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NEW QUARTERLY
REVIEW
EDITED BY REV. FR. SENAN,
O.M.CAP.: PRIDE OF
PLACE TO IRISH
Rev. Father Senan, O.M.Cap., Church Street, Dublin, Editor of the "Father Mathew Record," has contributed something new and big to periodical journalism in "Bonaventura," a new quarterly review, the first Volume of which has just made its appearance.
The quarterly, which runs into 255 pages, contains an amazing amount of material covering every field of literature and life. It discloses a great deal of pioneering work. The periodical should make a wide appeal.
Pride of place is given to Irish.
The first article is in Irish, entitled "Soisceulta agus doisceulta," by "Cloc Labhrais," and there are almost a dozen contributions in Irish.
One of the first to receive a copy was Most Rev. Sylvester P. Mulligan, O.M.Cap., Archbishop of Delhi and Simla, who is now on holiday in Dublin, and who has contributed an article to the volume on "The Spanish Capuchins," dealing with the war in Spain.
His Grace gives an account of the persecutions in Catalonia, the Basque Province, Castille, Valencia, and Andalusia, and his article contains many little-known facts. The Archbishop, as Definitor-General of the Capuchin Order in Rome until his recent elevation to the Episcopate, was in a position to get all the information available about the Order in Spain.
19th CENTURY IRELAND.
The suggestion that there should be a new history of the 19th Century in Ireland, from the standpoint of the great Catholic revival that took place at that time, is made by Rev. Patrick Rogers, M.A., D.Litt., in an article, "A Neglected Aspect of Nineteenth Century Ireland."
Father Rogers says that a survey should be made of the progress effected by the Church in those spheres peculiarly her own, such as Catholic education, the missions and retreats which characterised the later stages of the revival, Catholic social action, the rise and growth of religious congregations, Ireland's missionary enterprise, the progress of ecclesiastical studies and ecclesiastical architecture.
Rev. Father James, O.M.Cap., in his usual brilliant style, writes on "The Significance of Saint Bonaventure." John Desmond Sheridan is entertaining in "And Let Who Will Be Clever." The Book Supplement is in the very capable hands of Francis MacManus.
Thomas Barrington writes on "Telescope and Microscope"; Rev. Father Paschal, O.M.Cap., on "The Marxian Mode"; Rev. Father Felix, O.M.Cap., on "St. Thomas Aquinas, as an Exegete of Holy Scripture," and Lancelot Lawton on "Soviet Russia and Spain."
Mr. J. A. Power writes on his journalistic reminiscences, and Miss Gertrude Gaffney on the life of the newspaperman or woman, with all its ups-and-downs.
The following names are sufficient guarantee of the excellence of the Irish contributions:—"An Seabhac," Shan O Cuiv, Barra O Caochlaich, Roibeard O Farachain, An t-Athair Micheal, O.M.Cap.; Diarmuid O Duibhne, An t-Athair Cainneach, O.M.Cap.; Sean O Cuirrin, An t-Athair Casain, O.M.Cap.; Aindrias O Muimhneachain, An t-Athair Elair, O.M.Cap., M.A., and "Torna."
There are a large number of features, which make good reading, including notes on music, drama, painting, architecture, films, photography.
This quarterly will suit all tastes, the literary man, the artist, the worker, the priest, the Gaelic enthusiast, just the sort of delightful companion to take on your holiday to dip into at one's own sweet will.

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Bonaventura. A Quarterly Review.Edited by Father Senan, O.M.Cap.
2s. 6d.
This, the first issue of "Bonaventura," provides reading of the greatest interest and variety, and gives every promise of becoming a Catholic quarterly of up-to-date and well-informed trend. The contributions, many of which are written in Irish, include articles by such well-known scholars as Rev. Fathers James and Paschal and Germaine, and W. F. P. Stockley. Of great interest, too, is an article on Capuchin victims of the Spanish Civil War and "Soviet Russia and Spain," as well as the admirable notes on painting, drama, architecture, etc. The magazine is tastefully produced with numerous attractive woodcuts.

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18th June 37
Mr, Dr Dr Seran
Most precious thanks for find-
following what promises to be a most
valuable addition to our environment
Catholic lecturers. Since all contributed
enclosed
[Handwritten signature and stamp: H. P. Clementini]

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FROM PETER F. ANSON . 9 BRAEHEADS . BANFF
June 18, 1937.
Dear Fr. Senan,
Very many thanks for BONAVENTURA , and all good wishes for the success of this new venture. I hope the ship, born along by a fair breeze, is an auspicious omen ! How well printed too - good clear type.
I look forward to reading it at leisure.
Fraternally yours,
P.F.A

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The surroundings of the Capuchin Franciscon Monastery Rochestown, Co. Cort.
POST CARD
Supa mile maiz agaz
idraob "Bonaventura" -o
seolas ingam. Feaicam se
go seoid y an meid aza leigze
agam de za se go breag.
molam in!. An agaid lur
an seag- obay.
Elbiry
Anchi. Seanan, Omcep
Lagonióp Fr. Mallen Record,
P. O. Bosca 105
Daile áia Chaiz
i 11366

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CONTEMPORARY RUSSIA
AND HER RELATIONS WITH HER NEIGHBOURS
(Editor : Lancelot Lawton)
Telephone :
CENTRAL 8228
Publishing Office:
92 FLEET STREET,
LONDON, E.C.4.
The Rev. Father Senan, O.M.Cap.,
The Father Mathew Record Office,
P.O.Box 105, Dublin.
20th June, 1937.
Reverend Sir,
I thank you very much indeed for sending me a copy of the handsomely produced "Bonaventura", containing my article on Spain. I repeat my wishes for the success of your publication. If, at any time, you feel disposed to reprint other articles from Contemporary Russia, I would be willing to give you special terms, for I am very anxious to do all I can to spread the truth about Soviet Russia.
With best wishes,
Yours sincerely,
Law cest. Lawton

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OLIVER PLUNKET
MEMORIAL CHURCH DROGHEDA.
COPYRIGHT D.B.D.

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Monday
great enterprise and - as used
on the style of the production
Yours
Frank D. J.
My Dear Father Senan,
I am deeply grateful for
your thoughtfulness in sending me a
copy of the new quarterly strange
to say, I had just been wondering
who was bringing it out when I
received it from you. I am off
to Telland in a few minutes,
and have not had even a second
to diff into it so far. I will
give myself that pleasure on my
return. In the meantime,
let me congratulate you on your

