Standish o'Grady
The Standish O'Grady by George William Russell is a novel set in Ireland during the time of the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The story follows the life of Standish O'Grady, an Irishman who becomes involved with the United Irishmen and their struggle for independence from British rule. Throughout the novel, O'Grady faces many challenges as he tries to balance his loyalty to his country with his love for a woman named Eileen. The book is known for its vivid descriptions of life in Ireland during this tumultuous time period and its exploration of themes such as patriotism, love, and sacrifice.
By George William Russell · First published 1895 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Mythology, Epic · 3,118 words
First lines
In this age we read so much that we lay too great a burden on the imagination. It is unable to create images which are the spiritual equivalent of the words on the printed page, and reading becomes for too many an occupation of the eye rather than of the mind. How rarely, out of the multitude of volumes a man reads in his lifetime, can he remember where or when he read any particular book, or with any vividness recall the mood it evoked in him. When I close my eyes, and brood in memory over the books which most profoundly affected me, I find none excited my imagination more than Standish O'Grady's epical narrative of Cuculain. Whitman said of his Leaves of Grass: "Camerado, this is no book. Who touches this touches a man," and O'Grady might have boasted of his Bardic History of Ireland, written with his whole being, that there was more than a man in it, there was the soul of a people, its noblest and most exalted life symbolized in the story of one heroic character.
What this Textopian page supports
Standish o'Grady is listed on Textopian as a short story by George William Russell, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: George William Russell
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Mythology, Epic, Cultural Heritage, Fantasy
- Length: 3,118 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Standish o'Grady by George William Russell
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Heroes by George William Russell
- King Byrge And His Brothers by George Borrow
- Young Swaigder Or The Force Of Runes by George Borrow
- The Renegade From The Polish Of Mickiewicz by George Borrow
- The People by W. B. Yeats
- The Red Moon Of Meru by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is deeply rooted in the historical and legendary past of Ireland, focusing on figures like Cuculain and the Red Branch.
- Mythology — The book draws heavily on Irish myths and legends, bringing to life ancient heroes and their epic tales.
- Epic — The writing style and themes are reminiscent of epic poetry, with grandiose storytelling and heroic characters.
- Cultural Heritage — The work emphasizes the importance of Irish cultural identity and heritage, aiming to revive national pride.
Tags
Irish literature · mythology · nationalism · historical fiction · identity · cultural heritage · folklore · romanticism · heroism · struggle · landscape · spirituality