Published in London in 1693, Vertue Rewarded is one of the earliest examples of Irish prose fiction. Set in Ireland during the wars between James II and William of Orange, the main narrative
involves a young Irishwoman and a foreign prince, interweaving that story with tales including that of a pre-Norman Irish princess and a South American Indian from the time of the Spanish
conquest. The resulting mix of romance, history, and alleged Irish folklore can be compared to Aphra Behn's better known Oroonoko; or, The Royal Slave, published five years earlier. This
edition preserves the spellings of the original text, and includes an editor's introduction and extensive annotation. Distributed in the U.S. by ISBS. Annotation 穢2010 Book News, Inc.,
Portland, OR (booknews.com)