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NEW IRISH QUARTERLY
Review with Appeal To many minds
Bonaventura, a quarterly review.
Edited by Father Senan, O.M.Cap.
Vol. 1, No. 1. Summer, 1937.
Dublin: The Father Mathew Record. 2/6.
THE very greatness of the achievement which Father Senan has successfully carried off in bringing out this new quarterly makes it difficult for me to write a notice of it. My first impulse was, naturally enough, to begin with a word of congratulation to the Editor, for the quarterly far surpassed my expectations, but I realise full well that a compliment to the Editor in the beginning of a notice too frequently means that there is little else to be said about the work.
I have hesitated long, therefore, before finally deciding to begin by saying that although I had heard of Bonaventura for some months before it was published and, knowing its Editor slightly, I was expecting great things. I was surprised when I was handed the review to write a notice of it. I had expected a slim quarterly, but instead I found a book of some 250 pages bulking about an inch from cover to cover. The outside was attractive and I decided to venture further.
* * *
I ALWAYS believe in beginning at the beginning of a book, and the first thing that I noticed about this review was that it had two title-pages, two notices of dates of publication, etc., one being in Irish, and the other in English, and, as in the new Constitution, the Irish takes pride of place. But the Irish in the Quarterly did not end there, as it unfortunately does in so many other reviews. On the other hand, of the 30 or so articles approximately half are in Irish, and all of these are by well-known writers
whose names alone would be sufficient to "draw" readers to the review. One sees on the contents the page such names as: "Clock Labhrais," "An Seabhac," "Shán O Cuiv," "Barrah O Caochlaigh," "Roibeard O Faracháin," "An t-Athair Micheál," "O.M.Cap.," "Diarmuid O Duibhne," "An t-Athair Cainneach," "O.M.Cap.;" "Seán O Cuirrin," "An t-Athair O Casáin," "O.M.Cap.;" "Aindrias O Muimhneacháin," "An t-Athair Eláir," "O.M.Cap.," and "Tórna." One might well wonder how Fr. Senan succeeded in getting all these men to write for this review, did one not already know the tremendous energy that goes to making the Father Mathew Record and the Capuchin Annual.
* * *
TURNING to the English articles the list of names is no less impressive: Gertrude Gaffney, Michael McLaverty, Rev. P. Rogers, M.A., D.Litt.; "J.A.P.," Donal O'Cahill — the "hero" of the film, Dawn, who contributes a charming little piece entitled "Sunset at Ross Castle"—his Grace Mgr. Mulligan, O.M.Cap., Archbishop of Delhi and Simla—who writes on the Spanish war with an authority lacking in too many of the other writers one reads on this subject—Very Rev. Dr. James, O.M.Cap.; John Desmond Sheridan, Thomas Barrington, Rev. Father Paschal, O.M.Cap.; Rev. Father Felix, O.M.Cap., and Lancelot Lawton.
The articles range from what I might term the easy "chatting" of Gertrude Gaffney and "J.A.P." to serious and considered articles on such matters as Marxian Socialism. Every article awakens an interest which makes the contribution further—an unusual trait in articles in a review such as this might have been, or, rather, as I expected it to be—and a trait which increases the value of the publication a hundredfold.
* * *
THE Irish articles, on the whole, cannot be said to be written with the same freedom of style as those in English, but this generalisation is not intended to be taken as depreciatory. They show an immense amount of detailed labour and serious consideration of every sentence. Perhaps it is this very care in their preparation which seems to take away that easy flow that one expects to find coming from such men as have written these articles. Moreover, the remark does not apply to them all—some of them, for example, that of Diarmuid O Duibhne, to take one at random, are the very opposite, masterpieces in showing the ease and freedom of Irish style at its best. Some of them do,
however, lack the freshness of the English contributions.
To attempt to go into detail concerning the review would be impossible. There are too many things in it to discuss, and controvert, and all that I can say is that I advise each reader to buy, "beg, borrow or steal" a copy and analyse it for himself.
I am glad to be able to welcome this newcomer to the ranks of literary journals in Ireland—a worthy addition to the ranks, and one that will, I trust, see many days of good service in the cause of Ireland and Catholicism.
A. O'K.

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ST. MALACHY'S COLLEGE,
BELFAST.
23rd June, 1937.
Dear Father Senan,
Very sincere & hearty
congratulations on the appearance of the new
quarterly "Bonaventura". "Ad permultos annos!"
I am working at the articles on the Suppression
of the Irish monasteries, but I am doubtful if
they will suit your purpose. However, I will send
on a sample next week.
With every good wish,
I remain, dear Father Senan,
Yours v. sincerely in Xt.,
Patrick Rogers.

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THE LAKE HOTEL, KILLARNEY LAKES
Telegrams:
LAKE HOTEL,
KILLARNEY.
Telephone:
No. 35.
LAKE HOTEL.
Proprietors:
LAKE HOTEL,
LIMITED.
Address:
MANAGER,
LAKE HOTEL,
KILLARNEY.
PATRONISED BY HIS LATE MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY KING EDWARD VII.
Believe me!
Saturday
Dear Father Sera
Call — I are
down here for the Caroline
Tutor Copers. No Pales
for Bonavontuse; I have
real about half of it and
pick it a great, a negrifacel,
senture. Moda Nora
chosen asked me to review
it for the guides. I
have to send her my note
founds the end of next
week.
Thanks also for the
entry for the Essaies.
I think Essaies to Donald
must have been kissed the
Blasing Sone. He certainly
laid the foraist on with a
knife.
I understand for Silver
Caroline that everything is in order
for the Nors next Suddy.
While then.
Yours sincerely
Leon visiting

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New Review
In Irish And English
Bonaventura. Quarterly Review. (Dub-
lin: Fr. Mathew Record Office. 2/6.)
This review, edited by Rev. Fr. Senan, O.M.Cap., is the latest addition to Dublin periodical literature. Its most striking innovation is that it proposes serving Gaelic readers equally with the English-reading public, and half the contributions are in Irish.
Subjects range from the theology of St. Bonaventure to the philosophy of Marx, from Spain in turmoil to the peace of the Blasket Islands.
An attractive feature, which is paralleled in some American reviews, is an extended condensation of a notable book not otherwise available to the ordinary reader. The first number offers "The Incredible Cardinal," translated from the Italian.
Current chronicles come from New York, Brittany, Wales, and (in Gaelic) from Scotland.
Rev. Fr. Senan, O.M.Cap., the editor of the new review, "Bonaventura."

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CATHOLIC PERIODICALS
Father Senan, O.M. Cap., is the editor of a new quarterly called Bonaventura, published at the Father Mathew Record Office, Dublin. The range of articles, in English and Erse, is very wide ; Brittany, Scotland, Wales and New York are treated by correspondents ; art, music, and the drama are the subjects of good articles, as well as theology and current affairs. There is a list of the seventy-two Capuchin victims of the Spanish War. Outstanding, perhaps, in this excellent first number are the extracts from Cardinal Massaia's twelve volumes, published with a foreword, by Francis Macmanus, in which that great writer—for as such he has surely established himself now—is to be read at his best : “That stick, like the man, is straight from a Christian epic, from Roland with his Durendal in Roncesvalles ; but Roland broke his sword in defeat and the Cardinal's stick went unbroken for another and another lifting-aloft as a symbol. The handle was an olive-root from the Garden of Gethsemane and the shaft was cut of a cedar of Lebanon. It stood often, as a substitute for his presence, in the court of the Emperor, Menelik II, and when the Ethiopians saw it, they clapped their hands and shouted “Ha ! Abba Messias ! ” Ubi Petrus, ibi Ecclesia, might be changed for this particular story to Ubi baculus, ibi Massaia. And when, during those last years, he was on his way to the Pope whom he would thank for the Cardinal red, he was asked to leave his stick in an ante-chamber, he shook it and said : “May it never be that, in good fortune, I forget an old friend.”

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There have been, and are, many critics of the "Gum"—which is no whit surprising—regarding a scheme which has been functioning for some eleven years and which has no counterpart save perhaps in Soviet Russia.
The "Gum" had its beginnings in the brain of Ernest Blythe, who was Minister for Finance in Mr. Cosgrave's Cabinet in the Irish Free State. "He saw." as Roibeard O Farachain puts it in the first number of "Bonaventura," the new Capuchin quarterly, "that the publication of books in Irish was a business about which two things could be said with certainty: that it was a vital need, and that it was moribund. One thing could save its life: subsidy. Whence came the scheme popularly known as An Gum."
The same writer gives 389 as the total number of books published up to date, of which 85 were published in 1936. Now whatever may be said for or against the scheme as it is administered, at any rate it has given us and is giving us books in Irish. I may add that, at the moment, they are rolling from the press at a speed which almost bewilders the poor receiver.
And one last word before coming to the latest batch, the price of the books is phenominally low. Indeed, I think the buying public here in the North does not realise how cheaply books of all kinds in Irish can be purchased (A glance at Serridge's bookshelves in Castle Street might surprise them!)
Few of the publications of An Gum exceed two shillings (and Teach na Saighde mentioned below runs over 500 pages!)
When one considers the need for a variety of reasonably-priced books in Irish in a place like Belfast where the Gaelic movement is so strong and learners abound, this is very gratifying.

