Books

Book review: Pilgrim Soul a genial guide to the glory of William Butler Yeats

Lively blend of biography, history and literary criticism brings great Irish poet to life for general readers

WB Yeats: captured the excitement and confusion that Irish people felt as they watched their country forge a new identity. Picture: Library of Congress

Daniel Mulhall owes William Butler Yeats a huge debt of gratitude. When the Irish diplomat met his future wife in India 43 years ago, he read her Yeats poems since he felt they were “as good an introduction as any to the charms of my homeland”. At their wedding ceremony, he showed his appreciation by reciting He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven and The Lake Isle of Innisfree.

Mulhall’s debt to Yeats is professional ...