full title: "King of the Beggars, A Life of Daniel O'Connell, The Irish Liberator, In a Study of The Rise of the Modern Irish Democracy (1775-1847)" by Sean O'Faolain; The Viking Press publishers, New York; copyright 1938 "Published in September 1938" stated on copyright page; hardbound in tan fabric boards with blue lettering on cover and spine; cover fabric is a little aged (see pics) but pages are clean and binding is tight; no dust jacket.
 
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Just how general may be the interest in the subject of this biography will have little to do with its success. That depends on the handling, which is dramatic, poetic, fervid. O'Faclain is a master at catching the spirit of the Irish character and has made an unforgettable figure of the brilliant, inspired, unstable, at times unscrupulous, courageous leader. He has never overplayed his hand. He makes the character its own drama. A vital page out of Irish history. Not easy reading, for O'Faclain assumes, perhaps, too much understanding of the situation at the time, a century ago. But once caught in the magic of his style, one reads with joy.