Selected Letters

Edith Somerville, 1858-1949, and Violet Martin Ross, 1862-1915, are among the best known names in English-Irish literature. They were cousins who entered a literary partnership that produced the 19th century Irish novel, "The Real Charlotte" and its series of comic stories, "Some Experiences of an Irish RM". Somerville and Ross exchanged many hundreds of letters - which were often lively and full of close observation. The letters are amused, intelligent and curious, recording aspects of Irish life previously overlooked. Their portrait of Ireland - during a momentous 30-year period up to 1915 - is both vivid and comprehensive. The letters chronicle the last days of the big house and chart the course of a unique collection between two gifted and unusual women.