Joseph Campbell

Born in Belfast in 1879, he became part of the Irish literary revival and wrote poetry, lyrics, and plays in both English and Irish. He is often listed under the Gaelic form of his name, Seosamh Mac Cathmhaoil, and his work drew strongly on Irish folk tradition, landscape, and song.

He helped found the Ulster Literary Theatre and later moved in Dublin literary circles before spending time in London and, later, in the United States. His writing is closely linked with the cultural nationalism of his era, but it also has a gentle, lyrical quality that keeps it approachable.

Among his best-known books are Songs of Uladh, The Garden of Bees, The Mountainy Singer, and Earth of Cualann. Many readers also know him through lyrics connected with traditional airs, especially My Lagan Love.