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Through the rich and engrossing life of Stephen Gwynn (1864–1950), an alternative history of Ireland can be traced, one which envisaged a moderate form of Irish self-government, nationalist rapprochement with the British Empire, and the healing of the bitter divisions. Gwynn was the most prominent Protestant member of John Redmond’s Irish Parliamentary Party. He was also an active participant in the Gaelic language and Irish literature revival, and acted as a literary advisor to the Macmillan publishing house of London, providing an invaluable conduit between Irish authors and a major British publisher. As such, Gwynn offers a unique insight into the overlapping of these worlds, and his experiences illuminate many facets of the complex political and cultural psychologies in the Ireland of his time.
Newly available in paperback, this book will interest scholars and students of modern Irish and British history, and those interested in the development of cultural movements in Ireland during the age of W. B. Yeats.
'As this decade of commemoration of war and revolution begins, it is vital that we remember those who were left behind as the new Ireland was created. This biography makes a vital contribution to this endeavour'.
Senia Paseta, Economic History Review, CCXXVIII. 533|'Reid has produced a compelling analysis, which goes well beyond the biographical and uses the substantial archives and literary output of Gwynn to shed new light on the tension and missed opportunities of a generation of Irish reformers.'
Eugenio Biagini, The Historical Journal, volume 55, issue 4
Introduction
1. Family politics and early life 1864–86
2. Exile in England 1886–1904
3. Political cultures and cultural politics 1904–09
4. Home Rule triumphant 1909–14
5. Ireland’s sacrifices 1914–17
6. Redmondism’s last stand? 1917–18
7. Holding the centre 1919–22
8. Spiritually hyphenated 1922–26
9. Final years 1927–50
Conclusion
Select bibliography
Index