Read Ireland Book Review
Issue 118
She Who Dared: Covert Operations in Northern Ireland with the SAS by 'Jackie George' (Hardback; 22.00 IEP / 29.50 USD) [Add To Basket]
Until recently, only those 'in the know' even knew of the existence of 14 Intelligence Company. The membership of this highly trained elite was classified TOP SECRET for obvious reasons: the Company, working hand in glove with the SAS, was at the cutting edge of the bitter fight against Republican and Loyalist terrorism in Northern Ireland. The public was therefore unaware that, contrary to repeated denials, women were playing a vital role in the group's operational mission. Not only did their presence provide 'cover' for their male colleagues, but the female operators had special skills and aptitude for such work. 'Jackie George' was one such operator and in this book she reveals in gripping detail the demanding training and nerve-jangling operations that she and her fellow agents undertook.
A Short History of Dublin by Pat Boran (Paperback; 7.99 IEP / 10.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
This account is a canter through Dublin in all the ages of prehistory and history: as Viking settlement, medieval town and capital of colonised Ireland. Many of the events to which the city was host were tragic - tragic too were the poverty and disease that were rife until well into the 20th century. But Dublin had its eras of glory - architectural, literary and political - and the author charts these too, with great affection.
Fool of the Family: A Life of J.M. Synge by W.J. McCormack (Hardback; 29.25 IEP / 37.50 USD) [Add To Basket]
In this authoritative biography, the author details the complex religious and social environment in which Synge slowly refined his talents as a writer. This is a story of suburban disinheritance, nondescript education, and sexual immaturity leading to eventual self-discovery, through the landscape of County Wicklow and the West of Ireland. Synge's reading in Gaelic literature is important, as is his European sense of modern alienation. The Abbey Theatre of Yeats and Lady Gregory provided a platform for his dramatic debut, but James Joyce emerged as his closer soulmate. In Europe a cultural revolution was unfolding with Freud, Thomas Mann and Max Weber publishing their seminal works, and the Dreyfus Affair scandalising Paris. McCormack's biography places Synge in this context and illuminates his contribution to the spirit of the age. This book is rich in domestic detail, carefully demonstrating the writer's place in a web of relationships - with his mother, his brothers (at home and abroad), and especially his two nephews whom he appointed heirs to his literary estate. McCormack has drawn on a huge amount of previously unpublished material to produce a fresh and extremely lively account of this great man's life and works in which he explodes many of the conventional assumptions about turn-of-the-century Ireland, about Irish Protestantism and about Synge's beliefs and personality.
Complete Guide to Celtic Mythology by Bob Curran (Hardback; 25.00 IEP / 31.50 USD) [Add To Basket]
Specially written, illustrated and designed for the general reader, this book is a superb introduction to one of the world's richest mythologies - and one which is of exceptional interest today through its involvement with nature and with the spiritual and poetic aspects of life. Nine main sections cover the different aspects of Celtic myth and legend, and the 'windows' complement the main text with a host of key stories and individuals.
Annals of the Postage Stamp by David Rose (16.95 IEP / 21.50 USD) [Add To Basket]
This book is a handbook listing many, if not all, of the efforts that have been made to overcome difficulties, and also to enhance the appearance of the stamp. Section one of this book traces the evolution of the postage stamp and its usages worldwide. Section two lists the Stamp Issuing Authorities of the world chronologically. Section Three chronologizes the Local issues of the United States from 1838 to 1864. Section Four alphabetically lists the currencies that states use. And section five is a chronological lists of currencies in the order in which they first appeared on stamps from the British penny in 1840 to the Welsh penny, or 'Ceiniog', first recognised in 1998.
Blowin' in the Wind by Terri Shoosmith (6.99 IEP /9.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
A novel which asks the question: Will the real Jane Henshaw please step forward? Jane Henshaw has the perfect life: a handsome husband, a precocious daughter, a lovely home in a yuppie village. Then she realises her life is a sham. Leaving husband, daughter and English yuppiedom, she discovers Ireland and the charismatic Ben who rules his little Utopia on a rugged mountainside - according to some very peculiar ideals …
If The Shoe Fits by Jaye Carroll (5.99 IEP / 8.30 USD) [Add To Basket]
Twenty-five, single and just a little paranoid, Susan meets Sam. He's everything she wants: good-looking, fun, intelligent and as mad about movies as she is. Out of the blue, happiness has kicked in. Or so she thinks. Then her boss goes on holiday and leaves her in charge, she suddenly has to find a new place to live, she answers a very odd advert in the Personal Columns … and life doesn't seem such a perfect fit any more.
Celtic Calligraphy by Vivien Lunniss (6.99 IEP / 9.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
Taking her inspiration from early manuscripts, the author illustrates how to create beautiful letter forms and how to apply rich, glowing decoration. The basic principles are covered in detail, with simple projects and over 35 step-by-step photographs to help develop confidence and skills. This invaluable book offers a rich source of design, with lettering, patterns and colours that will delight beginners and more experienced calligraphers.
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