Lindie Naughton Knihy

A classic of feminist literature,  The Prison Letters of Countess Markievicz were first published in 1932. Now restored to their original form, this new edition features previously unpublished letters that Markievicz sent to family members and friends. Through these letters, recounting her feelings, political beliefs, opinions on world events, and the minutiae of her domestic life, we hear the voice of a remarkable woman, full of life and spirit; a supporter of the underdog, who never gave up the fight for a more equal society. The first woman elected as an MP to the House of Commons, Markievicz is a controversial figure in Irish and British history but has remained a shadowy symbol of Ireland’s revolutionary past. The real Markievicz shines through her letters to tell the story of one of Ireland’s most remarkable citizens, in her own words.

Lindie Naugton's engaging and accessible overview of the history of public housing in Dublin has at its centre the remarkable achievement of Herbert Simms. During his time as city architect from 1932 to 1948, Simms was responsible for delivering 17,000 dwellings, thereby doubling rate of delivery of his predecessors in the 1920s. Simms is now recognised as a visionary urban planner and thinker. He vehemently rejected rehousing programmes that would promote urban sprawl, instead advocating for high-density, well fitted-out and solidly built modern housing that was affordable for people working in the city. Interestingly - and presciently - he also built housing in satellite towns where there was a local industry to sustain employment, effectively creating entirely new suburbs for Dublin city. Simms had a keen eye for design - his favoured art deco style is still admired today, with notable examples including Pearse House on Townsend St as well as recreational buildings such as the bathing shelters and kiosk at Bull Wall. Following a tragic end prompted by overwork, Simms has become something of a folk hero, and 70 years on, he remains an inspiration for new generations of Dubliners.