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" Grafan Barrea "
Bóias marthoro
Itam na g Caoraic
25/6/34.
Dón aiam Seanán,
Beamsaict.!
Taí do lumh (23/6/34) agam agus
taim féi iomraom iniom agat
& deaob eumlaid a iaisiamt dam
béir & gcubream Tuit Bunaventura
arais. Taim dall fós ag an "solus
- aort" d'iomraog ui oram san gceud
eagrain agus gan mé & deairige a
teritid.
Is ar éigean aca ioram ém-nid
eile do soriobiad mar taim
smaigcia sease, ait, mar
adubiart an uam demeamsaic
mar mait lum an clém
d'erceaic, agus deurtad
mo diceall. I iartar ma
mrai go glóraic féi taiamt,
cad deurtai leis in Bangraict
mar adbiart? Ní gábad
durt aon eaglar a béir ort,
taim póscar agus gó ar
an bplángais téigm & gcóinguidei
teó. Ní féadam an eube
dam-sar an pris do inolaid,
aice is é mo inarram go
bhul tuaidte agat ar ma
h-prisib go tém eile. I do bí soracaid
ma pathol untir sa uig seo, agus
ní mme smpeaislaid mar is deacam
go tém, Smpeaislaid mar is deacam
Smpeaislaid do sasain Beamsaict arib, a aiamt
Beamsaict is buideacaist!
Smpeaislaid is buideacaist.

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"BONAVENTURA."
Remarkable New Quarterly.
Those who know the high standard of literary excellence consistently attained by the "Capuchin Annual" and the "Father Mathew Record" will rejoice at the appearance of a companion quarterly which is worthy of them in every way. Under the able editorship of Father Senan, O.M.Cap., "Bonaventura" makes an auspicious appearance upon the stage of Irish letters; and, unless we are very much mistaken, it is destined by reason of the quality of its contents and the outstanding talent of all of its numerous contributors to win for itself a position of respect and affection with thousands of readers.
"Bonaventura" is bi-lingual, but signs are not lacking that the intention is to give Gaelic the predominant interest in the partnership. The first article in this initial issue is in Gaelic, and it is followed—at intervals—by some dozen others in the same language. All of them are well above the average both from the point of view of style and of content, but if we were to express a personal preference it would be for "Carraig An Afrinn," wherein Seán O Cuirrín tries to give to the airy nothing of that exquisite love-song, "An Raibh Tú ag an gCarriag?" a local habitation and a name. Seán would have us believe that the simple words of this innocent tune conceal a desire more tender than the longings of a lover of his leanán—no less an anxiety, indeed, than that of a imprisoned Penal priest for the safety of his hidden chalice.
GAELIC LITERARY CRITICISM.
We know we are not alone in realising the significance of the prominence given in this first-class production to literary criticism of our Gaelic classics. Only by such a method can we come to develop a proper pride in the marvellous heritage which is ours in the wealth of Gaelic literature at our disposal. Such essays as "An Fhiliocht Agus Dia" will go far to prove, simply by setting Gaelic gem side by side with English jewel, that our native poetry is not to be despised, but is comparable with the best there is. Especially in this domain of religious poetry (where the Gael's natural mysticism, strong grip on eternal realities, and vivid imagination capable of giving rise to "those thoughts that wander through eternity," all fit him for the role of exponent and lauder of things divine) is Gaelic literature seen to good effect.
Of the English contributions which deal with Gaelic topics, "Telescope and Microscope"—an unusual title for an
essay on the literature of the Blaskets—stands out just a little ahead of Riobeard O Farachain's searching analysis of the present efficacy and future prospects of An Gúm.
ENGLISH ARTICLES.
For those who are not sufficiently qualified to enjoy the Gaelic section of the Quarterly, there is abundant material available in the purely English portion of the production. Gertrude Gaffney develops the thesis that the secret of success in modern journalism is the ability to seize on that aspect of a news "story" calculated to make the widest and, at the same time, most intimate appeal. In a more exuberant strain J.A.P. writes of his connection with Irish journalism, and such is the brightness of the humour in this initial instalment that it is an added joy to the reader to find "To be continued" subjoined to the concluding sentence.
The strictly intellectual side of literature is catered for by articles such as "The Significance of St. Bonaventure," by Father James, O.M.Cap., and "St. Thomas Aquinas as an Exegete of Holy Scripture," by Father Felix, of the same Order. History is not neglected, for Rev. P. Rogers, M.A., contributes a striking article on "A Neglected Aspect of Nineteenth Century Ireland," wherein he suggests the undertaking of a new history of that epoch from the standpoint of the great Catholic revival. Sadder and more recent history is dealt with by the newly-appointed Archbishop of Delhi and Simla in his record of the sufferings of Spanish Capuchins during the present Civil War.
DIVERSIFIED TOPICS.
"Bonaventura" claims the distinction of being the first Irish Catholic publication to present a regular feature dealing with architecture, but this is only one of many highly interesting sections on such diversified topics as music, drama, painting, films, photography, and—perhaps the best of all—the land. There is also a Supplement, giving a condensation of a notable book, the first choice having fallen on Fra. Massia's account of his thirty-five years as a missionary in Ethiopia.
To enumerate the other ingredients of this glorious literary production would be to labour a point we consider already well proven—that here is reading for every taste and of a rare standard of excellence. And from the viewpoint of quantity no less than of quality he who purchases "Bonaventura" is bound to receive value for his money, for we doubt if he will succeed in absorbing 240 odd pages of the issue before the new quarter brings with it the prospect of further "good things to come."

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BONAVENTURA.
Here is something to enthuse about—the first issue of the new Capuchin quarterly review, Bonaventura. It is published at a half-crown and contains two hundred and fifty pages of exceedingly interesting and widely varied matter. It is beautifully printed on good paper, gracious tailpieces illustrate it, and the expert hand of Father Senan is in evidence on every page. The reputation of Church Street as a literary centre, already so well founded on the Capuchin Annual and the monthly Father Mathew Record, is considerably enhanced by this production. We wish it a hearty welcome and we trust that a host of Irish people, and many others as well, will do themselves the honour of becoming subscribers to it.
An unusual feature is the exalted place given in the review to the Irish language. It has an absolute equality with English and the Editor has succeeded, not, I am sure, without difficulty, in getting a number of pieces in Irish, excellent both in style and subject matter, which are as good as any of the English contributions to the review, and in themselves a definite contribution to modern Irish literature. I found real pleasure in the articles on the Blessed Virgin Mary and on the Liturgy by An t-Athair Casáin and An t-Athair Eláir, Father Canice's monograph on Personality, the wonderfully choice sketch by An Seabhac of Tomás O Criomhthain, the author of "An tOileanach," the first-class verse translations by Roibeard O Faracháin and Tórna, one of the Laudes Creaturarum of Saint Francis of Assisi, the other of the Veni Creator Spiritus and then a philosophical study by "Cloch Labhrais" and Seán Ó Cuiv's elaborate article on the teaching of languages. This latter contribution on its merits should send Bonaventura into the hands of every teacher and student of Irish. But there is still more: a good story by Barra O Caochlaigh and interesting articles by Seán O Cuirrin, Diarmuid O Duibhne, Aindrias O Muimhneachain and An t-Athair Micheal. I do most earnestly hope, for the sake of our reputation, that the Irish language revivalists will support this genuine effort to provide reading
matter in Irish of the fullest intellectual content.
In the English language an even wider range of subjects is discussed by writers of proved merit. I was impressed most by Dr. Paschal's article on "The Marxian Mode," Roibeard O Faracháin's examination of the qualities and defects of the Gúm, Dr. P. Rogers' pleas for research work on the ecclesiastical side of Irish life in the last century, the articles on Spain by Archbishop Mulligan, O.M.Cap., and Lancelot Lawton, and the very entertaining writing of those most distinguished of Irish journalists, Gertrude Gaffney and J. A. Power. Other writers include Dr. James and Fr. Felix, O.M.Cap., John Desmond Sheridan, Donal O Cahill, and Micheal McLaverty. I have heard much praise for the elaborate arrangement made by the Editor to ensure a continuity of interest in the quarterly by means of "Notes" from the Celtic Countries, including one in Scottish
Gaelic, and from the "Ireland Across the Seas." All these are well done, but "notes" of real distinction are those on agriculture, music, drama, painting, architecture, films, and photography which have been written by as fine a band of writers as Ireland can command, namely, Alice Curtayne and Stephen Rynne, Germaine and W. F. P. Stockley, Alfred Dennis, C. P. Curran, John O'Gorman, Gabriel Fallon, and T. J. Molloy. Denis Barry is given a roving commission with his "notebook" and Francis MacManus introduces what is to be a regular feature, by giving a potted version of an Italian autobiography, which in the ordinary way would not come under notice in these countries.
Have I praised too much? I don't think so. This Bonaventura is a contribution by the Capuchin Order of enormous importance to Catholic thought as well as to Irish literature, whether in English or Irish. We wish it the success it deserves, and that is that every Irish Catholic worth his salt should buy it and read it and ponder over it and keep it.
Lá Féile Bonaventura, 1937. LEON Ó BROIN.

