Acknowledgements

My deepest debts are to Professor Yang Jincai, for initiating me into the study of contemporary Irish literature．In the past ten years, I have been benefiting from his expert guidance, insightful comment and warm encouragement．Without his help and patience, the completion of this book would have been impossible.

My sincere thanks also go to Professor Wang Shouren, Professor Zhu Gang, Professor Fang Jie, Professor Fang Cheng, and Professor Zhao Wenshu, from whose instructions in my doctoral classes and suggestions on the revision of my book I have profited a great deal.

My gratitude goes to the Graduate School of Nanjing University, the English Department of NUI, Galway, and Chinese Scholarship Committee for a fellowship that allowed me to conduct research in the Center for Irish Studies, NUI, Galway．I owe special thanks to Dr．Louis de Paor, director of the Center, whose time and energy devoted to reading and commenting on my early drafts are invaluable.

I am also obliged to Mr．Doyle for granting me an interview with him in Dublin.

I thank my friends Leo, John, Meabh, Nessa, David, Tim, and Samantha in the Centre for Irish Studies, NUI, Galway．I thank the ladies and gentlemen in libraries of Nanjing University and the Hardiman Library, NUI, Galway．Their suggestions and assistance of all kinds have my cordial gratitude.

Gong X.