Ireland Books

Hilda Van Stockum was one of my favorite authors in elementary and middle school. My first book by this outstanding author was "The Winged Watchman," which was a historical look at a Dutch family during WWII. It was a lovely story replete with Dutch customs. "Pegeen" and the entire "Bantry Bay" series will not disappoint, either. The characters are lively, heart warming and full of fun and vigor. I am lucky in that I have several Hilda Van Stockum books as my library was having a sale some years ago. I have never read a bad Hilda Van Stockum -- there is no such thing. She is a keeper.

Pegeen is the third and final volume in Hilda van Stockum's delightful Bantry Bay series. Without a hint of pedantry or preachiness, all three books teach children virtues such as courage, self-sacrifice, and honesty. The whimsical and charming young heroine of the present volume gets into a few tight scrapes, learns to accept the blame for her own wrongdoings, and is rewarded in the end. I've read all three books to my three year old; he can listen to them for hours on end. They are quite appropriate for accomplished young readers ages ten to twelve. Pegeen can be read without any knowledge of the preceding volumes, but do your children (and yourself) a favor - buy all three; you will not be disappointed.

Pegeen is a half-wild little girl who was raised by an elderly grandmother. She loves the outdoors and living things, but has had no schooling and very little interaction with other people. When her grandmother dies, there is much consternation about where she will live. The parish priest learns of a relation in America, but arranges for Pegeen to live with the O'Sullivan family (first introduced in *The Cottage at Bantry Bay*) until arrangements can be made.

Here, Pegeen is all the trouble one might imagine for a little girl grieving over the loss of her beloved grandmother and adjusting to an entirely different life. Poor Mother O'Sullivan is nearly beside herself trying to deal with all the chaos.

Can't really tell you more lest I spoil the beautiful plot, but I'll just say that this is one of the most touching, heartwarming books I've ever read. It is sure to become a favorite of your children and you too.

This is the best introduction that one could find to gays and homosexuals in Portuguese and Brazilian history from the 15th century to the 20th. The book examines the lives of a number of them, both at the top layer of society, including one Portuguese king, as well as at the bottom and does so in great detail that never minces words. Much of the information about them comes from Inquisition records since that institution had jurisdiction over what was then known as the "unspeakable sin". The inquisitors did not hesitate to go into minute detail about the acts they were condemning and as a result we are given extensive and valuable information about sexual practices at the time, even including some cases of bestiality. The book has a very useful glossary and an excellent index that make it easy to use. All readers who are interested in homosexuality in history and especially in Portugal and Brazil should find this pioneering book indispensable

This volume that includes important but never before translated studies by Portuguese and Brazilian scholars should prove essential reading material for all courses in Portuguese and Brazilian history.

This book is an amazing look into the gay life of Portugal and Brazil over a period of almost six centuries. It ranges from "outings" of two Portuguese icons, one a king, to studies of noble homosexuality as well as that of ordinary folk. Brazil is not neglected and Mott and Vainfas's contributions cover that nation well. Notable also is Johnson's "outing" of Prince Henry the Navigator, a masterly piece of historical detective work. The collection also contains unique translations of three superb studies by Luiz Mott, and overall is a really valuable contribution to understanding the gay life in Portuguese speaking countries. Highly recommended to all those interested in the social history of Portugal and Brazil.

After I finished the first couple of chapters I was amazed at what I read. I never thought that could happen to anybody. You have to find out for yourself. Just read it, and you will see!

I was recommended this book by a very good friend and even though I can honestly say that I cannot stand Brosnan as Bond, I thought at least I'd do a little background reading on the man. What a delightful surprise. A witty, urbane, wonderfully researched book on a greatly misunderstood character actor. I thought York Membery's painfully funny description of the death of Brosnan's dog in chapter 2 was the highight for me. I'll look more kindly on Brosnan's future roles in future. I thought some of the photographs were particularly good. I just wish the book could have been longer. I didn't want it to end.

