Love of the World

This definitive book brings together all the surviving non-fiction of John McGahern, whose novels have entered the canon of modern prose.
While nearly all of McGahern's creative energy went into his novels and stories, his non-fiction writings are of interest to anyone who cares about his work, and to all those interested in the recent history of Ireland and its culture. After he had become a public figure following the overwhelming popular success of Amongst Women, McGahern regularly made lucid and far-sighted public interventions on large issues that concerned him: sectarianism, women's rights, social change, the power of the Church in Ireland.
He rarely reviewed books, but when he did - often in laconic ways - his insights were profound. And fiercely discriminating as he was, he delighted in recommending the work of neglected or forgotten writers, such as the American novelist John Williams or the Canadian short-story writer Alistair MacLeod. His discussions of Irish writers who influenced him are generous, brilliant and substantial - among them Michael McLaverty, Ernie O'Malley and Forrest Reid. Here too is McGahern's essay on the Irish-language classic An tOileanach (The Islandman), Tomas O Criomhthain's account of a traditional society on the verge of extinction. Other great writers - Tolstoy, Chekhov, Auden, Proust, Joyce - are cited too, and always with deep and subtle appreciation.
Love of the World also contains surprises like the pieces he wrote on his travels (to Morocco, Paris and the Newcastle Hippodrome), and haunting descriptions of his native Leitrim and the tense border region between Ireland North and South.