Read Ireland Book News - Issue 81
Cultural Traditions Dictionary by Gary Law
(Paperback; 11.00 IRP / 16.50 USD)
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Rosaries and rugby, sashes and sessions, the Battle of the Boyne and the hound of Ulster - these are some of the many symbols associated with the religious and political cultures in Northern Ireland. Deeply rooted in history, the symbols are often used to reinforce and distinguish community identity. This extensively illustrated dictionary provides over 200 lively and informative definitions of the key symbols and expressions particularly relevant to the people of North. Specially commissioned by the Cultural Diversity Programme of the Community Relations Council in response to the increasing curiosity about 'other' cultural traditions in Northern Ireland, and as a contribution to the knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity throughout Ireland.
Irish Archaeology Illustrated edited by Michael Ryan
(Paperback; 14.99 IRP / 22.40 USD)
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Who were the first inhabitants of Ireland and how did they live? What do we know of their houses, weapons, tools, food? When did farming begin and how did it differ from today? Who constructed the great stone tombs dotted about the countryside? What do we know of the Iron Age peoples? Who were the Vikings and what legacies did they leave behind? How were the beautiful manuscripts of medieval Ireland put together and where did the materials come from? In this book 37 authors come together to try to answer these and many other questions. In a clear and concise fashion they provide a kaleidoscopic view of Irish archaeology, from the first settlers right through to early modern times. Also contains plentiful and brilliant illustrations.
The Bitter Word: Ireland's Job Famine and its Aftermath by Mike Allen (Paperback; 7.99 IRP / 12.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
As General Secretary of the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed, the author is uniquely placed to understand the 'bitter word': unemployment. In this engaging and authoritative analysis he challenges the assumptions of comfortable Ireland and shatters myths. He demonstrates how many of our citizens have been compelled to lead stunted lives in the shadow of the Celtic Tiger and argues with passion and clarity that there is a debt which now must be repaid.
From the Inside: A Priest's View of the Catholic Church by Tony Flannery (Paperback; 7.99 IRP / 12.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
This is a book about the beleaguered Irish Catholic Church by a member of the preaching order of the Redemptorists. Once noted for their hellfire sermons, they have been in the forefront of the drive for necessary change if the Church is to have any hope of enduring. Part biography , part appraisal, this entertaining and lively book looks at the inadequate training of priests both in the sexual and spiritual area, the aftermath of Humanae Vitae and the great social debates, how confession was often used as a means of control, the general decline in all areas of Church life, and, of course, the scandals of recent years. This book is essential reading for all who care about the Catholic faith and they can take heart in the author's optimistic suggestions for a cure of what seems to many a terminal illness.
The Vision of Peace: Faith and Hope in Northern Ireland by Mairead Corrigan Maguire (Paperback; 7.99 IRP / 12.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
The author, along with Betty Williams and Ciaran McKeown, organized some of the largest peace demonstrations in the history of Northern Ireland and co-founded the Community of Peace People to carry on the array of peacemaking initiatives which grew out of these rallies. This book features the first ever collection of Maguire's writings, speaking engagements and documents her participation in grassroots peace initiatives. She remains an advocate for peace and justice worldwide and was awarded the 1976 Nobel Peace Prize for her work.
A Treasury of Celtic Design by Courtney Davis (Paperback; 5.75 IRP / 8.00 USD) [Add To Basket]
This beautiful and versatile treasury of over 100 designs will prove an invaluable source of inspiration to everyone with an interest in the Celtic Heritage, not least to artists and designers both amateur and professional. Rich and exciting, these designs encompass a wide range of knotwork, spirals, key patterns and zoomorphic subjects. A wealth of full- and half-page rectangles, motifs and medallions plus frames, borders and corners are all rendered with exquisite finesse by the renowned Celtic expert and artist. The redolent symbolism of such designs and motifs never seem to fade or date.
The Passion of Jerome by Dermot Bolger (Paperback; 8.25 IRP / 12.50 USD) [Add To Basket]
Dermot Bolger's powerful new play is the story of a haunting; the story of an ordinary man suddenly forced to confront both his own demons and the trapped poltergeist spirit of a dead boy. Jerome Furlong is a successful businessman, whose life has been carefully constructed from layer upon layer of lies. That is until, in the squalid flat he is using to have an affair, he is suddenly confronted with a manifestation of the supernatural beyond both his comprehension and control. This play premiered on the Peacock stage of the Abbey Theatre, Dublin in February 1999.
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