Read Ireland Book News - Issue 80
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Cassa by Lilian Roberts Finlay (Paperback; 9.99 IRP / 15.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
This book is a sensitive story of a family and a house, of friendship, betrayal and romance. The Blakes, a wealthy Dublin legal family, have lived in 'Firenze' for a hundred years, a great old house set in thirty acres on the south side of the city. In changing times, as their country road is transformed into a six-lane dual carriageway, two very beautiful but very different sisters grow up. Wealth and property, family and love, hatred and betrayal are just some of the elements of this engrossing novel, set against the backdrop of the transformation of Dublin between the 1950s and the 1980s.
The Cork Cook Book edited by Nuala Fenton, Angie Shanahan and Damhnait Sweeney (Paperback; 12.95 IRP / 19.99 USD) [Add To Basket]
Cork is widely regarded as Ireland's culinary capital. Its reputation for fine food has grown steadily over the past 20 years, from the high standards set by such establishments as Ballymaloe House and the Arbutus Lodge. The emphasis has always been on the use of fresh, locally grown produce and exacting standards in training. This, combined with good business acumen, has contributed enormously to the development of Cork's reputation as a centre of excellence for food. This book is a collection of recipes from 30 of the Cork's most talented chefs from innovative and exciting establishments in Cork City and County. (All the proceeds for the sale of this book will benefit the Cork Simon Community who care for the homeless.)
C.S. Lewis at Home in Ireland by David Bleakley (Paperback; 9.99 IRP / 15.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
The author was born close to the Lewis family home in Strandtown, Belfast and his association with C.S. Lewis was greatly strengthened during his student days at Oxford in the 1940s. Since then he has done pioneer work in the promotion of Lewis Studies in Ireland, with particular reference to Lewis' Irish background. The book brings C.S. Lewis 'back home to Ireland.' It recounts his life in Ireland, the County Down and the 'village' of Strandtown. It places Lewis is his local setting among the people and places he knew. It also explores his Irish circle at Oxford.
Trams of the Hill of Howth: A photographic tribute by James Kilroy (Paperback; 11.50 IRP / 17.50 USD) [Add To Basket]
The Hill of Howth trams were the last electric trams in Ireland and had particular appeal to tramway enthusiasts as they were the last 'open-toppers' to operate in these islands. There can have been few pleasures to compare with sitting on the open top deck of a Howth tram, enjoying the sea air and the spectacular views from the Summit over Dublin Bay and the Irish sea. This book is a loving tribute to these fondly remembered cars from one who has painstakingly restored car No. 9 at Howth Transport Museum. He includes much of the local history of his native Howth peninsula and describes the history of the Clontarf and Hill of Howth Tramway which connected the peninsula to Dublin. The second half of the book is a full colour portrait of the Hill of Howth Tramway in the 1950s.
The Last Years of 'The Wee Donegal': The County Donegal Railways in Colour, 1950-59 by Robert Robotham (Hardback; 15.00 IRP / 22.50 USD) [Add To Basket]
The County Donegal Railway was the largest narrow gauge system, not only in Ireland but in the whole British Isles. The lines' attractive livery of geranium red and cream made its trains very photogenic, especially in colour, and it has always been a very popular line with enthusiasts. County Donegal Railway rolling stock was always well-maintained and the system was run in an efficient and professional manner with a mixture of diesel and steam traction. Indeed, by 1950, the County Donegal Railway had become the first railway in the British Isles to run its entire passenger timetable by diesel traction. This book draws on the work of well-known photographers as well as the extensive ColourRail archive, to produce a stunning full colour album that captures the atmosphere of 'the Wee Donegal.'
When the Normans Came to Ireland by Maurice Sheehy (Paperback; 7.99 IRP / 12.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
The Norman invasion of 1169 was an event of enormous importance in Irish history. When the Normans came to Ireland they established a political structure that was to last for almost 8 centuries: a structure that was totally alien to the native identity at the time. The author calls the Norman invasion a 'crusade' because in his opinion it was a distinctly Christian venture, a victory for the Papacy as well as the Normans themselves. The motivation for this crusade was to his mind only slightly more sophisticated than that which sent armies against the heathen during the same era. Ireland of the 12th century was culturally isolated from the rest of the world, its population regarded as 'alien'. Europe of the day had a legal and philosophical structure that underpinned the institutions of the Church and state and the duties and responsibilities of individuals. The Irish were almost totally unfamiliar with all this. They had their own unique language and their own separate and largely unwritten understanding of man and his place in the world. This book deals in depth with the manifestations of this powerful Irish cultural identity and the conflicts that arose between them and the structure imposed by the Normans.
Allyn's Embarrassing & Mysterious Irish Adventures by Carol McGinley (Paperback; 5.95 IRP / 9.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
This children's novel, for the age group of 9-12, combines zany humor, suspense, and details about Irish history, geography and culture. While enjoying the Gallaghers' embarrassing 'predicaments' early in the book, readers become attached to 12 year-old Allyn and 9 year-old Mitchell and then experience the beauty and culture of Ireland through their eyes. An Allyn, Mitchell, their mother and aunt travel throughout Ireland, a mystery unfolds, involving international criminals and Allyn's favorite pop-country star; the climax occurs at his concert in Ireland. While Allyn and Mitchell uncover clues, facts and photos about Irish history, the land and the people are woven into the suspense of the story - educating in the context of a very entertaining fiction.
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