I can vividly remember how Pierce Brosnan grew up as a child and can only imagine how hard it must have been. The death of his wife Cassandra Harris and all her determination, fight, and powerful quotes about beating cancer really touched me. Also, he is such a great actor and the best James Bond. It is very detailed, and well done. I remember clearly how he felt when he met Cassandra, and how much he meant to her, and how depressed he must have been when she died. He sure had a beautiful heart for what he did. His "long and winding" road to fame, was hard, I can tell by his words. He seems to have a nice family- beautiful people, who are also frequently mentioned (Charlotte, Sean, Christopher, girlfriend Keely, Dylan Thomas (son with Keely.) This is definetly a must read, must see. It is for any Pierce fan!

I was familiar with the legend of Grace O'Malley, but Christina Bauer puts a fun twist on the story in her "Pirate Queen". It's a fascinating tale of one young woman's personal voyage of self-discovery, with her burgeoning time-traveling power standing in as a metaphor for the struggle everyone faces when we transform from kids into grown-ups. My 14-year old niece loved the book (she has an annoying little brother just like Timewalking heroine Jessica Ross); her mom loved Bauer's emphasis on kids' -- especially girls' -- need to build self-reliance and self-esteem; my 13-year old nephew loved the action... lots of action! That makes "Pirate Queen" a fast, exciting read. "Pirate Queen" is an interesting counterpoint to "Harry Potter" in that Harry seldom faces the consequences of his actions, instead getting a free pass from higher-ups sympathetic to his plight. Nice and neat, but not true-to-life. Jessica Ross travels the difficult road to finding herself mostly alone, and we all get to enjoy the journey with her. It's a trip well worth taking!

A friend recommended this book for my eldest daughter, and I ended up plowing through it myself (Harry Potter fan that I am, I just can't resist this genre). It's tons of fun - not a dull moment - but what I'm most excited about is the historical element. Finally, an "action adventure" for girls - and I don't mean a sexy superhero! The book is based on a REAL 16th century pirate queen named Grace O'Malley who apparently ruled the high seas near Ireland but whose name does not appear in the history books (which are not dominated by powerful female leaders in any event). That said, there is enough fantasy and drama to keep the boys fully engaged, too. A refreshing choice - I highly recommend it.

The first time I sat down to read this book, I only planned to read the first couple of chapters. The next thing I knew it was after midnight and I was one-quarter of the way through. The story is about this girl named Jess. She's an American teenager traveling in Ireland when she starts dreaming about a ghostly pirate queen named Grace O'Malley (who's actually a real-life Irish pirate queen from the 1500's.) Jess says she'll help Grace "find her treasure" and then she starts to travel through time to relive different things from Grace's life, like sea b! attles, secret weddings and castle seiges. I don't want to spoil all the surprises, but the book is a real page-turner, especially when Jess starts to find out about the secret society of Timewalkers. I think my favorite character in the book is Jess's little brother and master prankster Jake. It's worth reading the book just to find out what he'll do next.

Brian Mitchell's Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy draws upon case studies, maps, charts, and his own expertise to present the aspiring genealogist with the basics of Irish genealogical research in a "reader friendly" sixty-page introduction. The nature and uses of all significant records sources in Ireland are listed and described, including civil and parish registers, gravestone inscriptions, wills, the Griffith's Valuation, Tithe Books, the 1901 and 1911 censuses, newspapers, hearth money rolls, the registry of deeds, estate records, ordinance survey memoirs and more. All major Irish record offices and heritages centers are listed along with their contact information, hours of operation, and major record holdings. Brian Mitchell's Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy is an essential reference for any novice genealogist wishing to tap into Irish iresources.

Now in an updated second edition, genealogist Brian Mitchell's Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy is a slim yet information-packed volume of information on reference sources to tracing ancestry in Ireland, including the 1901 and 1911 census to school registers, registry of deeds, estate records and much more. Of special note is the section dealing with Irish Genealogy and the Internet, and its guide to some of the most useful sites. A highly recommended, "user friendly" primer for beginning genealogists who wish to trace Irish ancestry, Brian Mitchell's Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy also has much to commend it to experienced genealogists in need of a refresher for work with Irish genealogical research assignments.

