Maria Edgeworth's Irish Writing: Language, History, Politics

Edgeworth is regarded as a pioneer in the development of the regional novel and the use of vernacular language. This study investigates her attitudes towards language and regionalism. It shows, by detailed discussion of her major Irish texts - Castle Rackrent, Essay on Irish Bulls, Ennui, The Absentee and Ormond - how her intellectual 'lunar' background, and her life in Ireland during the momentus years of the Union is reflected in the form and language of her writing.