This wide-ranging study of one of the most innovative, daring, and important poetic voices in contemporary Ireland analyzes Mebdh McGuckian’s entire corpus, offering both an original contribution to the field of contemporary Irish literary studies and a readable synthesis of existing criticism that will be useful to academics and students. Thematically and methodologically unique, the book examines previously neglected subjects in McGuckian’s work, in particular the poet’s exploration of creativity and performativity, while also emphasizing the cohesiveness of individual volumes in light of the poet’s constant change and development. This critical investigation allows readers a deeper understanding of McGuckian’s topical preoccupations and the evolution of her distinctive poetic voice.
Published by Bucknell University Press. Distributed worldwide by Rutgers University Press.
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Introduction
1. Literary Performance in Medbh McGuckian’s Early Volumes: The Flower Master, Venus and the Rain, On Ballycastle Beach, and Marconi’s Cottage
2. The Politicized Aesthetic in Captain Lavender, Shelmalier, and Drawing Ballerinas
3. Death and Spirituality in The Face of the Earth, Had I a Thousand Lives, and The Book of the Angel
4. Inward Journeys: The Currage Requires No Harbour, My Love Has Fared Inland, and The High Caul Cap
5. Thematic Readings of Medbh McGuckian’s Work
Afterword: How to End It All
Awards
Bibliography
Index
