Down the Nights and Down the Days

This latest book from veteran ONeillian Edward L. Shaughnessy examines the influence of the Irish playwrights Catholic heritage on his moral imagination. Critics, due to O'Neill's early renunciation of faith at age 15, have mostly overlooked this presence in his work. While Shaughnessy makes no attempt to reclaim him for Catholicism, he uncovers evidence that O'Neill retained the imprint of his Irish Catholic upbringing and acculturation in his work. Shaughnessy discusses several key plays from the ONeill cannon, such as Long Days Journey into Night, The Iceman Cometh, and Mourning Becomes Electra, as well as the lesser-known Ile and Days Without End. Winner of the Irish in America Manuscript competition, Down the Days and Down the Nights: Eugene ONeills Catholic Sensibility is a compelling investigation into the psyche of one of the most brilliant, internationally honored playwrights of our time.