The Black Prophet: A Tale Of Irish Famine

by William Carleton

Overview

The Black Prophet centres upon an unsolved murder and the love affair between the niece of the victim and the son of his supposed killer, and the plot unfolds against the powerfully rendered background of the famine and typhus epidemic of 1817, which Carleton had witnessed at first hand. Yeats praised the novel's 'sombre and passionate dialogue', and said that 'all nature, and not merely man's nature, seems to pour out for me its inbred fatalism.' (Goodreads)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783962723897
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	08/15/2018
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	395
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

William Carleton (1794-1869) stands as a pivotal figure in 19th-century Irish literature, renowned for his vivid depictions of rural Irish life and his complex portrayal of the socio-political landscape of his time. Born in Prillisk, County Tyrone, Carleton's early life was steeped in the oral traditions and folklore of Ireland, which profoundly influenced his storytelling.Carleton's literary journey began with "Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry," a collection that brought him widespread acclaim and remains a cornerstone of Irish literature. His works are celebrated for their authenticity, capturing the dialect, customs, and hardships of the Irish peasantry with unparalleled realism. This authenticity, however, was not without controversy. Carleton's candid portrayals often drew ire from both the British authorities and Irish nationalists, as he navigated the delicate balance between critique and empathy.A convert from Catholicism to Anglicanism, Carleton's religious journey added layers of complexity to his identity and writings, often reflecting the tensions and divisions within Irish society. His nuanced approach to themes of poverty, land struggles, and religious conflict resonated deeply with contemporary readers and influenced subsequent Irish writers, including James Joyce and W.B. Yeats.Carleton's legacy lies not only in his literary contributions but also in his role as a social commentator. He championed the plight of the disenfranchised and used his pen to advocate for social reform, making him a revolutionary voice in his era. For modern readers, Carleton offers a window into the heart of 19th-century Ireland, with stories that continue to echo the struggles and spirit of its people.
William Carleton (4 March 1794, Prolusk (often spelt as Prillisk as on his gravestone), Clogher, County Tyrone – 30 January 1869, Sandford Road, Ranelagh, Dublin[1]) was an Irish writer and novelist. He is best known for his Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry, a collection of ethnic sketches of the stereotypical Irishman. (Excerpt from Wikipedia)