CARLETON, William. Traits and Stories of The Irish Peasantry.

Portrait frontispiece. Four volumes. 914 London: J.M. Dent, 1896. Original olive-green cloth. Title in gilt on spines. Occasional light foxing. Minor wear to covers, otherwise a good set.

William Carleton (1794-1869) was born in Prillisk, County Tyrone, one of fourteen children of a tenant farmer. He went to Dublin and besides his novels, he also contributed articles to many journals: the 'Christian Examiner'; the 'Family Magazine'; the 'Dublin University Magazine', etc. He also wrote for 'The Nation' but as D.J. O'Donoghue said: Carleton was never a Nationalist, and was quite incapable of adopting the principles of the Young Irelanders. As a race we are reputed to be very severe when appraising each other; a great man referring to this characteristic once said ""an honest people, they never speak well of each other""!.
The Tyrone-born novelist although reared a Catholic and intended for the priesthood, became a Protestant on marriage. He wrote for hire, writing for anyone that would pay him, Catholic, Protestant, or Dissenter, and suited his material to the current client's needs and outlook.

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