This text is a comprehensive study of fiction written by Irish authors during the Victorian age. James Murphy analyses the development of the novel in Ireland and examines the work of authors including William Carleton, Charles Lever, Somerville and Ross, and Bram Stoker in the social and literary contexts of their times.

Reviews a great number of novels by Anglo-Irish women novelists that - with few exceptions - have attracted little attention from contemporary and modern literary critics. The main focus is on the literature and its society. The disposition of this study reflects the areas of contention experienced by the Anglo-Irish of the period. Chapter 1, Land and Politics, deals with the Anglo-Irish landlords and their families. Chapter 2 is devoted to different aspects of religion. Chapter 3, Race, discusses the Celt and his presumed characteristics. The 'other' race, the English, will get some attention, as will the Protestant Anglo-Irish themselves. Chapter 4 focuses on this new ruling class, 'the new Irish'. A brief conclusion follows.