Correspondence from the papers of Canon Sheehan of Doneraile 1888-1913
edited by James O'Brien
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This book is a collection of canon Sheehan of Doneraile’s in-coming correspondence drawn from more than half a dozen archival deposits in the united States and in ireland. While swathes of his papers were destroyed after his death, substantial quantities of material are still extant due mainly to Fr Herman J. Heuser’s preparations for his biography of Sheehan which appeared in 1917. Most of it has not been previously published.
Extending over the period 1888–1913, the book is a pendant to e Collected Letters of Canon Sheehan of Doneraile, compiled in 2013 to commemorate the centenary of the poet pastor’s death. as such, it provides a partial diptych to the literary, philosophical and religious conversation conducted in the earlier book and a ords interesting insights into the concerns of both canon Sheehan and of his wide range of correspondents on subjects connected with contemporary international catholic literary movements as well as on their assessments of the wider literary and philosophical currents asserting in uence in the united States, Great britain, France, belgium, italy, Germany and Scandinavia prior to the Great War. it provides essential background information for an understanding of the evolution of canon Sheehan’s literary career. e correspondence also a ords a glimpse of the wide diversity of literary interests and outlooks among writers in ireland during the decades from 1890 to 1914, of which the irish literary revival movement was but one. 
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Reviews:
Reading through this beautifully produced volume is to share, at more than a century's remove, in the pleasure he [Canon Sheehan] must surely have felt at the recognition by men and women of discrimination and experience at what he was trying to achieve in his writings, in terms of literary quality, yes, but more significantly in terms of his vocation as a pastor and servant of the Church."
Continuing, Ms Segarra said that what was interesting in Sheehan's personality and so well reflected in his novels and poetry is that he attracted not just the admiration but the empathy of those who did not share his beliefs. Most notable among these correspondents was the distinguished jurist and long-serving judge of the United States Supreme Court, Oliver Wendell Holmes, who over the years became a devoted friend.
Michael McGrath quoting Professor Eda Segarra in The Corkman, 20 December 2017.
Continuing, Ms Segarra said that what was interesting in Sheehan's personality and so well reflected in his novels and poetry is that he attracted not just the admiration but the empathy of those who did not share his beliefs. Most notable among these correspondents was the distinguished jurist and long-serving judge of the United States Supreme Court, Oliver Wendell Holmes, who over the years became a devoted friend.
Michael McGrath quoting Professor Eda Segarra in The Corkman, 20 December 2017.