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Literary Notes
"BONAVENTURA," A NEW IRISH QUARTERLY.
Readers of these notes will recall our notice of "The Capuchin Annual," edited by Rev. Father Senan, O.M.Cap., Church Street, Dublin, who is also editor of the "Father Matthew Record." Those who are familiar with the first-class literary contents of the "Annual" and the "Record" under Father Senan's editorship, learned with pleasure some time ago that Father Senan had arranged for the publication of a quarterly to be called "Bonaventura." Never was eager anticipation and the expectation of a first-class literary treat more justified than in the first issue of "Bonaventura," just published. Let us state at the outset that "Bonaventura" contains 240 pages, large octavo size, fine paper, and excellent print, and costs only half-a-crown. We emphasise the half-crown in view of the oft-heard complaint that the price of such a publication is beyond the means of the average man or woman in Ireland. So impressed have we been with the quality of the contents of "Bonaventura" in Irish and English, we feel that the ordinary review's phraseology of praise and appreciation is totally inadequate to express our gratitude to the editor, or our sense of the price that Ireland has produced such a splendid periodical Catholic and Irish throughout, and redolent in every page of the Ireland that is getting back to its true religious and National and cultural mooring after having been for centuries in the grip of the aftermath of proscription and persecution, and ruled and exploited by the forces of Ascendancy.
In this notice we must confine ourselves to a summary of the excellent contents of No. I of "Bonaventura." Journalists and others will read with interest and pleasure Gertrude Gaffney's "In Search of News," and J. A. Power's "J. A. P. Looks Back." The letters "J. A. P." are well-known to readers of the Irish daily papers as those of a brilliant Irish journalist. Our warm regard and admiration for "J. A. P." has increased considerably after having read his "Looking Back." "Spanish Capuchins" by Most Rev. Dr. Mulligan, O.M.Cap., is a well documented record of the members of the Capuchin Order, who lost their lives in Spain during the war that began there last July. "Telescope and Microscope" by Thomas Barrington is a very well written and informative analysis of the Irish books written by natives of the Blasket Island—books that have attracted world-wide attention from scholars and folklorists in the original Irish and in English translations. Father Pascal, O.M.Cap., Lecturer in Economics and Social Science at University College, Cork, analysis the futility and fatitulity of Marxism in his article "The Marxian Mode." Father Felix, O.M.Cap., writes on St. Thomas Aquinas, and Rev. Dr. James on St. Bonaventura. "Soviet Russian and Spain" by Lancelot Lawton, is an account of Bolshevic and Communistic activities from Russia in Spain for some years past and their lamentable results. Two well-known Co. Waterford writers, "Cloch Labhrais (Sean O'Cearsaigh) and Sean O'Cuirin," are among the contributors of excellent and unique articles in Irish. "An Seabhach" writes in his firm Irish style about Tomas O'Cromhan, author of "An Oilcanach." Other contributors of articles in Irish are D. O'Dubhne, A. O'Muimhneadhain, Sean O'Cuir, Torna, and Scotch Gaelic and a news letter from Wales; notes on art, drama, films, etc.—and all for half-a-crown.
S. O'I.

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Interesting Capuchin Quarterly
" BONAVENTURA'S " SECOND ISSUE MAINTAINS HIGH STANDARD
FATHER SENAN, O.M.Cap., has produced an excellent second number of his "Bonaventura," the quarterly review, whose first number in the early summer attracted much attention.
Because of the wide range and great interest of subjects which it covers the review is one of the most outstanding products of modern Irish journalism and if it maintains its present high standard it is certain to obtain a hold and a popularity among the public which will make its future assured.
A large proportion of its space is contributed by well-known Irish writers whose competence to handle the language for the purposes of narrative and exposition is beyond question.
A thought-provoking article on "The Future of Democracy" comes from the pen of Father James, O.M.Cap., whose special qualifications to treat a topic of the kind are widely known.
He points out that the Bolshevik faith and Nazi worship of the Nationalist State remain experiments in the dark. He reminds the people of to-day that two great classical exponents of democracy as a theory of lawful government were eminent Catholic thinkers, Cardinal Bellarmine and Suarez, both of whom championed the cause of the people against the absolutism of the divine right of kings, being convinced that power was ultimately from God.
JOSEPH DE MAISTRE.
If the future democracy is to be a success modern Christianity, in his view, must find a way of relating life to religion, so that every side of personal existence, public no less than private, may be brought under the effective influences of religion.
Francis MacManus tells in "Ambassador of Truth," the story of Joseph de Maistre, who, after the French Revolution, was made ambassador of the Kingdom of Sardinia to the Court of Russia at St. Petersburg, and refused to take a salary because of the poverty of his king.
Mr. MacManus paints a picture of a Christian, who, in the midst of the turbulent unbelief of the time, devoted his literary abilities to truth and who wrote works which have become classics.
A compelling case for honesty in translation is made by Roibeard O'Farachain in a study of "The Translators of Gaelic Poetry" which is obviously the result of wide reading and deep reflection and in which case he makes war on those who substitute "innocuous paraphrase" for fidelity to the spirit as well as the letter of the original.
PROFESSOR STOCKLEY.
"A Child Among Them," by Gabriel Fallon, is a delightful sketch of the Abbey Theatre and its early days, with Frank Fay, master of a school of verse-speakers, as a central figure.
He described an interesting teaparty held in the Green Room of the Abbey at which Dr. W. B. Yeats told his experiences to a group of American journalists.
Violet Connolly gives a vivacious account of the New Armenia since it broke away from the thraldom of Russia and became one of the eleven fully-fledged Republics of the Soviet Union.
P. I. O'Leary contributes an entertaining story of South Australia, entitled "Some Travellers and Their Tales," while "J. A. P." continues his reminiscences of Irish journalism, dealing with "the parti-Coloured North."
Rev. Patrick Rogers writes on "Henry VII and the Irish Monasteries," in which he lays his wide historical reading under contribution.
W. F. P. Stockley's article, "Among Indians in North America," is an account of personal experiences of his own in the East of the United States and Canada as far back as 1886.
David Hogan, in his usual vivid style, contributes a short story on the troubled times entitled "Soldiers' Caps."
Rev. Father Angelus, O.M.Cap., tells, in "Ireland and Australia," the work of Irish priests for the Church in that country, and particularly the labours of the Capuchins.
He refers specially to the work of Father McCarthy, Father O'Reilly, and Father John Aloysius O'Connell, three remarkable Cork priests.
"Fear has nothing to do with courage" is the assertion of Patricia Dee in "Fear," which should have a wide appeal.
"WHAT ANNOYS."
"Saint Paul of Tarsus is the greatest human personality in the history of mankind and the most interesting," states Father Felix, O.M.Cap., in a study of the great Apostle of the Gentiles, marked by learning as well as
What annoys Father Denis, O.M.Cap., annoys many an Irishman—the ignorance abroad, even amongst intellectuals, of things Irish.
Several aspects of the question are dealt with by Father Denis, who sketches the outlines of the struggle for Flemish culture in Belgium, "with the hope of stimulating a more general interest in a movement that may not
be without its lessons for those practically interested in the complete Gaelicisation of modern life."
Among the Irish contributions is "Idir Dhá Linn," by Shan O Cuiv, whose works in Gaelic are so well-known.
This is an article which will well repay perusal.
An Seabhac writes on the Irish language question in "Cá bhfhuil Ar dTriall?"
"Cloch Labhrais" deals in a rather light vein with women's rights in "An Buntracht," which contains a number of old Irish sayings about women.
The Irish short story is well represented by Seán O Cuirrin in "An Ghaillseach." Máiréad Ní Ghráda is the author of "An Díthreabhach."
An Athair Eláir, O.M.Cap., supplies a study in three parts of the great Gaelic philosopher, Duns Scotus, in "Duns Scotus — Ná Táinig go hEirinn."
A particularly interesting article for the holiday period is "Laetheanta Saoire sa Bhlascaod Mhór," by Muiris O Droighneáin, M.A.
Barra O Caochlaigh's contribution is a story, "An Duine Uasal" ("The Gentleman"). An interesting article on the revival of the Irish language comes from Tomás Breathnach in "Aithbheodhchaint na Teangan."
PICTUIRI.
An essay on art pictures, entitled "Pictuiri" by An t-Athair Casáin, O.M.Cap., makes pleasant reading, and "Schribhinn Suaithinseach" by "R. O F." makes up the Gaelic content of the review.
There are news letters from Brittany, Scotland, Wales and New York, and the features deal with the land, music, drama, painting, architecture, films, and photography.
The book supplement by Brian MacManus deals with "The Diary of Humphrey O'Sullivan," which is a moving story of a schoolmaster and linen-draper who writes of all those things of nature that "give joy to sane men."
D. L. Kelleher is responsible for a number of genres excellent poems which are little gems.
P. E. K.

