PREFACE. THIS little book, down to 1608, is an abridgment of my larger work, "A Short History of Ireland," of which the very words are used here as far as possible. The portion from 1608 to 1837 is new. The whole book is of necessity greatly condensed, containing much matter in little space: but it is not a cram book. It is a connected, intelligible narrative, into which I have tried to infuse some life and human interest. The series of short Chapters forming Part I., on the Literature, Art, and Institutions of ancient Ireland, will, I hope, prove useful; and perhaps they may be found interesting. In four of them I have given, in language as simple and clear as I could command, a popular exposition of a subject not easy to deal with-the Brehon Laws, including those relating to land. I have, I hope, written soberly and moderately, avoiding exaggeration and bitterness, and showing fair play all round. A writer may accomplish all this while sympathizing heartily, as I do, with Ireland and her people. P. W. J. LYRE-NA-GRENA, LEINSTER-ROAD, |