Walter Macken : Critical Perspectives

Drawing on a variety of theoretical approaches from historical criticism, to narrative theory and gender studies, the overview articles as well as the in-depth analyses and interpretations assembled in this volume address issues that are of particular relevance to Irish literary and cultural studies today. They shed light on the historicity of some and the topicality of other aspects of Macken's ideas about community life, the promises and pitfalls of 20th- century capitalism, sex, gender and sexuality (with a special emphasis on Macken's construction of masculinity), generational conflicts, emigration and questions of ethnicity. They also evaluate Macken's 'sensational' realist aesthetics and their ideological implications. In an interview with the editors, Macken's sons share personal memories revolving around issues such as their father's writing routines in the family home in Oughterard or the author's marriage to Peggy Macken.