George William Russell, better known as Æ (1867-1935), mystic, poet, painter, journalist, editor, and practical rural economist, was a pivotal figure in the Irish literary revival and in the emergence of modern Ireland. From the beginning of the twentieth century he formed life-long friendships with W. B. Yeats, George Moore, Lord Dunsany, James Stephens, Stephen Mackenna (translator of the Enneads of Plotinus), James Joyce, and other writers, thinkers, and artists, and was closely associated with the Irish National Theatre Society (later the Abbey Theatre). Russell's influence was as extensive in practical and political affairs as it was in the more intimate spiritual domain. The length and breadth of his thinking on the social issues of his day, which are only heightened in ours, is evident in this present work. But these letters are not solely interesting to students of literature and politics. Important though the correspondence is to the scholar, the overriding interest is autobiographical. Readers will warm to the vigorous idiosyncratic charm which emerges from these letters and will begin to understand why friendship with George William Russell was cherished by his friends. Of the editor, Alan Denson, the late Oliver St John Gogarty wrote: 'I do not know anyone who is better equipped to write about Æ.' Mr. Denson also compiled Printed Writings by G. W. Russell (Æ): A List with Some Notes on his Pictures and Portraits (available again from Coracle Press).
