Lofty history meets lyric reflection in a rare 1874 poetry volume.
This collection blends broad historical notes with vivid, narrative verse, tracing the wanderings of the last Desmond and the lives of Ireland’s past through intimate, atmospheric scenes. Rich with place and legend, it mingles poems, sonnets, and occasional pieces that illuminate Kerry's landscapes, Glengarriff, Ross Castle, and the wild coastlines that shaped a nation.
From a panoramic introduction to a multi-part epic, the book invites readers to walk with the Desmonds, listen to ballads like Sorleboy, and glimpse the tempers of a tumultuous era. Readers encounter a poet’s eye for detail—mountain passes, sea coves, and old castles—paired with reflections on faith, loyalty, and memory. Though the work leans into historical atmosphere, it stays largely focused on mood, narrative impulse, and the human scale of historical moments.
- A historical-lyrical journey that pairs epic scenes with personal meditations
- Vivid descriptions of Irish landscapes, castles, and coastlines
- Ballads, sonnets, and occasional pieces that illuminate love, loss, and loyalty
- Contextual introductions and notes that frame the poetic wanderings without heavy documentary detail
Ideal for readers who enjoy historical poetry, locally rooted settings, and lyrical meditations on courage, memory, and place.