Madam, - Ronan Gallagher (October 16th) wonders why Irish authors, including myself, publish their books abroad and suggests younger historians may read something of a "post-colonial" context into this. Utter nonsense.
The reasons many Irish historians have felt the need to publish abroad rather than in Ireland are much more prosaic. They get paid better (albeit still small) advances from publishers abroad, which have more resources and market their books more effectively, at home and abroad. They can do larger print-runs and charge a less expensive price than Irish publishers.
It is also the case that senior academics frequently advise their younger counterparts to seek a publisher abroad, maintaining it will look more impressive on their curricula vitae. In this context, Gallagher's description of Irish publishing as "sophisticated" does not hold water for younger historians. Having published with both indigenous and English publishers, I have found the latter much more rewarding and, indeed, sophisticated.
I can understand that Mr Gallagher finds the decision of an Irish author to publish abroad "sad", but the fault lies not with authors, but with Irish academic publishers. - Yours, etc.,
DIARMAID FERRITER,
Department of History,
St Patrick's College,
Drumcondra.