Review: William Henry’s The Autograph Tree

The Autograph Tree contains twenty-seven short biographies, written by William Henry, of the signatures of Lady Gregory’s “Autography Tree”. This 160-year-old copper beech tree in her walled garden is where she would invite those of her guests whom she felt were significant in the arts, literature and theatre, to carve their initials on the bark.  The biographies begin with Lady Gregory and follow in order of those closest to her, such as her son and lifelong close friend, W. B Yeats, and continue with the connections she made through the Abbey Theatre. Although each biography is short, being in and around ten pages for each figure, Henry provides the reader with the essential context to understand the person’s connection to Lady Gregory, as well as their significance in the history of literature in Ireland. Henry gives clear and understandable explanations of historical events so even those with little knowledge of Irish history can easily understand the events that unfolded during this time period and the significance of these figures' involvement.  

In addition to their notable works and contributions to literature, Henry’s writings give the readers an awareness of the character of these people. For example, I found it just as compelling to learn in detail Douglas Hyde’s tremendous efforts in reviving the Irish language as I did to discover he was so extreme in his traditional Irish roots that he once said he would advocate for the abolition of trousers on Irish men, as it was his opinion they were not of Celtic origin. I became engrossed in reading about the many disagreements George Moore would find himself in, as well as Augustus John’s ability to paint masterpieces while plastered, and found the inclusion of their personality humanised them more to me. 

Henry’s writing is simple and concise, and the information in the book is easy to understand. It also comes with photos of a handful of the people mentioned in the book, such as Lady Gregory herself, Yeats, Shaw etc. These photos include pictures of the Autography Tree and a close-up picture of the initials carved onto its bark, which to me was fascinating to see and to picture in my mind’s eye as I read the book. As well as that, there is a picture of the exterior of the Old Abbey Theatre in 1913, along with its logo— it is interesting to see just how this theatre has developed since its opening. 

There is also a chapter about the grounds of the Coole estate. This chapter details the history of the land, such as the stables and the gardens, and gives a clear picture of why this estate was so inspiring for Yeats's poetry, and why so many other literature and theatre figures spent their time there. It also gives the reader information of the opening times and walkways visitors can take which I feel is useful as, after reading the book, I personally have become eager to walk the grounds where the like of Yeats and O Casey have been inspired.  

The book shines a light on people that many readers may have never even heard of, but who made important and hugely significant contributions to the Irish Arts scene. For example, Elinor Monsell was an Irish illustrator and was invited by Yeats to create the iconic logo for the Abbey Theatre, which is still used to this day. Violet Florence Martin was an author and important figure in the suffragette movement, and I was surprised I had never heard of her name. I think the book does wonderful justice to many of the women who were forgotten by Irish history. 

My only criticism would be that some of the chapters were shorter than I would have liked, and I think the chapters detailing the lesser-known figures could have been longer. Overall, when considering that twenty-seven biographies had to be condensed into a single book, it is easy to move past that. 

The Autograph Tree is a wonderfully enjoyable read, especially for those with an interest in Irish history, and I would recommend this book to anyone looking to better understand why the likes of Lady Gregory, Seán O’ Casey, Douglas Hyde and more are revered in Irish history and literature. I think it does the trailblazers of Irish literature justice and emphasises just how engrained the fine arts are in Ireland.