Read Ireland Book News - Issue 30
<-- [Back To Main Menu] 1. Sean Lemass: The Enigmatic Patriot by John Horgan (hardback; 19.99 Irish pounds / 30.00 US Dollars approximately) [Add To Basket]
As a boy, Sean Lemass fought in the 1916 rising. He was a member of de Valera's first cabinet, Minister for Industry and Commerce in every Fianna Fail government between 1932 and 1959, and as Taoiseach from 1959 to 1966 was the pivotal figure in the modernisation of Ireland.
The Lemass that emerges from this fine book is an enigma and a passionate patriot; a protectionist who later became an apostle of free trade; a moderniser in what was often a party of traditionalists. Horgan's biography is the work of a critical admirer who sees his subject as one of the most outstanding Irish political figures of the century. The only biographer to have had complete access to all the government papers for the full period of Lemass's political career, the author provides the reader with a rounded, sympathetic yet critical examination of the life of one of 20th century Ireland's most distinguished figures.
2. Dublin Stories 1997: A New Collection from the Inkwell Group and introduced by Vinnie Caprani (pb; 5.99 IRP / 9.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
This most welcome collection contains a range of imaginative skills that reveal the commonplace as often the vesture of the wildly fantastic, where the most ordinary appearance may cloak the grimmest tradegy, and where comedy and humour frequently hides round the most unpormising corner.
Like the Dublin landscape Ð which so many of the tale evoke Ð in this collection very little separates the most prosaic character from the bizarre, the comic from the inexplicable.
Those who are inclined to be dubious about the present state of the short story in Ireland would do well to take note of the Inkwell Group Ð writers who can spin their yarns briskly and neatly. (from the forward by Vinnie Caprani)
3. Exploring Dublin: Wildlife, Parks and Waterways by Christopher Moriarty (paperback; 8.99 IRP / 13.50 USD) [Add To Basket]
In this book the author invites the reader to wander with him along the banks of the Grand Canal, the Royal Canal, down by the Liffeyside, and through Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green and many other smaller parks. Along the way, he draws our attention to a host of birds, wild flowers, trees, insects and animals.
This book is packed with background information too, on topics ranging from the construction of the canals and bridges, to the growth of St. Stephen's Green, the history of Trinity College and the development of College Park.
It is a beautifully illustrated book for citizens and visitors alike, as well as lovers of nature.
4. Celtic Initials and Alphabets by Courtney Davis (hardback; 14.99 IRP / 22.50 USD) [Add To Basket]
In this book, renowned Celtic artist Courtney Davis reflects upon and celebrates the great work of those unknown Celtic scribes whose timeless work inspire him. He reinterprets, explains and depicts the richness of the decorated Celtic initials and the diversity of the alphabets.
In their desire to produce beautiful and celebratory manuscripts, the Celtic style of art was adapted to versions of the existing universal Roman alphabet of the time; itself derived from the classic Greek script. In the inevitable incorporation of Celtic styles into written script which took place, there emerged in the Celtic Gospels and manuscripts especially, a distinctive Celtic style of lettering and of written alphabets Ð a style which whether written, or even in typeset and printed adaptation, remains distinctive and recognizable to this day.
The book is illustrated with black-and-white drawings throughout.
5. Celtic Designs: an Arts and Crafts Souce Book by David James (paperback; 9.99 IRP / 15.50 USD) [Add To Basket]
This book is a collection of over 80 original pieces of artwork created privately by the author over 20 years, and inspired by a deep love and respect for the ancient Celtic traditions.
These are nonetheless new designs presented in book form for the first time. They are ideal material for the artist, craftsperson, stitchcraft enthusiast, graphic designer, etc. who seeks fresh ideas that have both visual appeal and a spiritual integrity within a continuing tradition.
6. Pagan Celtic Ireland: Enigma of the Irish Iron Age by Barry Raftery (paperback; 18.80 IRP / 29.20 USD) [Add To Basket]
Our established impressions of early Celtic Ireland have come down to us through the great Irish myths and sagas, epic tales of heroic struggles between kings and warriors, outlandish gods and wise Druids. Drawing upon the most recent archaeological research, the author presents in this book a convincing and lucid account of the Irish Iron Age. A fascinating exposition on the social, political and religious impacts of the emergence of Celtic culture in Ireland, this book is the definitive statement of our current knowledge about the country's shadowy origins. Generously illustrated with 223 illustrations throughout, the book will be read avidly by everyone interested in Ireland's enigmatic past.
7. And No Bird Sang by Mary McCarthy (paperback; 5.99 IRP / 9.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
Eleanor Ross, a successful career woman, decides to take a much-needed rest from her overburdened work schedule. She chooses the quiet fishing village of Coill as her rural retreat. But no previous experience has prepared Eleanor for what she is about to encounter in this new world Ð a world of gossip, rumour, and innuendo. Eleanor uncovers a strange tale of love, betrayal, revenge and ... murder. Ultimately, she learns a harsh personal truth: It can be dangerous to meddle with the past. This book is another contemporary romantic novel from the bestselling author of Remember Me.
8. Voices from the Sideline: Famous GAA Managers by Seamus McRory (paperback; 9.99 IRP / 15.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
This book recalls the Gaelic football careers of the managers who have contributed so much to the rapid development and popularity of Gaelic football during the last 30 years. It chronicles not only those who managed teams to all-Ireland Senior football glory but also those who brought their Senior County, Club, College, and Minor teams to new heights of achievement.
The reader will savour and enjoy the exploits of Sean Boylan, Kevin Heffernan, Sean McCague, John Maughan, Billy Morgan and Paidi O Se. This book provides a rare and valuable insight into the plans, strategies and motivational qualities that drive them to seek the ultimate prize in Irish sport. The author recounts vividly the drama and excitement of the great matches conducted by these famous football managers.
Semi-professional referees, match suspensions, the open draw, holiday vouchers for players, and indiscipline are just some of the important questions discussed. This book provides a penetrating analysis of the key issues in Gaelic football.
9. Irish Potato Cookbook by Eveleen Coyle (paperback; 3.99 IRP / 6.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
The most versatile and adaptable of all vegetables, the potato is indelibly associated with Ireland. In this handy book, the author gathers together a collection of delicious recipes including old favourites like colcannon, boxty and Dublin coddle as well as exciting new suggestions such as Parmesan potato cakes, new potatoes with olive oil and bay leaf, and even a delicious potato pizza!
New in Paperback this Week:
Michael O'Hehir: My Life and Times (paperback; 9.99 IRP / 15.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
In 1938 a 'schoolboy's crazy notion' became a reality when he was asked to become Radio Eireann's newest sports commentator. Over 50 years on, the voice of the late Michael O'Hehir is as intimately linked with sporting achievement in Ireland as any of the greatest players.
With accounts of his most famous broadcasts Ð the 1947 Polo Grounds adventure, Meath's Australian trip in 1968 and Foinavon's Grand National win to name but a few Ð the author both reminds the reader of these great sporting moments and details the fascinating history of sports commentary.
Ring and the Rackards, Arkle and Shergar, the Dublin-Kerry clashes of the 1970s - the author remembers them all, setting them against a backdrop of the events of the day and paying tribute to the players and managers, trainers, teams and jockeys, and of course, the fans.
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