Abstract
The decision to investigate the life of Charles Stewart Parnell was begun with some hesitation as abundant biographical material already existed. However, a study of these accounts soon made it evident that much of Parnell's life had never been told in anything approaching an objective manner. Friends, opponents, and relatives had all contributed their accounts, of his life — complete with the colorings of personal feelings. | One large segment of this group consisted of his colleagues in the Home Rule Movement. The most comprehensive biography, Barry O'Brien's Parnell is obvious in its sympathy for the Irish leader. Mr. O'Brien admits passing over this "distasteful matter." William Harrison's Parnell Vindicated, while most informative in regard to the divorce, is an obvious exoneration, giving credence to favorable rumors and court testimony, but questioning any contrary reports. | Other sources, such as the biographies of Katherine O'Shea, Robert McWade, E. M. Dickinson, and John Parnell are principally products of relatives. Joan Haslip's account is nothing more than a popular biography, as is that by St. John Ervine. No other complete story of Charles Stewart Parnell exists.