In his Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy, Brian Mitchell skillfully blends case studies, maps, charts, and his own mastery of the subject to convey the basics of Irish genealogical research -- all in less than sixty pages. Following introductory chapters on the background to research on the American side, Mitchell describes the nature and uses of all significant record sources in Ireland including, but not limited to: civil and parish registers, gravestone inscriptions, wills, the Griffith's Valuation, Tithe Books, the 1901 and 1911 censuses, newspapers, hearth money rolls, the registry of deeds, estate records, and ordnance survey memoirs. Mitchell also explains the differences between the various administrative divisions of Ireland. Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy concludes with lists of all major Irish record offices and heritage centers, providing addresses and phone numbers, hours of operation, contact persons, and major record holdings. Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy is an invaluable roadmap to genealogical research in Ireland and ideally suited for those new to this branch of genealogical research.

The first very detailed reference work on both the Polish Army of the Duchy of Warsaw 1807-14, the Polish forces in the French Army and the Saxon Army 1791-1813. This is the most complete and thorough study of the Poles and Saxon during the wars of Napoleon, including their organization, uniforms, and accounts of their performance on the battlefield. From the desperate action of a handful of Poles defending a Spanish fortress to vast armies facing off to determine the fate of Europe, this lavishly illustrated work is researched from sources previously unavailable to any but the most ardent historian. Extensive orders of battle, organizational details and campaign accounts. Emperor's Press, hard dust jacket, 7 1/2 x 10 1/2, v, 266 pp, charts, illus and 16 color plates illustrating 48 uniforms.

This is absolutely the best source on Poles in the English language. The Poles were the staunchest ally of Napoleon. They were the only ally loyal to Napoleon to the last day. This book covers everything about them. Only the drawings are awful; the colors are just yuck. This author is known for his objectivity and great professionalism.

I thought that in English speaking countries the interest is only at the British and the French armies, despite the fact that the Napoleonic Wars took place in Central Europe,and not on British Islands or in Ireland, or along the English Channel! This book is so packed with information, ufff.

A lot of information about every regiment in the Polish and Saxon army. I recommend this art-work to everybody.

Essentially a travel guide in a large format, this book makes an exceptional gift for anyone with a hint of Irish blood or an interest in the Emerald Isle. Beautiful images are married to very readable text and interesting sidebars and facts. Printed on glossy, coffee-table-book paper, the pictures really jump out, grab you, and drag into the incredible scenery and history of one of the most spellbinding islands on earth.

In Dorling Kindersley's unique and highly readable style, Protrait of Ireland takes the reader to Ireland through photgraphs and interesting facts. Perfect for all ages, Portrait of Ireland offers snippets of information enabling even the smallest attention span to glean valuable information about Ireland.

I received this book as a gift from a dear friend who knows just how much I love Ireland. She was right on the mark with "Eyewitness Travel Portrait of Ireland". This book has it all!

It starts out with basic info; finding Ireland on a map, it's history, landscape, wildlife and people. It then moves on to a region by region review of places to visit and the towns/sights to be seen. The book has a ton of information as well as beautiful photographs to give you a feeling of what you'd see. I especially liked that the hardback book I have is bigger and easier to view than it's soft cover counter part. I've seen the smaller version and, even though the information is the same, you lose a lot in trying to see those teeny, tiny pictures. Go for the big one if you have the room! There's not much difference between them in price.

If you plan on going to Ireland I can only suggest you suppliment this book with a guide like Frommer's that give you places to eat and stay as well as all the prices. "Travel Portrait" lists which places have fees but not exact amounts. It also lists which towns have market days, which sights require fees and offer tours, which ones are handicap accessible and what the open and close dates are for most places.

I love this book and you will, too. It is well worth owning!

Ms. Ramon's diligent research has shaped a highly complete biography of James Stephens, the founder of the IRB--the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Her exploration of Stephen's relationship to the American Fenian Brotherhood of America is cogent. Stephen's was a very complex man, yet Ms. Ramon dug out all facets of his personality in a lively style. Her book will not be matched in our lifetime. Some scholar must take on the task of providing us with great biographies of Michael Doheny and John O'Mahoney to close the Fenian ring.Highly Recommended!

