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King Richard McRoyal or The Dream of an
Antiquarian A gentle satire directed against the cult of `antiquarianism': the intellectual snobbery exhibited by those who pretend wisdom in all things ancient. Other traits and customs of the author's countrymen come in for mockery, such as excessive eating and drinking, the obscurity of the law, and tardiness in debt settlement. The plot is a journey undertaken by an `antiquarian' who suffers an identity crisis and thinks himself to be a Round Tower born only to puzzle posterity. On medical advice he sets out for the Kingdom of King Richard - `Bonnemara' - where he can study the strange manners of the inhabitants. King Richard is satirically modelled on Peter The Great, the champion of modernity. The full title reads: King Richard McRoyal or the Dream of an Antiquarian, Showing Brief Glimpses of the Writer's State of Health and the Great Advantages of an Absolute Monarchy over a Mixed Government. The current edition (published by The Southern Education and Library Board, Armagh and now distributed by Colin Smythe) is the first publication ever, having been painstakingly typeset from Carleton's difficult handwriting. The scholarly introduction and footnotes by Dr Brady will be invaluable to students and admirers of Carleton's genius.
Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry,
Vol.1
0-86140-172-7p; 978-0-86140-172-7p £9.95
0-86140-173-5p; 978-0-86140-173-4p £9.95
Contains a bibliography of Carleton's books, original periodical contributions, subsequent printings in periodicals and anthologies, translations, criticism of Carleton's Works, and a list of libraries with significant Carleton holdings.
William Carlton - The Authentic Voice |
