In the Republic

 

Yeats, W.B. Plays and controversies. London: Macmillan and Co., 1923.

Yeats compiled this volume from reprinted works from his journal Samhain in hopes that the new government, the Dáil Éireann, would establish an Irish State Theatre. Author’s presentation copy to Lennox Robinson: “Lennox Robinson from his friend W.B. Yeats / Feb. 27, 1924”

Mac Liammóir, MicheálTheatre in Ireland. Dublin: Published for the Cultural Relations Committee of Ireland by Colm O Lochlainn, 1950.

Micheál Mac Liammóir (1899-1978) was born Alfred Willmore, but changed his name upon joining the Gaelic League. He and his partner Hilton Edwards founded Dublin’s Gate Theatre in 1928. Printer Colm O Lochlainn (1892-1972) founded the Candle Press in 1916 and At the Sign of the Three Candles Press in 1926. He had been captain of the intelligence section and an executive member of the Irish Volunteers during the Rising. After Ireland’s infamous neutrality during World War II, the Department of External Affairs during the 13the Dáil government wanted to promote tourism in Ireland with “cultural propaganda” and so established the Cultural Relations Committee to produce works on art, film, theatre, national libraries, student programs and exchanges, and exhibitions.

National Tourist Publicity Organisation of IrelandAn TóstalIreland at home. Dublin: Published by the National Tourist Publicity Organisation of Ireland, 1953.

Commemorative book written to accompany the first An Tóstal tourist festival, events of which were held throughout Ireland between April 5 and 26, 1953. It was the first major attempt by the government to tap the potential of the Irish diaspora. This publication includes essays by Sean O’Faolain on the Irish theatre and Seamus Kelly on art in Ireland.