George William Russell 
The National Being: Some Thoughts on an Irish Polity 

In ‘The National Being: Some Thoughts on an Irish Polity’ by George William Russell, the author explores the concept of Irish national identity and the formation of a unique Irish polity. Russell delves into the historical, social, and political factors that have shaped Ireland’s character, offering insightful commentary on the country’s cultural heritage and political landscape. His writing style is sophisticated and introspective, blending poetic language with profound philosophical reflections. The book provides a deep analysis of the Irish national consciousness and the challenges faced in establishing a cohesive national identity. Russell’s work is a key literary contribution to the discourse on Irish politics and identity, offering valuable insights into the complexities of the Irish experience. George William Russell, also known as AE, was an influential Irish writer and thinker with a deep connection to his homeland. His passion for Irish culture and his role in the Irish literary revival of the early 20th century informed his writing, making him a leading voice in the nationalistic movement. ‘The National Being’ reflects Russell’s commitment to exploring the essence of Irish identity and his desire to contribute to the intellectual discourse surrounding Irish politics. I highly recommend ‘The National Being’ to readers interested in Irish history, politics, and culture, as it offers a compelling examination of the Irish national psyche and the quest for a distinct Irish polity.

About the author

George William Russell (1867–1935), better known by his pseudonym AE, was an Irish writer, editor, critic, poet, painter, and Irish nationalist. He was an influential figure in the Irish Literary Revival, a movement that aimed to promote Irish literature and culture. Russell’s work reflects a deep immersion in mysticism, theosophy, and the occult, which imbues his writings with a particular spiritual intensity. ‘The National Being: Some Thoughts on an Irish Polity’ is one of his significant non-fiction works, wherein he explores ideas on the soul of a nation and the development of a cohesive Irish state against the backdrop of the emerging Irish independence movement. In this piece, Russell emphasizes a distinctive Irish consciousness and social harmony as the foundation for a prosperous and self-sustaining nation. Despite his contributions to political thought, he is perhaps more widely celebrated for his lyrical and visionary poetry, which conveys a pantheistic and mystical view of the universe. Russell’s literary style is marked by a rich, symbolic language that seeks to transcend the material and touch upon the profound truths of human existence and the cosmos. As a figure pivotal to the Celtic Revival, Russell left an indelible mark on Irish culture, both through his direct artistic output and his mentorship of other illustrious Irish writers, including James Joyce and W.B. Yeats.