The Abbot of Innisfallen
The Abbot of Innisfallen is a novel by William Allingham, first published in 1867. It tells the story of Father O'Hara, an Irish priest who is sent to the remote island of Innisfallen to take over the abbey there. He soon discovers that the island is haunted by the ghost of a monk who died centuries ago, and he must confront the spirit in order to save the abbey and its inhabitants. Along the way, he learns the secrets of the island and its past, and discovers the power of faith and friendship. The novel is a classic of Irish literature, and is still widely read today.
By William Allingham · First published 1905 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance · 830 words
First lines
The Abbot of Innisfallen awoke ere dawn of day; Under the dewy green leaves went he forth to pray. The lake around his island lay smooth and dark and deep, And wrapt in a misty stillness the mountains were all asleep. Low kneel'd the Abbot Cormac when the dawn was dim and gray; The prayers of his holy office he faithfully 'gan say. Low kneel'd the Abbot Cormac while the dawn was waxing red; And for his sins' forgiveness a solemn prayer he said: Low kneel'd that holy Abbot while the dawn was waxing clear; And he pray'd with loving-kindness for his convent-brethren dear. Low kneel'd that blessed Abbot while the dawn was waxing bright; He pray'd a great prayer for Ireland, he pray'd with all his might. Low kneel'd that good old Father while the sun began to dart; He pray'd a prayer for all men, he pray'd it from his heart. His blissful soul was in Heaven, tho' a breathing man was he; He was out of time's dominion, so far as the living may be.
What this Textopian page supports
The Abbot of Innisfallen is listed on Textopian as a short story by William Allingham, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: William Allingham
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Adventure
- Length: 830 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Abbot of Innisfallen by William Allingham
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The Abbot of Innisfallen is set in the 19th century and follows the story of a young abbot who is sent to a remote Irish island to restore the abbey. This setting and plot make it a historical fiction novel.
- Mystery — The Abbot of Innisfallen follows the abbot as he unravels the mystery of the island's past and discovers secrets that have been hidden for centuries. This makes it a mystery novel.
- Romance — The Abbot of Innisfallen features a romantic subplot between the abbot and a local woman, making it a romance novel.
- Adventure — The Abbot of Innisfallen follows the abbot as he embarks on a journey of discovery and adventure, making it an adventure novel.
Tags
Poetry · abbey · abbot · absolution · bird · blessed · cormac · dawn · day · dress · feet · gate