In the five novels by Ireland's greatest comic writer we can explore the full range of his invention, from the multi-layered madness of At Swim-Two-Birds to the piercing realism of The Hard Life and the surreal logic of The Third Policeman.
Brian O’Nolan Books
October 5, 1911 – April 1, 1966
This Irish author is considered a pivotal figure in twentieth-century Irish literature, renowned for his novels that blend bizarre humor with modernist metafiction. His work is celebrated for its intricate wordplay and philosophical depth, offering sharp, often ironic, commentary on society and the human condition. The author masterfully navigates various literary traditions, creating a distinctive voice that is both intellectually stimulating and wildly entertaining. His profound engagement with Irish culture and language contributes to a unique literary output that continues to captivate readers.
Myles Before Myles
- 280 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Presents a selection of writings from the pen of Brian O'Nolan (aka Flann O'Brien, Myles na Gopaleen, George Knowall). This title reveals that some of his wittiest and most unusual were published years before Myles na Gopaleen (or Flann O'Brien) had even been born, and were destined to lie in almost complete obscurity for many decades.
The Poor Mouth
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
The classic satire from the renowned comic and acclaimed author of `At Swim- Two-Birds' - Flann O'Brien.
Various Lives of Keats and Chapman
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
The fictional escapades of Chapman and Keats, based on the translator of Homer and the key Romantic poet respectively, that make up this volume highlight the extraordinary talent of Flann O'Brien.
Myles Away from Dublin
- 272 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Writing his column Bones of Contention for the Nationalist and Leinster Times, the author took on the character of the quizzical and enquiring humorist who might be found in a respectable public house in Carlow: erudite, urbane and informative.
The Dalkey Archive
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
From the author of the classic novel `At-Swim-Two-Birds' comes this ingenious tale which follows the mad and absurd ambitions of a scientist determined to destroy the world.
Short Fiction of Flann O'Brien
- 159 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Presents a collection of short stories and part of an unfinished novel by the Irish writer. 5 of the stories have been translated from Irish.
»EIN Anfang und EIN Ende pro Buch waren etwas, das mir nicht behagte.« Damit spricht der Dubliner Student Bran aus, was programmatisch für das ganze Buch gilt. Auf Schwimmen-zwei-Vögel beginnt mit drei Anfängen. Es ist ein Roman im Roman über das Romanschreiben. Bran, der meist im Bett liegt, reichlich dem braunen Starkbier und dem Whiskey zuspricht, denkt nebenbei über einen Roman nach und entwirft dabei die Figur des noch fauleren Desmond Trellis. Dieser erfindet seinerseits Figuren wie beispielsweise den altirische Barden Finn Mac Cool, der wie ein Running-Gag auf- und wegtaucht und laufend Verse von sich gibt. Doch Trellis' Figuren werden aufmüpfig gegenüber ihrem erfundenen Erfinder, sind unzufrieden mit dem ihnen zugedachten »Leben« und nehmen dieses kurz entschlossen selber in die Hand. Diverse Handlungsstränge spielen sich auf mehreren, sich überschneidenden Ebenen ab, die Grenzen zwischen den Genres heben sich auf. Zitate, Wortspiele, epische Heldensagen, Lexikaauszüge, abgelauschte Gespräche von Dubliner Kleinbürgern u.a.m. fügen sich zu einer kunstvollen und zugleich äußerst witzigen Textcollage.
