An Barr Bua, Pádraic mac Piarais, Aindrias Ó Cathasaigh (ed.)

An Barr Bua was a political paper, but a remarkable political paper. For one thing it had the literary graces, style, fanaticism, and tolerance that only an editor like Pearse could give it. Above all it had thought, avoided formulae and barren controversy. A delightful humour animated its pages, a caustic wit which did not even spare the editor… Pearse, who was chief contributor as well as editor, used the Irish language with a literary grace, style, variety, humour and force never yet surpassed. Essay, poem, fable and leading article – as well as a summary of foreign news. Pearse enunciated the political views he then held. We can read An Barr Bua today with interest for its pronounced personal note and literary charm while many points and arguments have point and relevance. – Desmond Ryan.