Read Ireland Book Review
Issue 209
Riverdance: The Phenomenon by Barra O Cinneide
Paperback; 23.50 Euro / 24.50 USD / 19.50 UK; Blackhall Publishing, 230 pages [Add To Basket]
This book describes the remarkable renaissance of a traditional Irish art form - dance - revealing behind-the-scenes details of 'Riverdance', one of the most remarkable entertainment phenomena of the last decade. Based on extensive research undertaken by the author over several years, it includes both original analysis and a comprehensive review of 'Riverdance's' media coverage. The book highlights how culture and art forms can survive many adversities, including extensive disruption of the social fabric of rural Ireland, the fountainhead of Irish dance. The importance of the worldwide community of over 70 million people with ethnic connections to Ireland is given special consideration. 'Riverdance' has shown that an indigenous venture with an Irish cultural theme can successfully compete with all comers on the world stage.
Great Irish Artists from Lavery to Le Brocquy by S.B. Kennedy
Hardback; 10.00 Euro / 11.00 USD / 8.50 UK; CLB Intl., 141 pages, full colour photos throughout [Add To Basket]
This book introduces fifteen of Ireland's most interesting painters and reproduces a selection of their work. It includes the undeniably great artists, such as Jack B. Yeats, while also presenting those names no so widely known, such as Norah McGuinness and Colin Middleton, as well as popular painters such as Sean Keating, Paul Henry and Sir William Orpen. Presented chronologically from Sir John Lavery to Louis le Brocquy, each artist is introduced with a concise biography, followed by a discussion of the individual works. Written in a clear, easy-to-read style and accompanied by over sixty colour reproductions, these illuminating short essays encourage the viewer to look at some of the finest Irish art alongside the ideas and aims of those who created it.
On Dublin's Doorstep - Exploring the Province of Leinster by Christopher Moriarty
Paperback; 9.99 Euro / 10.50 USD / 8.99 UK; Wolfhound Press; 303 pages [Add To Basket]
In this book, the author explores fifty-two day trips around Dublin and further afield. From mountains to museums, from sea walks to stately homes, his favourite places make ideal Sunday trips while parking and traffic are not such a problem. Each entry has directions and map references with information about wheelchair access, children's facilities and even which locations are good for dogs! Other essential facts about buying a meal and picnic areas are covered, along with details on the history, wildlife, geology and archaeology of each place.
The Dubliner 100 Best Restaurants 2002 by Domini Kemp & Trevor White
Pocket Paperback; 6.99 Euro / 7.25 USD / 5.99 UK; Dubliner Media, 136 pages, colour photos throughout [Add To Basket]
Amusing, informed and remarkably candid, this book of restaurant reviews is written for people who love eating out, and not for the vanity of chefs. Each month, thousands of men and women read what Domini Kemp and Trevor White have to say about dining in Dublin. Here, for the first time, is a definitive guide to the only restaurants in the Irish capital that are really worth visiting.
Stud: Adventures in Breeding by Kevin Conley
Hardback; 27.50 Euro / 30.00 USD / 22.50 UK; Bloomsbury, 210 pages [Add To Basket]
This book takes the reader into the strange and seductive world of horse breeding.
The Irish and British Wars 1637-1654: Triumph, Tragedy and Failure by James Scott Wheeler
Trade Paperback; 25.50 Euro / 26.50 USD / 20.00 UK; Routledge, 272 pages [Add To Basket]
This book is an accessible and well-documented study of the wars of Britain and Ireland in the mid-seventeenth century. After a period of stability and peace during the early years of the century, Charles I set about carrying out administrative and religious reform in England, Scotland and Wales. The revolution that this prompted in Scotland was to repeat itself in Ireland, and four years later led to civil war in England. Connecting the strategic and tactical levels of war with political actions and reactions, the author discusses how Britain and Ireland became battlegrounds in the 'war of three kingdoms'. With numerous maps and illustrations, the various stages of this period of turmoil are clearly demonstrated, right through to the execution of Charles I, the conquest of Catholic Ireland, and the eventual death of the English Republic.
Ireland and the Great War: 'A War to Unite Us All'? edited by Adrian Gregory and Senia Paseta
Trade Paperback; 27.50 Euro / 28.75 USD / 21.50 UK; Manchester UP, 226 pages [Add To Basket]
This outstanding collection of studies on the immediate and continuing impact of the war on Ireland brings to the subject both new research and re-evaluations of older assumptions. It covers a variety of aspects of Ireland's war years by focusing in turn on the military, social, cultural, political and economic aspects of the conflict. Specific topics include the contrasting experiences of the Irish nobility with those of the regular soldiers; women; volunteer work; industrial controls and trade union activity on the home front; and public opinion on the British mainland about Ireland's contribution to the war. Whilst considering these, the contributors carefully reflect on issues of continuity and change within Irish historiography and analyse how the experience and memory of the war have contributed to the formation of national identities and the perceived legitimisation of political programmes.
Through Terror and Adversity by Jack McKee
Paperback; 13.50 Euro / 14.00 USD / 11.50 UK; Alpha Publications, 185 pages [Add To Basket]
This book is a pastor's dramatic life story and ministry in strife-town Northern Ireland. In the midst of the 30 years of violence and terrorism within Northern Ireland, Pastor Jack has engaged in a different war against terrorism and personal adversity with the Gospel of peace and the full armor of God. His ministry has often taken him outside the church building into the local Shankill community, and beyond to the surrounding Catholic communities of North and West Belfast. In 1989 he raised funds to purchase an old movie theatre in the heart of the Shankill Road. This was converted into a youth and community outreach centre, which became the launch pad for much of his work within the community.
How to Trace Your Irish Roots by Nora Ni Aonghusa
Paperback; 5.50 Euro / 6.00 USD / 4.00 UK; M&J Hennessy, 68 pages [Add To Basket]
This little book is designed to help the reader trace his/her roots and relatives from the comfort of their own home. Also included is advice on following up research in Ireland.
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