Catholicism has played a central role in Irish society for centuries. It is sometimes perceived in a negative light being associated with repression antiquated morality and a warped view of sexuality. However there are also the positive aspects that Catholicism brought to bear on Irish culture such as the beauty of its rituals education and health care or concern for the poor and the underprivileged. Whatever their experience of Catholicism writers of a certain generation could not escape its impact on their lives an impact which is pervasive in the literature they produced. This study containing twelve chapters written by a range of distinguished literary experts and emerging scholars explores in a systematic manner the crossfertilisation between Catholicism and IrishIrishAmerican literature written in English. The figures addressed in the book include James Joyce Maud Gonne Constance Markievicz Kate OBrien Edwin OConnor Brian Moore John McGahern Seamus Heaney Paul Durcan Vincent Carroll and Brian Friel. This book will serve to underline the complex relationship between creative writers and the once allpowerful religious Establishment.