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BONAVENTURA. Autumn, 1937. 2s. 6d.
The autumn number of the Irish quarterly, Bonaventura, contains an interesting study of Democracy by Father James, O.M.Cap. He indicates the difficulty that lies in the vagueness of the term “Democracy” : “Democracy is a word which is somewhat the worse for usage ; it is a word of many meanings. In the first place, Democracy is a theory of origins and validity on the part of government. Secondly, it is a doctrine of the form or organization of government. Finally, Democracy stands for a certain attitude, or spirit, based on a moral intuition of the value of the human person.” By his survey he finds that “as a theory of origins it does not exclude God from the so-called sovereignty of the people. As a theory of the form of government, it is good only in so far as it satisfies the conditions of good government.” Democratic theorists are likely to challenge the tautology of the last statement, for they would claim for the principle of the people’s sovereignty a more absolute sanction than Father James (very rightly) is prepared to grant to it. But no one will deny Father James’ statement of the truth which prevents any Catholic thinker from seeing political theory as an end in itself : “Good institutions alone are not sufficient ; it is men that must work the institutions.”
The Rev. Patrick Rogers writes a first article on “Henry VIII and the Irish Monasteries,” dealing with the state of the Irish monasteries on the eve of the Dissolution. Bonaventura covers a wide field, for besides its special articles, in Irish and English, it contains a good foreign correspondence and regular features on drama, music and the cinema.

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Ravensdale
Co-Louth
26.8.37
Dear Father Senan,
A thousand congratulations
on Bonaventura II, which excels the best
yet, and is a grand credit to Island, to
contributors and to the Napoleonic
editor. It is really a triumph.
I will manage several reviews
that will be helpful, I hope: but let
us this interpret with the official 1. P.
review, which M.J. Max M. will do, ?
presume.
Very my faith
Faren's crazy in
splendid indeed - the
long are-dre turned to
Sigerson.
A. S. B.

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12 Mountainview Road,
Ragnallaë,
balle áta cliat.
26 - 7 - 1937
A átair, a cara,
Gaib agam i btaob gan na promta
so a cur tar nais cugat roimis seo. Is amlaib
a bios ar laeteanta saoire i gCiarraibe agus
ní bfuaireas bo leitir go btánag tar nais
abaile.
Is mór an creibeamaint buit an
céad uimir be "Donaventura", idir abbar, cló,
páipéar is uile. Gura fada buan i mbun bo
saotair tú.
Mise, le fior-meas,
Máiréa II Yhoda.

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A NEW IRISH QUARTERLY.
BY PROFESSOR MICHAEL TIERNEY.
The new Capuchin quarterly, Bonaventura, of which the second number has just appeared, strikes a fresh note among such periodicals. Since the days of Jeffrey and Croker the quarterly style has been rather Olympian; these stately vessels have moved with slow dignity among the ever-growing din of the popular Press, and have carried cargoes, not indeed of "diamonds, emeralds, amethysts, topazes and cinnamon and gold moidores"—for the higher graces of creative literature have been generally remote from them—but of solid, respectable, if rather dull and Victorian merchandise. It is significant that in England they have found difficulty in keeping afloat as the Victorian tide recedes.
Bonaventura is, I believe, our second Irish quarterly, and it has made a very praiseworthy attempt to lighten and diversify its cargo while preserving the stately lines and generous size of its older kindred. Indeed it is, if anything, even more generous than they, though the first impression of its size may in part be caused by thick paper and good large readable print. Its articles are for the most part briefer than is usual in quarterlies, and range from solid studies in history and philosophy, through literary criticism and the current polemics of education to short stories, poems and sketches. Thus every taste is catered for, and the value given is greatly enhanced, first by a series of piquantly written notes from Brittany, Scotland, Wales, and New York; second by further and equally well-written bulletins on the land, music, the theatre, painting, architecture, films, and photography; and last, but not least, by a skilful condensation, in half-a-dozen pages, of Humphrey O'Sullivan's famous Diary. This last, the work of Brian MacManus, is in English, but the provision of articles in Irish elsewhere in this issue is of remarkable abundance and quality.
To begin with, there is the Seabhac's eloquent "Cá bhfuil Ar d'Triall?" in which he discusses the present position of the language with a force and a style that few, if any, living Irish writers can equal. Personally, I am afraid that his conclusion simply amounts, as so often happens, to a call for more action without any very clear indication of the form it should take. The time is rapidly approaching when those who are striving for the revival of Irish will have to stop using strong language and advocating strong action, and begin to think. Irish speakers are not the only people in Ireland who are more easily led than driven.
Another extremely good article is Seán Ó Cuiv's "Idir Dhá Linn," which covers more or less the same ground, but with a mellow touch of reminiscent personality that is absent from the Seabhac's more vigorous style. Seán Ó Cuiv quotes with approval à propos of the Irish revival, Canon O'Leary's saying: "Is treise neart aigne ná neart na ngunnaí móra," but his own peculiar view is that the success of the
revival is bound up with political nationalism—a view one would like to see carded and combed, so to speak, in a full discussion. There is another excellently-written but perhaps less meaty article, on "Aithbheochaint na Teangan" by Tomás Breathnach, and the subject is touched on by way of moral in Father Denis's interesting account of the language question in Belgium. Father Denis uses the curious argument that because Flemings who received their higher education through French show no inferiority in general formation, therefore "the use of Irish as a medium of education" is here and now justified. I am sorry, but I can only call this logic by a French name: it is logic à rebours.
Perhaps I have said enough to show that on one subject alone, Bonaventura gives scope for abundant argument. I have only indicated a title of its wealth. Apart from short stories and lighter articles by "Cloch Labhrais," Máiréad Ní Ghráda, Muiris Ó Droighneáin, David Hogan, Patricia Dee, and Barra Ó Caochlaigh, there is a series of very solid contributions which no Irish reader can afford to miss. Francis MacManus writes on de Maistre, in my opinion both too briefly and in too stylised a style; Violet Connolly tells us something of her travels in Soviet Armenia; R. Ó Faracháin discusses, with plentiful illustration, translators of Gaelic poetry from Miss Brooke to Dr. Hyde; Dr. James raises a crop of points worth controversy in "The Future Democracy"; Dr. Rogers, one of our best younger historians, begins a study of Henry VIII and the Irish monasteries; and last but not least, An t-Athair Eláir, surveying (in Irish) the most recent work on Duns Scotus, comes to the fateful conclusion, in opposition both to Father Luke Wadding and to his own earlier studies, that the "Subtle Doctor" was after all a native of Scotland. This is one article on which there can be no argument. To quote de Maistre (through Mr. MacManus) "c'est un fait qu'il avance, et non une thèse." But it is a fact worth having solidly based.
The Capuchin Fathers deserve our warmest thanks for the literary feast they have provided, and a very special word of praise is due to Father Senan, the Editor, the difficulty of whose task few can appreciate, though its product is skilfully blended of such fine ingredients that I can be enjoyed in every Irish Catholic honor. Fad-saol dó fhéin is dá shaothar!
ni
it

