OTD: James Plunkett (1920 - 2003)
James Plunkett, author of Strumpet City, one of the best books on Dublin, was born on 21 May 1920 in the Hibernian metropolis. Strumpet City details the lives of common Dublin folk and their hero, James Larkin. The novel is an excellent fictional introduction to anybody who wants to get a sense of the shockingly brutal nature of urban life in pre-1916 Dublin.
The novel, published in 1969, features a cast of characters, from the destitute to the clergy, who are brought to life, highlighting the hardship, dignity, and aspirations of Dublin’s poor. This portrayal earned the book international acclaim and sold over 250,000 copies worldwide.
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In 1980, Strumpet City, was adapted for television by playwright Hugh Leonard. The series starring Peter O'Toole as James Larking was well received and can be found at The Internet Archive.
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