Stephen J. M. Brown compiles a comprehensive bibliography of Irish fiction, expanding significantly upon his earlier work of nineteen ten. The volume classifies novels and tales alphabetically by author, providing objective descriptive notes for each entry rather than offering critical reviews or moral judgments. The primary scope encompasses works published in volume form that depict Irish life, culture, or history, whether written by Irish authors or foreigners.
In the prefaces, the author explains his methodology, acknowledging the assistance of numerous librarians, scholars, and publishers who contributed reviews and data. He addresses the deliberate exclusion of fiction written in the Irish language, citing the vast mass of unprinted manuscripts and the distinct bibliographic requirements for Gaelic literature. The work aims to serve as a practical reference tool for general readers, booksellers, school heads, and public libraries.
Following the main author-by-author listing, the book includes several specialized appendices. These lists categorize Irish fiction by genre and subject matter, specifically covering historical novels, Gaelic epic and romantic literature, folklore and legend, fairy tales for children, clerical life, and humorous books. Additional sections provide useful works of reference, lists of publishers and series, and notes concerning Irish fiction published in contemporary periodicals.
The volume concludes with a combined title and subject index, which facilitates the use of the book for research purposes. Throughout the text, the author maintains a strict adherence to factual recordation over personal opinion. The guide preserves the memory of countless obscure and forgotten works, ensuring that they remain accessible as a storehouse of social history and cultural background.
Ultimately, the guide provides a foundational survey of Anglo-Irish fiction up to the early twentieth century. By organizing the material systematically, Brown lays groundwork that anticipated future developments in the history of Irish literature. The work remains an indispensable starting point for scholars exploring the literary output inspired by Ireland and its diaspora.