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Sigerson
Some ten years have passed since Dr. George Sigerson died. If he had lived until next year he could have attended his own centenary celebration; for he was born in 1838. Perhaps few among the young people of to-day, even the scholars, could answer immediately, if asked, who Sigerson was and what he did. Ireland has changed greatly and, many will think, sadly from the land in which, twenty years ago, Sigerson presided over a literary society in Dublin, and was sought out by all who cared for letters and history, desiring from him recollections of every generation since the Famine. He might have been notable as a nerve specialist if he had not diverted so much of his genius to history, politics and letters. His medical consulting-room in Dublin was more than half an intellectual salon. As a representative of patriotic societies, he was one of the deputation which presented a sword and an address of admiration to Marshal MacMahon, in the distant days of that statesman's glory in France. He wrote copiously on the problem of Irish land tenure, and cast forth in casual Press articles, which never have been collected, rare stories of the Gaelic-speaking lords and ladies who once attended the Court of Versailles. His mind overflowed with curious learning. An innocent enthusiasm led him to extravagant claims. In the story of Deirdre he detected, by ingenious reasoning, a five-act drama of antiquity, ante-dating the Elizabethans by a thousand years; though a literary critic would point out quickly that this was to read a modern technique into the distant past. He traced echo-poetry to an Irish origin, found the germ of Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar," in verses attributed to Cormac, the King-Bishop of Cashel, and sought to prove that Cicero learnt from the Druids.
The "Easter Hymn" of Sedulius he translated, claiming that this Sedulius, like the later, was Irish, although no scholars support his belief. Such excesses of national pride reacted against Sigerson's reputation; for a better-equipped generation, discovering the flaws in his theories, dismissed him as fantastic. Yet his learning was deep, and his errors were amiable. Surely it is better to claim too much for one's country than too little—to see the past in a haze of glory rather than in a welter of muck. In these days of cynicism a touch of Sigerson's spirit would lift our writers to a finer achievement than tales and novels which invariably have their mise-en-scène in a low "pub." or worse. It is pleasing, therefore, to note that one of our promising younger poets, has made a strong claim for Sigerson. Writing in the second number of Bonaventura, the gallant literary quarterly which the Capuchin Fathers have founded, Mr. Robert Farren examines Sigerson's translations from Irish poetry more thoroughly than this has been done before. He demonstrates that these renderings, though uneven, have conspicuous merits, and afford the best consecutive survey of Gaelic poetry extant. He praises Sigerson's masterwork and one enduring book, "Bards of the Gael and Gall," for "its sweep through the centuries; its delicacy of choice and insight; its sustained accuracy and poetry; its double power of stimulating and satisfying the appetite for knowledge." Such a tribute to one who was the central figure in Irish letters for nearly half a century, though now popularly forgotten, suggests the hope that Sigerson's centenary next year will mark a return by our young men to honour for the elders—for the learning, gravity and idealism of the last generation.

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OVER 70 CAPUCHINS MARTYRED BY
THE REDS
Death Preceded by Torture and Mutilation
The death roll of the Franciscan Capuchins in Spain is at least 72. It has been definitely established that 45 priests, 9 students and 18 lay-brothers have been killed by the Reds. Information as to many others is lacking, but it is expected that considerably more than the 72 are dead.
These facts are revealed by Most Rev. Sylvester P. Mulligan, O.M.Cap., recently appointed Archbishop of Delhi and Simla, in an article contributed to the new Irish quarterly, "Bonaventura," the editor of which is Fr. Senan, O.M.Cap.
Last July, states the Archbishop, the Order counted five provinces, 91 convents, 1500 professed religious, and 442 aspirants. Many of the convents have been destroyed by the Reds, and others used as hospitals or barracks. The murder of many of the religious was preceded by horrible torture.
Giving instances of the latter, the Archbishop cites the case of Fr. Timothy of Palafrugell, "a popular preacher, a man of extraordinary zeal and the personification of goodness," who was
discovered in hiding in Olot and was flung into prison with two other priests and a number of prominent Catholic Actionists. When the Nationalists bombarded the town, the Reds took the whole group and massacred them, first inflicting torture and mutilating them. Pieces of flesh were later found at the scene of the crime.
BATTERED TO DEATH.
In Barcelona, another priest—Fr. Oriol—was taken to a wood, placed against a tree and told to blaspheme God. He replied by singing a verse of the "Te Deum," adding the ejaculation "Laudetur Jesus Christus." For this he was beaten with sticks and stones until a blow cleft his skull.
Fr. Melchoir, of Benisa, Provincial of the Valencia Province and former Minister-General of the Order, had a narrow escape from death. After the community had been ejected from their convent and college at Totana, in the province of Murcia, he was brought before a Communist tribunal, where he was treated to a torrent of shouts, blasphemies and gestures. "We shall shoot fifty of your companions to-night," shouted one of the tribunal. When, however, Fr. Melchoir challenged his inquisitors to name the crimes he had committed, none could offer a word and he was declared innocent.
He was then sent to prison, where he remained for 15 days. Months later he secured a passport and left for France, only to be sent back a prisoner to Barcelona when a frontier guard found a medal of Our Lady attached to his pocket book. Here he was brought before an Anarchist committee, but was again declared innocent, and succeeded in getting out of the country.
BUILDINGS DESTROYED.
Among the Order's buildings that have suffered are the convent, Provincial residence and theological study, with its libraries of 20,000 volumes, in Barcelona, which were set on fire. A similar fate befell the College of Igluada, the novitiate of Manresa, and the philosophical study of Olot. Apart from the convents of Tarragona and Borges Blancas—both occupied by the militia—all other convents in the province of Catalonia have been destroyed.
Of the establishments in the Basque Province of the Order, that at Hijar was burned down by the Reds, while the remaining two were saved by the Basques.

