Great Irish Authors

Offering an introduction to influential Irish writers from the early 18th century forward, the three-part Great Irish Authors—filmed in Ireland—reminds viewers of the deep literary history associated with the island nation. Host William Ambrose begins with a look at ancient times, noting the peoples who dominated Ireland until the coming of the Celts from continental Europe, before covering St. Patrick's crucial influence in converting the nation to Christianity, devastating Viking raids, and living under English domination. When the latter somewhat subsided in the 16th century, a rise in homegrown Irish authorship emerged. Great Irish Authors presents a chronological series of short literary biographies and analyses, beginning with Jonathan Swift, the satirist whose 1726 Gulliver's Travels made him the first Irish scribe to gain international attention. In succession, viewers also meet novelist Oliver Goldsmith (The Vicar of Wakefield); Oscar Wilde, the hugely successful playwright, essayist, and novelist imprisoned for his homosexuality; and Bram Stoker, whose 1897 Dracula introduced both a sexually-charged horror novel and an iconic monster. Parts 2 and 3 cover playwright George Bernard Shaw (Pygmalion, Saint Joan); William Butler Yeats, father of the Irish literary revival in the early 20th century; and James Joyce, whose iconic Ulysses is discussed; along with Seán O'Casey, Liam O'Flaherty, Samuel Beckett, Iris Murdoch, C.S. Lewis, Brendan Behan, Edna O'Brien, and Frank McCourt. The series ends with Seamus Heaney reading his poem “Digging,” an example of the continuing strong Irish literary tradition. DVD extras include an educator's guide, timeline, and reading list. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Keogh)