Description

George William Russell, better known as Æ (1867-1935), mystic, poet, painter, journalist, editor, and practical rural economist, was a pivotal figure in the Irish literary revival and in the emergence of modern Ireland. From the beginning of the twentieth century he formed life-long friendships with W. B. Yeats, George Moore, Lord Dunsany, James Stephens, Stephen Mackenna (translator of the Enneads of Plotinus), James Joyce, and other writers, thinkers, and artists, and was closely associated with the Irish National Theatre Society (later the Abbey Theatre). Coracle Press has undertaken to republish many of the works of Æ as well as studies of his work by others. John Eglinton's Memoir, first published in 1937, two years after Æ's death, provides both broad views and incisive insights into the man, as could only be done by one who shared many of his gifts, many of his friends, and knew him well.