This book, originally published in 1978. was the first full-length critical study of the life and works of the Irish writer Gerald Griffin (1803 1840), who is best known for his once celebrated romantic novel The Collegians. After an unsuccessful start in London in the 1820s, he turned to the writing of regional novels and tales. He hoped these would give the English public a realistic picture of contemporary Ireland, and would induce them to reconsider their often antagonistic attitude to the Irish. Dr Cronin gives a full account of Griffin's life and literary career, and traces his gradual...