Complete Works Of George Darley (ShandonPress)

George Darley (1795–1846) is an almost forgotten Irish writer of the late Georgian and early Victorian period. Although Darley was held in high esteem in his time by fellow writers like Thomas Carlyle, Charles Lamb, Thomas Lovell Beddoes and Alfred Lord Tennyson, none of his literary works became very popular (unlike his introductions to algebra, geometry, astronomy and the like, which are not included in this volume).

Darley wrote poetry, plays and various prose pieces; he was a theatre critic and published a series of articles about his travels in Italy (which I have not been able to locate, unfortunately). The most striking characteristic of Darley's writing is the combination of great musicality in his lyrical poetry and a wry sarcastic, often self-deprecating, humour. As a critic he could be fierce, as can be seen in the notorious Letters to the Dramatists of the Day.

The contents of this collection:

– The Errors of Ecstasie: A Dramatic Poem. With Other Pieces, Darley's first poetry collection (1822), most notable for the title piece, a rhymed dialogue between a “mystic” and the moon, in which the former is rebuked by the latter for his lack of moderation.

– Four “Dramaticles”, short dramatic scenes of a rather humorous character, published in the London Magazine in 1822 and 1823.

– Letters to the Dramatists of the Day, a series of letters published in the London Magazine in 1823 and 1824, in which Darley (under the pseudonym “John Lacy”) harshly criticises the dramatists of his time by unfavorably comparing them to the Elizabethans. A lot of vitriol, (and a lot of repetition.)

– The Labours of Idleness, an 1826 collection of prose pieces (with quite a few poems thrown in) previously published in the London Magazine. In turns humorous, playful, lyrical, melancholy and dark, I really enjoyed these tales.

– Sylvia, or, the May Queen (1827), the “lyrical drama” which should have become Darley's great breakthrough, but somehow failed to become popular. Clearly inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Tempest, this is Darley at his lyrical best. A pastoral fantasy comedy with grotesque elements and the most lovely poetry. Highly recommended.

– Nepenthe. A Fragmentary Sketch. A long poem, consisting of two cantos, published privately in 1836. A planned third canto was never written. Darley at his most daring: a visionary flight of fancy; quite a trip – I must admit that I haven't completely understood what it is about, but it is very musical and exciting. First on my read again list.

– Thomas à Becket and Ethelstan, two historical plays, published in 1840 and 1841. Not bad at all, but not the high point of Darley's oeuvre. But that might just be me – it's not my favourite genre.

– Miscellaneous Poems from the 1908 Complete Poetical Works (and no, they are far from complete) edited by Ramsay Colles. Some very beautiful poetry to be found here.

+ Biography