The setting, Transylvania, the writing style, High Victorian, the story's appeal, universal but the author of one of fiction's most famous and imitated works is Irish. Carstens Smith brings us the story of Bram Stoker, the creator of Dracula. Bram Stoker, whose name is less well known than that of his creation, "Count Dracula," was born in Dublin on November 8, 1847. He was … [Read more...] about Count Dracula’s Irish Creator
Book Review: Benediction at the Savoia
By Maire Crowe November 1992
Benediction at the Savoia is the perfect gift for those (teeming masses) who believe that the subculture of Irish America is lathered in Catholicity, drowned in drink, laden with neuroses, and — occasionally — leavened by a titter of wit. And if I am inclined to resist the story, while still standing in admiration at the skill of the storyteller, perhaps it is a measure of my … [Read more...] about Book Review: Benediction at the Savoia
First Word: Past and Future Presidents
A "carbuncled faced old drunkard," a "howling atheist," a "syphilitic lecher," a "pickpocket thief and murderer," a "crook and an anarchist." Hardly terms of denigration, but those are just some of the terms 19th century presidential candidates used against each other during their campaigns. It certainly puts terms from 1992 such as "draft dodger" and "wimp" in the kinder, … [Read more...] about First Word: Past and Future Presidents
Albert and Kathleen
By Brenda Power September 1992
The Reynolds At Home: A behind the scenes look at the private lives of the Taoiseach and his family. The stained pine garden shed under a mature tree on the lawn is actually a security hut, but the officer on duty seems to notice you almost as little as you do him until you get right up on the terrace outside the unlocked back door. Then he puts down his cup of tea … [Read more...] about Albert and Kathleen
Blazes Boylan
Compiled by Brian Rohan September 1992
Rape, Ireland's New Legacy The closing half of the twentieth century has been an awkward time for Ireland. A nation still only 70 years old, it has had more than its share of growing pains as it stumbles into maturity. Eamon de Valera's age of innocence in the 1930's, 40's and 50's has erupted in recent years, as a country formerly under the firm hand of the Catholic Church … [Read more...] about Blazes Boylan