Gerald Griffin was one of modern Ireland's most popular authors of the early nineteenth century. Having sought and failed to find fame in London as a dramatist, he recognized in his friend John Banim's success the potential for stories and novels about life in Ireland. Indeed, Griffin may have emulated John and Michael Banim in many respects, such as in his initial interest in drama. But Griffin's work was never imitative nor derivative, however much the Banims' example stirred him to write. The greatest examples of success, for most writers of the era, were Walter Scott and, in Ireland, Maria Edgeworth. For regional writers examining the lives and characters of Irish peasants as well as those of higher society, however, the growing reputation of William Carleton provided encouragement and inspiration. Griffin held his own with all these, and sometimes his work was superior.

Although his first two collections...