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"Bonaventura"
A New Irish Quarterly
"Bonaventura." Published in Dublin. 2/6 net.
FULLY maintaining the high standard set by the first issue, the second number of the new Irish quarterly, "Bonaventura," offers for half-a-crown 250 pages in excellent type on good, thick paper, containing a remarkable variety of articles in English and Irish by writers of repute. In addition to literary notes from Brittany, Scotland, Wales and New York, the regular features include topical commentaries on agriculture, architecture, music, theatre, painting, cinema and photography by Alice Curtayne and Stephen Rynne, John O'Gorman, Germaine Stockley and W. F. P. Stockley, Alfred Dennis, Elizabeth Curran, Gabriel Fallon and T. J. Molloy.
Although, as was to be expected, the contributions in Irish are prominent, they form less than half the contents. There are many articles, sketches and stories in English, and the very capable editor, Father Senan, of the Capuchin Fathers' Church street house in Dublin, has not hesitated to introduce a lighter note at many points between the more weighty offerings. The magazine, in short, presents a most skilfully blended literary bill of fare.
The language question, which, like the poor, seems destined to be always with us, is dealt with in three Gaelic articles and one English contribution. "An Seabhac" deals with the subject in his usual forthright manner; Shan O Cuiv, more restrainedly (and in the Roman type which he has always championed against the Gaelic script), and Tomas Breathnach somewhat diffusely. In English, Father Denis. O.M.Cap., tries to find a moral for us in the position of Flemish in Belgium.
Gabriel Fallon's "Further Variations on an Abbey Interlude," which he calls "A Child Among Them," gives us vivid back-stage glimpses of the Abbey Theatre that was. He writes affectionately of Lady Gregory with sympathy and understanding, and counts her death a deeper loss to the theatre than most people imagine.
Taking as text Mr. Robin Flower's dictum that "to translate poetry by less than poetry is a sin beyond absolution," Roibeard O Farachain devotes the longest article in the magazine to "The Translators of Gaelic Poetry," and, with ample quotation of chapter and verse, scarifies virtually everybody who comes into the category—from Miss Charlotte Brooke, who published her "Reliques of Irish Poetry" in 1788, to Dr. Douglas Hydo.

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“Bonaventura” (Capuchin Quarterly, Winter, 2s. 6d.).—The Irish Catholic reading public need journals of higher literary standard because the need for enlightenment is growing. Rev. Fr. Senan, O.M.Cap., who has sounded a new and splendid note to answer this call in the quarterly “Bonaventura” has given us the third issue of this journal, which fulfills the growing need. Economics in all its wide appeal has a great place in this issue in such articles as “Smaointe ar cheist na Tuaithe,” by an Seabhac. This article analyses the psychology of the youth in the country districts and suggests a wide organisation controlled and directed by an Irish-Ireland body, working with and for the government as a national body apart from politics. Rev. Dr. Paschal, O.M.Cap., discusses a burning problem of the moment in the theoretical sphere of economics in his article “Is Inequality Inevitable?” The thought arises from the article that all our economic teaching would be the better for a more academic attachment to the perennial philosophy. That humourous writer, John Desmond Sheridan, on “Intelligence and the Birthrate” plays skittles with the theories of some sociologists and suggests the healing power of the nursery school. In “Studies
of Childhood” Thos. Barrington deals with the difficulties of the slum children. He cries out: “The greatest wants of these lads are caused by the neglect and apathy, as well as the villainy, of their fellow-citizens towards them.” The comment on “The Land,” by Alice Curtayne and her husband is not the least of the articles of an economic interest that shows this quarterly as a guide to our numerous bread-and-butter problems. History and current affairs fill many pages of this very much alive review. A significant side of the quarterly is the space it allots to the national language. Perhaps the article of widest appeal is that on Don Columba Marmion, O.S.B., the Dublin priest whose life and writings have cast glory on the motherland. The author of this article is well known as the priest who guided the beginnings of Kylemore Abbey as an effort to plant the Benedictines in the Gaeltacht—the Very Rev. Dr. Aubert Merten, O.S.B.

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DEISE GAELIC WRITERS TO THE FORE.
In the list of books issued by publishers and in the periodicals in which the Irish language is given a place there has been of late a gratifying recognition of the merits of Deise writers. We noticed recently the important contributions to "Ireland To-day" from Mr. Percy Ussher, Cappagh, Co. Waterford. This week we have been pleased to observe in the list of contents of the December quarterly number of that excellent quarterly, "Bonaventura," the names of Mr. Sean O Cuirrin of Ring and Mr. Sean O Caisnigh, a native of Kilmacthomas district, as the writers of two of the eight contributions to "Bonaventura." The reverend editor of that periodical has shown good judgment in giving prominence to two such able writers of Irish. The contents of "Bonaventura" are so excellent from every standpoint from which one might judge such a publication, it would be difficult to chose any two or three of the contributions for special mention. We can well imagine all who have any associations with journalism looking forward to reading the next instalment of J.A.P.'s highly entertaining journalistic recollections, "J.A.P. Looks Back." Rev. Dr. Rogers' articles on "Henry VIII. and the Irish Monasteries" are among the most erudite and informative contributions we have read on that neglected period of Irish ecclesiastical history. Everything Rev. Dr. James,, O.M.Cap., writes is of first-rate importance. His "Philosophy and Education" in the December "Bonaventura" is in his best style. We should like to know that the article will find its way into the hands of a large number of teachers and those responsible for their training.
An Irish priest in Scotland who called to see the writer this week read Peter F. Anson's article in "Bonaventura" on "Scottish Catholicism During the 17th Century." He was so impressed by the article he decided to take a dozen copies of "Bonaventura" to Glasgow next week when he returns to his missionary work there.
The other contributions in Irish and English are all of outstanding merit and interest. How the editors sell such a splendidly turned out periodical of 300 pages on fine paper for the small sum of 2/6 is a puzzle to those acquainted with the cost of book production. May its sale recompense their patriotism and zeal and enthusiasm for national culture.
SEAN.

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SAORSTÁT ÉIREANN
ROINN AN UACHTARÁIN
DEPARTMENT OF THE PRESIDENT
BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH
DUBLIN
November 30th, 1937
A Athair dhilis,
The President sends you his sincere thanks, and so do I, for the copies of "BONAVENTURA" which you so kindly sent here on Saturday morning. It is, to say the very least, the best production that comes to this office, barring the CAPUCHIN ANNUAL of course.
I suppose you are half dead, but the rush will soon be over and you will be able to enjoy a quiet rest, I hope.
With every good wish.
Sincerely,
In accord with Connell
P.S. The President asks me to send you the attached order form and cheque for a copy of the Matt Talbot painting which he would like sent to his house.

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PHONE: 22686
The Father Mathew Record Office
P.O. BOX 105
DUBLIN.
Samhradh, 1937.
A Chara,
Forgive me for taking the liberty of writing to you but I am anxious to make sure that you learn of the existence of a new Irish quarterly: Bonaventura.
If you have already seen the first number I hope you are looking forward to more 'good things to come.'
If, however, you have neither seen nor heard of Bonaventura I want you to know something about it because I should like you to become one of its regular readers.
I enclose the contents list of the first issue (now on sale). A glance at the titles of the subjects treated of by outstanding Irish writers will give you some idea of the scope and purpose of this new quarterly.
The standing of a magazine may be gauged from its readers. The circulation of Bonaventura will be limited, but influential if I can be sure that those for whom it is intended read it regularly.
The next issue will be published on August 21st.
An order form is enclosed. Please sign it. For my part I shall do my best to ensure that you will not be disappointed in Bonaventura.
Beir beannacht
Many thanks. I have got the first two members and my newsreport has an order for regular supply. It is readily splendid. I have been recommended to convenient as by for the best half-crossis worth on the market. You are undesirable people with your combination of sanctity, scholarship, patriotism and business efficiency. Samuel O'Neill 24/1X. 1937.
Fr. Samuel O. M. Shap.

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AN BUN BEAG,
42, GILFORD PARK,
SANDYMOUNT,
DUBLIN.
8th March, 1938.
Dear Father Senan,
I enclose cheque for 12/- renewal of subscription to "Bonaventura", which please send, as before, to Mr. S. Keane, Fallmore, Ballina, Co. Mayo.
I spent last Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. Keane when I had the opportunity of reading four numbers of "Bonaventura". + am, as you are probably aware, a Methodist by religion, but I read the magazine with the greatest profit and pleasure and congratulate you and your associates on the good Christian work you are doing in publishing and circulating first class literature of the kind. + the pity is that our Irish people, on the whole, are not given to reading publications of this sort. The country is flooded with English trash which, if it is not positively demoralising, is hopelessly inane.
Guidhim beannacht Dé ar bhúr n-obair.
Is mise do chara,
An buaiaillin buide.

