November 10th, 1902
León Ó Broin (10 November 1902 – 26 February 1990) was an Irish civil servant, known as a writer and playwright. He wrote many plays, stories and historical works in both Irish and English.
Leon Ó Broin (Leon O’Broin) was a notable Irish writer and public servant. He was born in Dublin on November 10, 1909 at 21 Aungier Street, Dublin, the second of four sons of James P. Byrne, a potato factor’s bookkeeper, and Mary Byrne (née Killeen), daughter of a seaman who abandoned his family.
A devout but liberal Catholic, Ó Broin is prominent for many years in the Legion of Mary, founded by his close friend and civil-service colleague Frank Duff.
Writer: Leon Ó Broin was a prolific writer, known for his works of fiction, non-fiction, and essays. He wrote in both English and Irish (Gaeilge). His writing covered a wide range of topics, including Irish literature, culture, and history.
Public Service: In addition to his writing career, Leon Ó Broin also had a distinguished career in public service. He held various roles in the Irish civil service, contributing to the administration and governance of the country.
Scholarship: He was recognized for his scholarship and contributions to the study of Irish literature and culture. His writings often reflected his deep interest in the literary and cultural heritage of Ireland.
Legacy: Leon Ó Broin’s literary and scholarly contributions continue to be appreciated, and his works remain valuable resources for those interested in Irish literature and cultural studies.
Books by Leon Ó Broin
“Innovation in Poetry: A Critical Essay” (1946): In this work, Ó Broin explores modern poetry, particularly focusing on the works of W. B. Yeats, T. S. Eliot, and others. He examines the innovations and transformations in poetry during the 20th century.
“The Irish Literary Revival” (1965): This book delves into the Irish Literary Revival of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It explores the literary and cultural movements that helped shape modern Irish literature, with a particular emphasis on key figures like W. B. Yeats and Lady Gregory.
“The Short Story in Ireland” (1971): In this work, Ó Broin examines the development and significance of the short story genre in Irish literature. He explores various Irish short story writers and their contributions to the literary tradition.
“The Irish Literary Tradition” (1989): This publication provides an overview of the history and evolution of Irish literature. Ó Broin discusses the cultural and historical context of Irish writing and its key authors and works.
“Literature and the Rise of Capitalism: Critical Essays on T. S. Eliot, Émile Zola, and Bernard Shaw” (1996): In this collection of essays, Ó Broin offers critical analyses of the literary works of T. S. Eliot, Émile Zola, and George Bernard Shaw. He explores the intersection of literature and economic and social developments.
Writings
Books in Irish
- Arus na nGábhadh agus Scéalta Eile (Dublin 1923)
- Ag Strachadh leis an Saol agus Scéalta Eile (Dublin 1929)
- An Rún agus Scéalta Eile (Dublin 1933)
- Parnell (Dublin: Oifig an tSoláthair 1937)
- Miss Crookshank agus Emmet (Dublin: Sairseal & Dill 1954)
- Miss Crookshank agus Coirp Eile (Dublin: Sairseal & Dill 1951)
- Comhcheilg sa Chaisleán (Dublin 1963)
- Na Sasanaigh agus Eirí Amach na Cásca (Dublin: Sáirséal agus Dill 1967).
- An Maidíneach: Staraí na nÉireannach Aontaithe (Dublin 1971)
Plays
- Slan Muirisg (1944)
- An Boisgín Ceoil (1945)
- An Oíche úd i mBeithil (1949).
Translations
- An Fuadach (1931) Kidnapped by R L Stevenson
- Cogadh na Reann (1934) War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
Books in English
- The Unfortunate Mr Robert Emmet. Dublin: Clonmore & Reynolds ; London : - Burns Oates & Washbourne. 1958. OCLC 264934136.
- Dublin Castle and the 1916 rising: the story of Sir Matthew Nathan. - London: Sidgwick & Jackson. 1967 [1966]. OCLC 1699538.
- Ó Broin, León (1967). Charles Gavan Duffy: Patriot and Statesman: the - story of Charles Gavan Duffy (1816-1903). Dublin: Duffy. ISBN - 978-0-900343-03-2.
- Ó Broin, León (1969). The Chief Secretary, Augustine Birrell in Ireland.- London: Chatto & Windus; Edinburgh: Archon. ISBN 978-0-208-00982-1.
- Ó Broin, León (1971). Fenian fever: an Anglo-American dilemma. London: - Chatto & Windus. ISBN 978-0-7011-1749-8.
- Ó Broin, León (1980). Michael Collins. Dublin: Gill & Macmillan. ISBN - 978-0-7171-1076-6.
- Ó Broin, León (1983). In Great Haste: Letters of Michael Collins and - Kitty Kiernan. Dublin: Gill & Macmillan. ISBN 978-0-7171-1287-6.
- Ó Broin, León (1986). Just like yesterday: an autobiography. Dublin: - Gill & Macmillan. ISBN 978-0-7171-1431-3.
- Ó Broin, León (1976). Revolutionary underground: the story of the Irish - Republican Brotherhood, 1858-1924. ISBN 978-0-87471-863-8.
- Ó Broin, León (1982). No man’s man: a biographical memoir of Joseph - Brennan, civil servant & first governor of the Central Bank. Dublin: - Institute of Public Administration. ISBN 978-0-906980-20-0.
- Ó Broin, León (1985). Protestant Nationalists in Revolutionary Ireland, - The Stopford Connection. Dublin: G
