The Church and Its Spire

John McGahern is one of the most important literary figures in 20th century Ireland. This book explores the paradoxical relationship that McGahern, the author of such works as The Barracks and Amongst Women, had with the Catholic Church. On one hand he had deep respect for the faith of his beloved mother, and on the other he resented the repressive and intolerant aspects of the institution. "His Study can be recommended wholeheartedly." -Irish Literary Supplement "Maher thoroughly documents the recurring themes in McGahern's work."-Library Journal

Eamon Maher is Director of the National Centre for Franco-Irish Studies in IT Tallaght. He is general editor of the successful Reimagining Ireland book series with Peter Lang Oxford and has written extensively on various aspects of McGahern's work. He is also the author of John McGahern: From the Local to the Universal (2003).