O’BRIEN, Flann. The Dalkey Archive.

O'Brien, Flann.

The Dalkey Archive.

London: MacGibbon & Kee, 1964. First edition. pp. 222. Green papered boards, title in gilt on spine. A near fine copy in a lightly rubbed dust jacket. "Flann O'Brien's new novel features a master mind, a diffident lover, St. Augustine, a man who is in danger of turning into a bicycle, James Joyce, as well as a number of serious drinkers. Dalkey is a calm little town by the sea yet it is the scene of great events. In the author's fertile imagination, the little town is bursting with oddities - even to the Science-Fiction extent. The busy, the idle, the serious and frivolous characters of Dalkey are whirled about in a fandango of the author's calm creation. Owner's signature present.

But what is he really saying? That 'life's like that'? That 'policemen are supportable only on two wheels? Perhaps he intends to convey that the sins of the past may be visited on the self-same sinners in the future? Perhaps. No matter what explanation can be given, it is clear that Mr. O'Brien knows what laughter is for."

L3 7F