The Selected Letters

by Molly Keane (Foreword), Gifford Lewis (Foreword), E.OE.Somerville (Author), Martin Ross (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1989

  $4.23

  Edith Somerville and Violet Martin came from impoverished but resourceful Anglo-Irish landlord families. From 1886-1915 they collaborated on numerous novels and short stories, often illustrated by Edith, and published under the names of Somerville and Ross. In the 20 years up to 1906, when they started to live together, they exchanged hundreds of letters. Thereafter, although the correspondence was more sporadic, it is supplemented here with extracts from their diaries and with letters to Edith's sister, Hildegarde. They are full of lively and close observation and often record aspects of Irish life previously unremarked by male writers. Their portrait of Ireland between 1856 and 1915 is comprehensive and valuable. The letters chronicle the last days of a society centred on the great house and chart the course of an unusual collaboration between two gifted women. Somerville and Ross also wrote The Real Charlotte and Some Experiences of an Irish RM .

• Used

  Paperback
  1991

  $3.28

  Edith Somerville, 1858-1949, and Violet Martin Ross, 1862-1915, are among the best known names in English-Irish literature. They were cousins who entered a literary partnership that produced the 19th century Irish novel, The Real Charlotte and its series of comic stories, Some Experiences of an Irish RM . Somerville and Ross exchanged many hundreds of letters - which were often lively and full of close observation. The letters are amused, intelligent and curious, recording aspects of Irish life previously overlooked. Their portrait of Ireland - during a momentous 30-year period up to 1915 - is both vivid and comprehensive. The letters chronicle the last days of the big house and chart the course of a unique collection between two gifted and unusual women.