Read Ireland Book News - Issue 50
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A Monk Swimming by Malachy McCourt (Hardback; 17.99 IRP / 25.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
This book of memoirs and tales builds on the story of the early life of the McCourt family of Limerick so dazzlingly told in Angela's Ashes by his brother Frank. In 1952, travelling steerage, Malachy McCourt left a childhood of poverty in Limerick, Ireland, heading for the promise of America. This is the story of what he brought with him, and what he thought he left behind. Armed with savage humour and a gift for storytelling, fuelled by rage and the desire never to go hungry again, he ran from memories of a drunken, vanished father and the humiliations of Angela, his mother. He arrived in New York reminiscent of a Damon Runyon saga - a dark, glittering place, with saloons on every corner, and a new story waiting every night. Larger than life, a world class drinker, McCourt carved out a place for himself: in the saloons, as the first celebrity bartender, mixing with socialites, writers, and movie stars; on stage, performing the works of James Joyce and Brendan Behan; and on television, where the tales he spun made him a Tonight Show regular. He had money and women and, eventually, children of his own; and that's when he found he had not left his memories as far behind as he had thought. From the notorious Tombs prison of New York City, to poolside arrests in Beverly Hills; in the company of gold-smugglers in Zurich and whores in Calcutta; from Paris, to Rome, and to Limerick once more, McCourt fled again, until he had no choice but to stop and turn and face his past. Darkly funny, shockingly raw, and everywhere making the English language do tricks the British never intended, Malachy McCourt, a true original, tell his story with passion, with, irreverence and charm.
Curious Journey: An Oral History of Ireland's Unfinished Revolution by Kenneth Griffith and Timothy O'Grady (Paperback; 12.99 IRP / 19.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
This book is the story of the revolutionary first 25-years of this century told by the people who participated in the 1916 uprising and subsequent civil war. The authors interviewed nine veterans - Tom Barry, Maire Comerford, Sean Harling, Sean Kavanagh, David Neligan, John L. O'Sullivan, Joseph Sweeney, Brighid Lyons Thornton and Martin Walton. They tell with vividness, humour and sometimes shocking clarity the dramatic stories of their growing political consciousness. They speak frankly about the battles and escapes and their work with Pearse, Connolly, Michael Collins and other great figures of their time. These interviews illustrate the exhilaration and heartbreak experienced by those portrayed in the book and outlines their hopes for the future of the country. This book presents history as it was lived.
Michael Collins and the Making of the Irish State edited by Gabriel Doherty and Dermot Keogh (Paperback; 9.99 IRP / 16.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
Michael Collins was one of the most important leaders of his age in Irish history. He has generally been portrayed in writing and film as a revolutionary guerrilla leader, a military tactician and a figure of great personal charm, courage and ingenuity. This collection of essays challenges that over-simplified view. It is a professional evaluation of Michael Collins and his contribution to the making of the Irish state, which brings to light his multifaceted and complex character. With contributions from many of the leading historians working in the field, and written in an accessible style, the essays make full use of archival material and provide new findings and insights into the life and times of the man. The contributors examine Collins as Minister for Finance, his role in intelligence, his policy towards the north, his career as Commander-in-Chief, the origins of the Civil War, his relationship with De Valera and how academics view his place in Irish history. The collection also includes two personal memoirs by Fr. Gearoaid O'Sullivan and Margot Gearty, nephew and niece of Kitty Kiernan, on Collins and the Kiernans of Granard, County Longford. Both shed new light on Kitty and her remarkable sisters. These essays are an important contribution to an understanding of 20th century Ireland.
Wolfhound Guides:
Dublin Monuments by Elizabeth Healy (Paperback; 3.99 IRP / 6.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
Dublin's monuments reflect Ireland's history, its choice of heroes, heroines and events to commemorate, its changing face. From Parnell Square through O'Connell Street, to College Green, Merrion Square, St Stephen's Green and along the Canals, the author conducts a tour of the memorials, statues and corporate are that adorn the streets, squares and gardens of Ireland's capital.
The River Gods by Elizabeth Healy (Paperback; 3.99 IRP / 6.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
Bann, Barrow, Blackwater, Boyne, Erne, Foyle, Lagan, Lee, Liffey, Nore, Slaney, Shannon and Suir - long celebrated in story and song, Ireland's rivers, together with the Atlantic Ocean, have also been immortalised in stone. Known as the River Gods, the fine sculptures by Edward Smyth decorate the arches of James Gandon's Custom House in Dublin. From the mighty Shannon to Cork's noble Lee, the author describes each river's unique personality, along with the fascinating history behind the Custom House itself.
The Irish Harp Emblem by Seamus O Brogain (Paperback; 3.99 IRP / 6.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
From the obscurity of the 13th century to the present day, the true history of the Irish harp emblem has often been concealed in myth. One of the oldest and most distinctive national emblems in the world, the harp device has been promoted by such diverse figures as King Henry VIII and Eoghan Rua O Neill. With its distinctive shape, the harp has been the most characteristic musical instrument of Ireland from about the 11th century. Now the familiar badge of the Irish state, the story of the emblem is told here for the first time.
Irish Wolfhound by Muriel Monsell Bremner (Paperback; 3.99 IRP / 6.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
In a land of legend and lore, of mystery and myth, no other creature plays a greater part in these stories than the Irish Wolfhound. Renowned for his strength, and famed for his courage, this gentle giant is also cherished for his courage, this gentle giant is also cherished for his sensitivity and loyalty. The author provides a treasure trove of all the things you ever wanted to know about this great dog's close identity with Irish history - along with lots of interesting things you never thought to ask.
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