Robert T. Reilly (1) (1923–2004)
Author of Red Hugh, Prince of Donegal
For other authors named Robert T. Reilly, see the disambiguation page.
Works by Robert T. Reilly
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Other names
- Reilly, Bob
- Birthdate
- 1923
- Date of death
- 2004
- Gender
- male
- Education
- Boston University (Ph.D)
- Organizations
- American Committee for Irish Studies
Irish American Cultural Institute - Short biography
- Robert (Bob) T. Reilly was born in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1923. During World War II, he enlisted in the Army and saw service as a First lieutenant with the 78th Division in Europe. He was a POW for six months, and received numerous decorations. After the war Reilly completed his Ph.D. at Boston University.
Reilly’s Irish interests involve the American Committee for Irish studies and the Irish American Cultural Institute, where he held a national directorship. Reilly has lived in Ireland and has also led tours there since 1966.
It was when he was teaching Irish Literature at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, that he had the inspiration to write Red Hugh. “I did it as a bet with myself that I could write a book,” he recalls. His first attempt at the story of Hugh O’Donnell was rejected by a publisher, so he tossed the manuscript out and started over. This time the tale was successful and became the first of several historical fiction books the author has written.
Having married Jean McKenzie of Omaha, Nebraska after World War II, Reilly and his wife had ten children and many grandchildren. Robert Reilly died in 2004. - Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
- Associated Place (for map)
- Massachusetts, USA
Members
Reviews
I saw this in the theater when it was released, and I think it was the first "swords and castles" film I had ever seen, which started a life-long love affair with Renaissance history, films, books, and faires.
Also, I had a crush on Peter McEnery.
Watching it at the age of 72 instead of 14, it was still fun, but with no particular outstanding features.
In comparison to today's movies, it is slow, and the dialogue is not scintillating.
However, if you consider that it was intended for as a show more Saturday matinee amusement for (mostly) kids, it's fine. It has more in common with a tv series of later days than a theater block-buster.
This time, I was more partial to the actor playing Hugh's side-kick (Tom Adams), who had several amusing scenes.
Also, the director put in some clever bits of business, even for the extras, that I appreciated. show less
Also, I had a crush on Peter McEnery.
Watching it at the age of 72 instead of 14, it was still fun, but with no particular outstanding features.
In comparison to today's movies, it is slow, and the dialogue is not scintillating.
However, if you consider that it was intended for as a show more Saturday matinee amusement for (mostly) kids, it's fine. It has more in common with a tv series of later days than a theater block-buster.
This time, I was more partial to the actor playing Hugh's side-kick (Tom Adams), who had several amusing scenes.
Also, the director put in some clever bits of business, even for the extras, that I appreciated. show less
One of my favorite movies as a kid, on its initial release, which started my love of Renaissance history and fiction.
The book itself is not outstanding, but is a serviceable action story, although I have not verified its historical veracity yet. Very suitable for junior readers.
Re-read after many years.
The book itself is not outstanding, but is a serviceable action story, although I have not verified its historical veracity yet. Very suitable for junior readers.
Re-read after many years.
Dec. 2012: At last I own the book I was awarded at track meet in grade one and could not yet read. I shall honour the sisters' gift soon! Cheers, Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Winnipeg, 1963.
May 2013: I finally got around to reading this. How strange that a literary debt of fifty years should be so easily lifted. I feel so relieved! How strange that a child can feel so guilty for not honouring a gift by making use of it, and that the guilt would carry over palpably (though under the radar, show more until twigged). It's not a great book, though I can see why the Irish Catholics liked it so much. Too my surprise a Catholic book shop I went into maybe five years ago had a whole pile of hardcover copies of this book.
Not so well written but not awfully written. It moves along well and the descriptions of the action, etc are fine. But when O'Reilly gets into that horrible fake Irish talk it is just agony to read. I think I would have enjoyed it a lot if I had been given it maybe three or four years later. Not my cup of tea now, though. show less
May 2013: I finally got around to reading this. How strange that a literary debt of fifty years should be so easily lifted. I feel so relieved! How strange that a child can feel so guilty for not honouring a gift by making use of it, and that the guilt would carry over palpably (though under the radar, show more until twigged). It's not a great book, though I can see why the Irish Catholics liked it so much. Too my surprise a Catholic book shop I went into maybe five years ago had a whole pile of hardcover copies of this book.
Not so well written but not awfully written. It moves along well and the descriptions of the action, etc are fine. But when O'Reilly gets into that horrible fake Irish talk it is just agony to read. I think I would have enjoyed it a lot if I had been given it maybe three or four years later. Not my cup of tea now, though. show less
In 1587, teenaged Hugh Roe O'Donnell, son of the rulers of Donegal, is seized by the English and imprisoned in Dublin Castle for three years before escaping to join in the struggle to rid Ireland of English rule.
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