Thomas Kilroy, Ireland's leading intellectual playwright, has, over the span of a fifty-year career, consistently resisted fixed categories and boundaries in both his stagecraft and the themes of his plays.
The book examines the portrayal of Irish travellers, or 'tinkers', in literature from the early nineteenth century to the present. It analyzes how these characters are often depicted as the 'primitive' Other in the context of Irish identity politics, reflecting societal attitudes and tensions. Through a detailed exploration of various literary works, the study reveals the evolution of the 'tinker' figure, highlighting shifts from a scapegoat role to a more nuanced representation that embodies the complexities of Anglo-Irish identity during different historical periods.
Exploring the literary contributions of Darrell Figgis, Eimar O'Duffy, Austin Clarke, Flann O'Brien, and Mervyn Wall, this book examines how their works reflect and respond to significant political and social changes. It delves into the authors' unique perspectives and the impact of their writings on the cultural landscape, providing insights into the interplay between literature and the evolving societal context.