The Fenian movement consisted of two linked Irish nationalist organizations, one centered in Ireland and the other in the United States. Fenianism was an outgrowth of the Young Ireland Rising of 1848. Many participants of that rising escaped from the British dragnet that followed to settle in France and America. It took ten years for these men to reassemble their forces again. In 1858 Young Irelanders, now old, under Michael Doheny and John O'Mahony living in the United States, signed up James Stephens to organize an army in Ireland to challenge the British right to rule. O'Mahony and his organization in the US promised military men to lead and to provide arms for a new Irish rising. Stephens did a masterful job of organizing Irishmen in Ireland into a secret society known as the Irish Republican Brotherhood or IRB. Unfortunately his organizing powers were much better than his ability to coordinate the hard decision to fight in 1865 and Stephens was written off as a vacillating failure by many nationalists. Desmond Ryan, an admirer of Stephens, wrote his biography (The Fenian Chief - published posthumously 1967) but it is outdated and lacks research material uncovered by Ramon and others in recent years. Ramon's biography brings scholarly research up to date on Stephens and details his life and his contribution to the Fenian movement. The book is very readable, meticulously footnoted and provides, at last, a scholarly biography of the supreme organizer of physical force nationalism in Ireland. Ramon's biography examines Stephens' character and offers well-thought out discussion concerning the motives for Stephens often criticized actions as the Chief of the Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood. In addition to facts not before revealed of Stephens' life, this book is written with an objective clarity that is lacking in the Desmond Ryan's account. Ramon explains in a coherent manner the complex nature of Irish physical force nationalism, from its formation out of the failure of Young Ireland through the turbulent years 1865-1878. The Fenians laid the groundwork for the eventual independence of the Irish Republic that arose out of the 1916 Easter Rising. This book should not be missed by those interested in Irish and Irish-American history. A great biography of a man who altered the historical path of Irish history.

Required reading for anyone interested in the fascinating history of the Fenian movement. This will be the authoritative Stephens biography for some time to come. It is thorough, precise, enormously detailed, and altogether entertaining at the same time.

Unterecker's "Reader's Guide," a vade mecum for the apprentice
or seasoned reader, informs and instructs. As commentary or teaching tool, it advances a concise, systematic way to interpret the ideas, literary devices, images, symbols, and occult motifs that permeate Yeats's poetry, a thematic
analysis that connects one poem with another and reveals the visionary design at the center of Yeats's work. From the allegorical quest in "The Wanderings of Oisin" to the meditative panorama of "Under Ben Bulben," Unterecker explicates the motifs of Yeats's evolving mythology of a unified self.

In terms of understanding the writings of WB Yeats, this book is a must. It provides insights into otherwised missed subtleties that allows for a greater appreciation of the work of a great artist. (I use the diction of great artist because this truely describes his work). Anyway, this book is well written and recommended by myself.

Unterecker's "Reader's Guide," a vade mecum for the novice or seasoned reader, informs and instructs. As commentary or teaching tool, it advances a concise, systematic way to interpret the ideas, literary devices, images, symbols, and occult motifs that permeate Yeats's poetry, a thematic analysis that connects one poem with another and reveals the visionary design at the center of Yeats's work. From the allegorical quest in "The Wanderings of Oisin" to the meditative panorama of "Under Ben Bulben," Unterecker explicates the motifs of Yeats's evolving mythology of a unified self.

Compulsive reading, author has an incredible way of making history come alive for young people.

Lynne Kositsky tackled difficult subject matter in Rebecca's Flame -- and pulled it off in a way that is memorable and compelling. The controversial subject matter of the romance between Rebecca and Sean is sure to raise some eyebrows, but even though the novel is set in the 1800's, this is still a current issue in the Jewish community. Rebecca's decision on how to handle the situation is surprising and ultimately calls into question issues of faith and love.

I absolutely loved Rebecca's flame. I was irresistibly drawn in within the first ten pages, and I had the worst time putting it down. I just had to know what happened next. I thought that the characters weren't as well developed, in general, as in her other book, Candles, but I loved the character of Sean. Many characters, so-called "love interests" are not as well developed as the main character, but I got a real sense that Sean was a real person. Just like last time, Lynne Kositsky hits the nail on the head!