As one would expect for the development of a language in a newly founded independent State, the literary and historical period, 1922-1939, which is portrayed in this book, proved to be vibrant and controversial but lacking in definitive direction. Consequently, progress was incidental rather than pragmatic. As O'Leary adeptly demonstrates, the perseverance of certain language and literary enthusiasts during this period allowed the early seeds of the Gaelic Revival to come to fruition. In this light one can fully appreciate the progress made in the ensuing era, in which writers, such as Mairtin O Cadhain, and Liam O Rinn, and national events, such as the Oireachtas, guided Gaelic literature into the second half of the twentieth century. In this work, which may be considered to be the long anticipated sequel to The Prose Literature of the Gaelic Revival 1881-1921: Ideology and Innovation (1994), Philip O'Leary traces the challenges and controversies facing the creation and development of a modern literature in the Irish language in 'a new state trying to establish its own validity both abroad and at home' (p.2). He sets the scene immediately with the acknowledgement that linguistic, cultural, and political issues were inextricably linked, due in no small way to post-Civil War issues. While this research furnishes a valuable insight into the many literary questions that arose during the period 1922-1939, its more significant value lies in the discerning critical analysis which O'Leary provides in unveiling the many and varied perspectives on life and literature in the foundation years of the Irish Free State. This, coupled with the comprehensive lists of literary material which emerge at various points throughout this work, make it essential reading material and a fundamental source for the cultural and literary study of Irish language literature in the years 1922-1939.
