Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from The Poets of Ireland: A Biographical and Bibliographical, Dictionary of Irish, Writers of English Verse
The very imperfect work issued by me under the same title twenty years ago, although brought out under many disadvantages, met with such success that from the first I was encouraged to contemplate an improved edition in a form more worthy of its subject.
Originally published in parts, and from the author's private residence, never: advertised or pushed in any way, conceived and carried through in London, away from the most fruitful sources of information, nevertheless, not only did the original parts go quickly out of print, but for some years hardly a week passed which did not bring its batch of interesting and suggestive correspondence from well-wishers and subscribers in the United Kingdom, America, and Australia con cerning the book.
It was warmly praised by the Press, which recognised its utility to all interested in Irish literary effort, and appreciated what it not unfairly described as the enthusiasm of the author.
But, if the work was received far more generously than I had expected, still, I, at least, never failed to observe its many defects and shortcomings. The information was too loosely strung together, it was often too vague and general, and occasionally the bibliographies lacked directness and method. I realised the want of a book of the kind on a more comprehensive plan.
No sooner was the original publication issued than I commenced to glean additional information from all available sources, and I continued that unwearying research which 'had become such a hobby with me that no occasion for increasing my rapidly accumulating material was allowed to slip.
From friendly correspondents in three Continents I gained many valuable items of information.
To such an extent did the work grow, that the edition which I am now, by the enterprise of 3. Dublin publisher, enabled to offer to the public, may almost claim to be an entirely new book.
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