The novel is a love story, set against the background of corrupt landlordism in 19th century Tipperary. This is the earliest of Kickham's novels to be published. 

Charles Kickham was a native of Mullinahone, Tipperary, (1828-1872) and wrote for many nationalist newspapers, and became involved with the Fenian movement and was later imprisoned. 

This edition published in 1979.