments, such as altar sculptures created by Irish artists. The narrative reveals Yeats's critical engagement with contemporary drama and his expectations for art, expressing a dichotomy between the elevated aspirations for artistic expression and the sometimes disheartening realities of audience reception. Through reflections on the play's performance and the misalignment between heroic themes and the audience's engagement, Yeats establishes a profound meditation on the role of the artist and the essence of human experience in relation to the arts.
W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 5 (of 8) The Celtic Twilight and Stories of Red Hanrahan
"The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 5 (of 8)" is a collection of poetry and prose written in the late 19th to early 20th century. This volume features Yeats’s exploration of Irish folklore, myth, and spirituality, particularly focusing on themes surrounding the fae and the complexities of belief and artistry in Ireland. The work is notable for its rich imagery and introspective commentary on the nature of storytelling and existence. The opening of this volume sets a contemplative tone, as Yeats introduces "The Celtic Twilight," a tapestry of tales informed by the narratives he absorbed from the Irish countryside and its people. He reflects on his desire to create a world that encapsulates the beauty and significance of Ireland, intertwining personal beliefs with those of the peasantry. Yeats begins with a particular figure, Paddy Flynn, a genial old storyteller, whose tales of faeries, ghosts, and the charm of commonplace life ground the narrative in the deeply rooted folklore. Through Flynn’s accounts and Yeats’s poetic prose, readers are invited into a mystical realm where belief, memory, and the haunting beauty of the Irish landscape converge.
W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 7 (of 8) The Secret Rose. Rosa Alchemica. The Tables of the Law. The Adoration of the Magi. John Sherman and Dhoya
"The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 7 (of 8)" by William Butler Yeats is a collection of poetry, prose, and stories likely written in the early 20th century. This volume includes various works that explore themes of spirituality, Irish identity, and the conflict between the natural and the supernatural. It is a reflection of Yeats's deep engagement with Irish folklore, mythology, and the complexities of human experience, capturing the struggles between higher aspirations and earthly desires. At the start of this volume, readers are introduced to several pieces, beginning with "The Secret Rose," where Yeats emphasizes the mystical journey of the soul, hinting at the interplay of beauty and suffering. The opening portion includes a dedication to a fellow poet, asserting that the stories presented are unified in their exploration of spiritual conflicts. "The Crucifixion of the Outcast" introduces a gleeman named Cumhal, whose journey results in a poignant commentary on the nature of existence, highlighting themes of exile and the brutality faced by those at odds with societal norms, foreshadowing the intense emotional and philosophical explorations that define Yeats's oeuvre.
W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 2 (of 8) The King's Threshold. On Baile's Strand. Deirdre. Shadowy Waters
"The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 2 (of 8)" is a collection of dramatic works and poetry written in the early 20th century. This volume includes plays such as "The King's Threshold," "On Baile's Strand," and "Deirdre," showcasing Yeats's exploration of themes related to Irish mythology, cultural identity, and the interplay between art and society. The collection serves as a testament to Yeats's significant contributions to literature, particularly in the realm of poetic drama. The opening of "The King's Threshold" introduces the character Seanchan, a proud and revered poet who faces the consequences of a royal decree that has stripped him of his rightful place at the king's table. The narrative unfolds as King Guaire seeks to persuade Seanchan to eat and abandon his self-imposed starvation, motivated by the repercussions of their conflict on both their reputations. Through dialogues among Seanchan, his pupils, and the king's officials, themes of artistic integrity, societal values, and the struggles of the creative spirit are woven into the fabric of the story, setting the stage for an examination of the tensions between power, art, and personal dignity.
W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 6 (of 8) Ideas of Good and Evil
"The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 6" is a compilation of Yeats's writings, which includes essays and poetry, likely written in the early 20th century. This volume, focusing on themes of popular poetry, the philosophy of notable poets, and the intersection of art and magic, showcases Yeats's deep engagement with Irish culture and literary tradition. Readers can expect contemplations on the nature of poetry, how it reflects cultural identity, and the connection between imaginative expression and reincarnation of ancient myths and beliefs. The opening portion of this volume introduces Yeats’s thoughts on 'popular poetry.' He reflects on his youthful discussions within his literary circle about Irish poets, expressing a desire for a unique style that resonates with the Irish people rather than adhering strictly to English forms. He muses on the potential beauty in simplicity and seeks ways to capture the deep emotional currents of the Irish experience. By critiquing popular poets' engagements with their cultural heritage, Yeats sets the stage for a broader exploration of how poetry connects to national identity and personal sentiment throughout the collection.
W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 3 (of 8) The Countess Cathleen. The Land of Heart's Desire. The Unicorn from the Stars
"The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 3 (of 8)" is a collection of plays and poems written in the early 20th century. This volume includes major works such as "The Countess Cathleen," "The Land of Heart's Desire," and "The Unicorn from the Stars," showcasing Yeats's exploration of themes like love, sacrifice, and the interplay between the mundane and the mystical. The characters often navigate a world rich with Irish folklore, reflecting Yeats’s longing for a past that intertwines with the present. The opening of this volume begins with "The Countess Cathleen," set in a war-torn Ireland where famine and despair reign. We are introduced to a peasant family—their concerns about the famine and strange happenings in the woods intertwine with the arrival of the titular Countess, who is portrayed as a figure of compassion and hope. As they converse, themes of sacrifice and the lurking presence of demons hint at the dark choices facing the characters amidst their plight. The blend of realism and mythical elements in the dialogue creates an atmosphere rife with tension, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of human desires against the backdrop of spiritual conflicts.
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