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Bonaventura
In the Spring issue of the quarterly magazine, "Bonaventura," an attempt is made to honour the Irish writer, Mr. D. L. Kelleher, whose works have not received hitherto the attention which is their due. About one quarter of the two hundred and fifty pages of the magazine is given over to these works, which include short poems and one lengthy piece about Cork, the play, "Stephen Grey," extracts from the popular "glamour" books, with appreciations and notes by the editor, Rev. Father Senan, O.M.Cap., Professor Corkery, and Mr. L. S. Gogan. The variety of Mr. Kelleher's writings in verse and prose astonishes. Although a little more discrimination could have been exercised in the choice of extracts, yet the examples given show the writer's powers: his sense of the picturesque, of the past, and his restrained feathery phrasing. The entire tribute makes a valuable contribution to the literary history of Ireland.
❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
A notion of the other items of "Bonaventura" can be obtained by grouping them under their proper headings without distinction of language, for the magazine is bilingual. The historical section maintains a high standard. It is generally authoritative and learned, as one would expect historical work to be in a quarterly. Mr. Vincent Grogan discusses Irish Constitutional development in a masterly fashion and places the new Constitution of Ireland in proper perspective. The story of Henry VIII and the Irish monasteries is continued by Rev. Dr. Rogers. This study is essential to all students of that period of our history. Miss Violet Conolly writes in the temperate, objective manner of her book on Russia about the aims and results of Soviet Social Insurance, and she makes some very salutary comments about Ireland. Irish printing and the influence of Irish books on the Continent are dealt with by Mrs. Julester Shrady Post. And in another instalment of Captain Power's reminiscences, "J.A.P. Looks Back," we see a portion of history in the making.
Philosophy, more or less formal, is represented by two essays, one in Irish, the other in English. In "Philosophy in the City," Rev. Father James, O.M.Cap., of international fame, attempts to disabuse the man in the street of the queer notions he holds of philosophy, and at the same time, gives a simple statement of many fundamental ideas and problems. The relationship of truth and liberty, a difficult but urgent problem, is inquired into by An t-Athair Elair, O.M.Cap. Incidentally, he shows once more that Irish is a fine vehicle for philosophic ideas, a fact often scouted by those reactionaries whom difficulty easily discourages. The essay, both in word and manner, is in the tradition of the Irish written in Louvain during the seventeenth century.
Original creative work, criticism, translation, and the language revival are given their place. The four short stories are good. Two of them, in fact, are excellent: "Man of the Roads." by Mr. Donal O'Cahill, gives promise of future masterful success; "Duinneall," by Seán Sabháiste is another proof of this brilliant Irish writer's unusual power. The other two stories are by the well-known writers, Mairéad Ní Ghráda, and Barra O Caochlaigh. There are three plays: "Stephen Grey," which has been mentioned already, a translation of Synge's "Riders to the Sea," and "The Adze Head." by Mr. John Guinan. The last play, which may display its dramatic qualities on a stage, is about St. Patrick, and is, therefore, seasonable. The dialogue could have been pruned considerably. An Seabhnac, who never fails to interest and always maintains a high level of writing, recounts the Gaelic revival in Scotland. A piece of criticism in the grand manner is provided in Irish in the essay "Faust," by Cloch Labhrais.
The usual features are also present. They are the notes on Architecture, Painting, Films, Theatre, Music, Farming, and on the Celtic outposts of Wales, Scotland and Brittany. There are also some notices of books. "Bonaventura" is again a generous exchange for half-a-crown.

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OUR LIBRARY TABLE
BY MAUREEN
"BONAVENTURA," A QUARTERLY REVIEW
The Spring issue of "Bonaventura," a quarterly review, published in Dublin, and edited by Father Senan, O.M. Cap., has arrived and it is decidedly entertaining for Irish readers on this side of the Atlantic; yet, more so, should it be of interest to the people of Ireland for its contents are extremely close to existing Irish affairs—and besides, it is thoroughly well interspersed with Gaelic language stories, etc. As a matter of record, even the initial story is in Gaelic and written by no other authority than "An Seabhac," whose work for the revival of the Irish national tongue is a matter of common knowledge to all who place an interest in Ireland or its people.
Then, throughout the book there is almost an equal number of Irish stories to those in the English tongue; some of the Irish stories are written in Roman letters, while most of them are printed in the Gaelic type.
There are many interesting articles included, some of which have been written by writers whose abilities in the writing field are well known. Vincent Grogan, B.A., B.L., has an exceptionally fine article on Irish Constitutional Development, tracing it from earliest times right up to the present, and dealing briefly but well with the new Irish Constitution and its effects on Irish national life. D. L. Kelleher, another versatile penman, is found with various articles in several parts of the review; his works are written in both poetry and prose. I cannot help but quote a few lines from his beautiful poem about Red Hugh O'Donnell, entitled, "After the Battle of Kinsale":
"Red Hugh that swept from Donegal
In mighty turnings, plumaged
from his men,
Will rise no more from the great
fall,
No more to East or West—no
more again,
But the loud beating of his wings
comes back
Ten thousand times along each
fabled track
By which he passed .....
"Red Hugh, Red Hugh,
The people harken still to you;
Your beaten host, your broken
army lies
Mingled with dust—with dust
but, from the skies,
A clasp of wind takes up a shining
grain
And the sun lights it all the
way to Spain.
Red Hugh, Red Hugh, your flying
dust is gold
For which men follow when all
else is sold
As dross; the flash, the infinitely
small
Bright glimpse of you can still
be magical;
Though anchors drag and mighty girders yield—
That little GRAIN of DUST IS
STILL OUR SHIELD."
I would like to have reproduced
it in its entirety had space per-
mitted. Other writings that
should interest all Irish readers
are: The Glamor of Dublin; J. A.
P. Looks Back. Ceol Na Cainnt;
The Adze Head; Henry VIII And
The Irish Monasteries; Riders to
the Sea (in Gaelic) by John M.
Synge; "Padna"; Man of the
Roads; Faust (in Gaelic); Aims
and Results of Soviet Social In-
surance, which is very interesting
in these days when we hear so
much about Communism; Ireland's
Contribution and many more in-
teresting articles.
No doubt the average reader
will also enjoy the reports from
Wales, Scotland, Brittany and
other areas which were colonized
by the Gaels, and where, to a
large extent the Irish language, in
different dialects, is still spoken.
"Bonaventura" is published from
Bosca A 105, Baile Atha Cliath
(Box 105, Dublin, Ireland).

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Bonaventura. A quarterly review, edited by Father Senan, O.M. Cap., Dublin, The Father Mathew Record, Vol. I, No. 4, price 2s. 6d. The name of Father Senan being associated with any publication has led us, from past experience, to expect the very best. When we heard that this most capable editor of the Father Mathew Record and of the now famous Capuchin Annual was engaged upon the production of a new review we wondered however, whether even he could possibly continue to touch such high places.
To date we have read the four numbers of Bonaventura, and its history seems to march with the history of all that is produced by Father Senan; it has become better and better.
We, on this side of the sea, will naturally regret that many pages must, through our ignorance, remain unread, for there are many articles printed in Gaelic. But if these are like the English contributions—and for all we know they may even be better—then we do not hesitate to tell those who are conversant with both tongues that here they may obtain the finest Catholic Review in print.
Throughout the volume are to be found minor poems of D. L. Kelleher but even if these were not there, the one long poem, Padna, a regional love story, would make the spending of the modest half-crown worth while. And could anyone who loves Ireland possibly resist those exquisitely written poems in prose: The Glamour of Dublin, The Glamour of the South?
Irish students of literature, domiciled here in England—you must obtain Bonaventura. Irish priests, working in England—this is the Review that will keep in your minds the depth of the culture we expect to find in you. And English men and women who, because of your faith, cannot separate yourselves from Ireland ideologically—here you will find many evidences of the reasons why your Sister Isle has merited to be called “The Home of Scholars.”
D. D.