Edward Larrissy Books

This collection of specially commissioned essays, by both established and younger scholars, provides a fresh as well as authoritative view of the works of W.B. Yeats, a poet who is not just one of the great figures of Irish literature, but of world literature. Interest in Yeats is continually growing, 70 years after his death. These essays offer a comprehensive series of readings, not only of the poems but also of the plays, and remain mindful of the daring thought and subtly innovative technique of a poet whose complex identity and changing political views cannot be summed up with easy labels. They also offer a survey of recent criticism, and reassess Yeats' Protestant background, his interest in esoteric traditions, his orientalism, his chief philosophical affiliations, his concepts of gender, and the way we should look at his life, including his relationships with women. This book will prove indispensable for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of this extraordinary poet.

First published in 1994, this work by Routledge, an imprint of Taylor & Francis, offers valuable insights into its subject matter. The book is designed to engage readers with its thorough analysis and scholarly approach, making it a significant contribution to its field. It reflects the academic rigor and quality associated with Routledge publications, appealing to both students and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the topic.

This study shows how Yeats moved from passionate identification with the idea of Ireland in his early work, through a period in which he re-emphasizes his Anglo-Irish inheritance and its difference from that of Catholics, to a new sense of unity in his later work, founded on the belief that the Gaelic and the Anglo-Irish aristocracies were fundamentally alike.