Castle Rackrent
Castle Rackrent by Maria Edgeworth is a notable work published by OUP Oxford on October 9, 2008. This new edition spans 176 pages and is presented in English. The novel, set during the 1790s amidst Ireland’s political turmoil, features Thady Quirk as the narrator, who recounts the decline of the Rackrent family, drawing from Edgeworth’s own Anglo-Irish background. Through Thady’s perspective, readers encounter four generations of heirs, each characterized by distinct traits and flaws, providing a satirical look at Anglo-Irish landlords.
In this edition, readers will find a pioneering exploration of class conflict in Ireland, shifting the focus from religious tensions to the dynamics of social hierarchy. Edgeworth’s work not only reflects the complexities of her time but also lays the groundwork for the regional novel, influencing later authors such as Sir Walter Scott. The book offers insights into the lives of its characters, including Sir Patrick, Sir Murtagh, Sir Kit, and Sir Condy, while also addressing broader themes relevant to the Irish Catholic experience. This edition is part of the Oxford World’s Classics series, known for its scholarly approach and comprehensive features that enhance the reading experience.
Official synopsis Publisher
During the 1790s, with Ireland in political crisis, Maria Edgeworth made a surprisingly rebellious choice: in Castle Rackrent, her first novel, she adopted an Irish Catholic voice to narrate the decline of a family from her own Anglo-Irish class. Castle Rackrent’s narrator, Thady Quirk, gives us four generations of Rackrent heirs – Sir Patrick, the dissipated spendthrift; Sir Murtagh, the litigating fiend; Sir Kit, the brutal husband and gambling absentee; and Sir Condy, the lovable and improvident dupe of Thady’s own son, Jason. With this satire on Anglo-Irish landlords Edgeworth pioneered the regional novel and inspired Sir Walter Scott’s Waverly (1814). She also changed the focus of conflict in Ireland from religion to class and boldly predicted the rise of the Irish Catholic Bourgeoisie. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World’s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford’s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
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