This volume of essays explores the multiple forms and functions of reading and writing in nineteenth-century Ireland. This century saw a dramatic transition in literacy levels and in the education and language practices of the Irish population, yet the processes and full significance of these transitions remains critically under explored. This book traces how understandings of literacy and language shaped national and transnational discourses of cultural identity, and the different reading communities produced by questions of language, religion, status, education and audience. Essays are gathered under four main areas of analysis: Literacy and Bilingualism; Periodicals and their readers; Translation, transmission and transnational literacies; Visual literacies. Through these sections, the authors offer a range of understandings of the ways in which Irish readers and writers interpreted and communicated their worlds. List of contributors: Rebecca Anne Barr, Sarah-Anne Buckley, Muireann O'Cinneide, Niall O Ciosain, Maire Nic an Bhaird, Liam Mac Mathuna, James Quinn, Nicola Morris, Elizabeth Tilley, Darragh Gannon, Florry O'Driscoll, Michele Milan, Nessa Cronin and Stephanie Rains.

About the Author
Rebecca Anne Barr is Assistant Professor in the Faculty of English at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Jesus College. Sarah-Anne Buckley is Lecturer in History at the National University of Ireland Galway. Muireann O'Cinneide is Lecturer in English at the National University of Ireland Galway.

Reviews
Reviews 'A cause for celebration and a strong indicator of the maturation of the field... this collection up-ends many assumptions about nineteenth-century Ireland as it grappled with literacies in both English and Irish during a century that witnessed tremendous change.'
Karen Steel, Victorian Periodicals Review
'The capacious key terms of Literacy, Language, and Reading allow the conceptual nets to be cast far and wide... the real contribution of this volume is the kaleidoscopic view that it both constructs and encourages.'
Sean O'Toole, Victorian Studies
'In addition to scholars of linguistics and language, this book will be of use to those researching the history of the book and printing in Ireland, journalism, cartography and religion. All reveal something of the social and culture life of nineteenth century Ireland.'
Orla Fitzpatrick, Irish Studies Review



Book Information
ISBN 9781786942081
Author Rebecca Anne Barr
Format Hardback
Page Count 232
Imprint Liverpool University Press
Publisher Liverpool University Press