Some twenty and odd years ago there stood a little cabin at the foot of a round hill, that very much resembled a cupola in shape, and which, from its position and height, commanded a prospect of singular beauty. This hill was one of a range that ran from north to southwest; but in consequence of its standing, as it were, somewhat out of the ranks, its whole appearance and character as a distinct feature of the country were invested with considerable interest to a scientific eye, especially...

Excerpt: "One day about the middle of November, in the year 18—, Dominick M'Evoy and his son Jemmy were digging potatoes on the side of a hard, barren hill, called Esker Dhu. The day was bitter and wintry, the men were thinly clad, and as the keen blast swept across the hill with considerable violence, the sleet-like rain which it bore along pelted into their garments with pitiless severity. The father had advanced into more than middle age; and having held, at a rack-rent the miserable wa...

Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity. All his acquaintances knew that Phil was a knave of the first water, yet was he decidedly a general favourite. Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in ...

"The Ned M'Keown Stories" is a series of tales written by William Carleton, an Irish author renowned for his portrayals of rural life in Ireland during the 19th century. The stories are part of Carleton's collection titled "Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry," which offers rich insights into the customs, traditions, and struggles of the Irish people, particularly those living in the countryside.Ned M'Keown is a recurring character in Carleton's works, and he serves as a representati...

In "The Emigrants of Ahadarra," Carleton explores the theme of emigration, a significant phenomenon in Irish history, particularly during the 19th century when many Irish people left their homeland due to economic hardship, famine, and social and political instability.The story revolves around a group of peasants from the fictional village of Ahadarra in rural Ireland who decide to emigrate to America in search of a better life. Carleton vividly depicts the hopes, fears, and aspirations of...

"Phelim O'Toole's Courtship" is one of the short stories included in this collection. Each story in the collection offers a glimpse into the lives of the Irish peasantry, providing readers with insights into the cultural and social dynamics of the time.Carleton's writing style combines humor, satire, and social commentary, making his works both entertaining and reflective of the realities of Irish rural life during his era. "Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry" as a whole is a signif...

"The Evil Eye; Or, The Black Spector" is a short story written by William Carleton, an Irish author known for his works depicting rural life in Ireland during the 19th century. William Carleton was renowned for his vivid portrayal of Irish customs, traditions, and folklore.In "The Evil Eye; Or, The Black Spector," Carleton likely explores themes related to superstition, fear, and the supernatural. The title suggests a tale of mystery and intrigue, perhaps involving the belief in the evil e...

Excerpt: "There are some griefs so deep and overwhelming, that even the best exertions of friendship and sympathy are unequal to the task of soothing or dispelling them. Such was the grief of Ellen Duncan, who was silently weeping in her lone cottage on the borders of Clare—a county at that time in a frightful state of anarchy and confusion. Owen Duncan, her husband, at the period about which our tale commences, resided in the cabin where he was born and reared, and to which, as well as a ...

Excerpt: "There never was a more unfounded calumny, than that which would impute to the Irish peasantry an indifference to education. I may, on the contrary, fearlessly assert that the lower orders of no country ever manifested such a positive inclination for literary acquirements, and that, too, under circumstances strongly calculated to produce carelessness and apathy on this particular subject." This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.

In "The Tithe-Proctor," Carleton portrays the character of Larry Toole, a tithe-proctor who collects tithes on behalf of the Anglican Church. Toole is depicted as a ruthless and oppressive figure, feared and despised by the local peasants for his harsh methods of collection.The story unfolds against the backdrop of the poverty and hardship experienced by the Irish peasants, who are burdened by heavy rents and taxes imposed by absentee landlords and the Church of Ireland. Toole's actions ex...

The novel tells the story of Fardorougha Sullivan, a miserly landlord living in rural Ireland during the early 19th century. Fardorougha's obsession with hoarding wealth and his refusal to spend money have far-reaching consequences for himself, his family, and the community around him. The novel explores themes of greed, family dynamics, social hierarchy, and the impact of poverty on individuals and society.Carleton's vivid portrayal of Irish rural life, his use of dialect and folklore, an...

Excerpt: "After the reader shall, have perused the annexed startling and extraordinary narrative, on which I have founded the tale of the Tithe-Proctor, I am sure he will admit that there is very little left me to say in the shape of a preface. It is indeed rarely, that ever a document, at once so authentic and powerful, has been found prefixed to any work of modern Irish Fiction—proceeding as it does, let me add, from the pen of a gentleman whose unassuming character and modesty are only ...