In 'By Still Waters: Lyrical Poems Old and New', George William Russell masterfully crafts a tapestry of verse that blends the timeless essence of nature with profound philosophical musings. The collection traverses landscapes both external and internal, mirroring the ebb and flow of human consciousness. Russell's employment of rich, atmospheric imagery in a manner that both invokes the beauty of the Irish countryside and wrestles with the spiritual struggles of existence is done with sublime finesse. Undoubtedly influenced by Romanticism, with its deep reverence for nature, the book's literary style harks back to a tradition where the natural world is the wellspring of inspiration, allowing it to resonate with the echoes of bygone literary epochs while remaining unique in its introspection and tranquility. The diligent rescue of this collection from obscurity has preserved a cornerstone of Russell's literary heritage, permitting the continuation of its quiet conversation with the gentle souls who choose to ponder its depths.nGeorge William Russell, a towering figure of the Irish Literary Revival, emerged from a milieu teeming with artistic and nationalistic fervor. His work is deeply rooted in theosophy, a belief system that meshed well with his own mystical leanings and holistic vision of unity between the individual, nature, and the divine. Through his poetic expressions, Russelloften writing under his pseudonym 'AE'disseminated his vision of a spiritual reality underpinning the physical world, a theme that radiates through every stanza of 'By Still Waters'. It's likely that his personal quest for metaphysical truths and social reforms in Ireland informed the serene yet searching quality of his poetry, imbuing it with layers of contemplation and a yearning for transcendence.n'By Still Waters: Lyrical Poems Old and New' is for those who seek refuge in the quietude of verse, for the contemplative soul that yearns for poetic wanderings by the verdant meadows of the heart. It serves as an invitation to retreat from the clamor of modernity and delve into introspection aided by the gentle cadence of Russell's words. This compilation, both an artistic achievement and a beacon for seekers of philosophical and spiritual sustenance, will surely be cherished by readers who find solace in the intertwining of the natural realm with the depth of human emotion. The reader ready to navigate the waters of introspection will find George William Russell a worthy guide through the currents of thought and reflection.

George William Russell, more widely known by his pseudonym 'AE', was a luminous figure in the Irish literary landscape. Born on April 10, 1867, Russell was not only a poet but also a writer, editor, critic, social visionary, and a pivotal figure behind the Irish Literary Revival. His works often dealt with mystical and esoteric subjects, reflecting his deep interest in theosophy and a pantheistic view of the world. An illustrious contemporary of W.B. Yeats, Russell sought to express a profound connection with the spiritual dimension through his poetry. 'By Still Waters: Lyrical Poems Old and New' is a testament to Russell's lyrical prowess and his ability to invoke a sense of serene contemplation. His literary style exudes a transcendent quality, infusing natural imagery with a sense of spiritual longing and philosophical depth. Throughout his career, Russell grappled with themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition, often interweaving them with Irish nationalism and cultural identity. As a central figure among the literati of Dublin and beyond, Russell's influence extended beyond his poetical works, contributing to the shaping of early 20th-century Irish thought and literature. His rich contributions and intellectual legacy have been commemorated through various reprints and studies of his poetry and prose. Russell passed away on July 17, 1935, leaving behind a corpus of work that continues to be admired for its lyricism and visionary insights.