(1867-1935)

Russell was an Irish painter, poet and journalist, he was born in Lurgan County Armagh and was a leader of the Irish Literary revival. This movement which began in the 1800's encouraged works exclusively based on Irish culture.

Russell's mystical poetry and paintings reflect his deep love of nature. He developed a personal religion that sought spiritual truths in nature. Russell produced over 20 volumes of poetry, including Homeward: Songs by the Way (1894) and Collected Poems (1913, 1926). He spent most of his adult life as a journalist in Dublin. He wrote under the pen name "AE," which he took from a printer's error on one of his essays. Russell was an authority on farming and devoted much time to improving Irish agriculture.