Irish Books

One cannot improve upon the remarks fore-mentioned of George Bernard Shaw's. Long before public figures of no talent were thrust upon us, literate minds instead of marketeers gathered around the chosen few as johnny-come-latelys and would rarely disappoint. This is a thrilling,gripping read.Style,tact and endless grace in words for a tragic,painful public artist run throughout this personal account.Much can be gained from savoring this moment in time if one aspires celebrity and fame and wants to avoid its dizzying pitfalls.

this book is a work of art and is the primary source of all the biographies of Wilde. I particularly liked the last part of the book where Harris debates Wilde about male to male love vs. male to female love.Harris is plainly not intimidated by Wilde's witticism's and keeps to a serious vein without being rankled or becoming victimized by Wilde's ability to trivialize subjects with a veneer of parody. Among more of Harris insights is the statement that Bosie,(Wilde's "lover") and Bosie's father the Marquiss of Quennsbury are really 2 opposite ends of the same log.Harris biography seems more like a piece of literature and the life of Wilde,could even Dickens have thought up such a character as Oscar Wilde,I know Poe did!!

I picked this book up in a used book store for [money] more than when it was purchased new in 1960. The pages literally crumbled as I turned them, but I couldn't put the book down. I was enthralled with the life of Oscar Wilde. Now, this biography isn't one written years after the subject's death from scraps of information. No. This is written by a very close friend of Wilde's, Frank Harris. In being written by someone of such closeness, it lends credence to the harsh words the author had to say of Wilde. Harris calls him lazy and slothenly. Of course, Wilde caused quite a sensation in his time. He was imprisoned under other pretenses, but mainly because he was a homosexual in a time period when this was not acceptable. Oscar was one who did not care what others thought of him. He was determined to live a life of pleasure and to make money doing things that he liked: writing and speaking. However, he did a great deal of leaching off of others. There's no denying Wilde's genius. I have yet to read any of his works except for a short essay entitled "The Soul of Man Under Socialism." To me, the thoughts seemed profound. But Harris says that Oscar never said or wrote anything original; he merely took other people's thoughts, meshed them together, and said them in a more profound way. This is a biography that reads like a fine story. Harris is a great writer and has more first-hand knowledge of his subject than any other biographer that I've read. I'd reccomend this book to others without reservation.

"The best life of Oscar Wilde", said George Bernard Shaw after reading this book. I cannot but agree with him utterly. No unnecesary data is wasted, no long reflexions bore us. It's just an Oscar's very close friend telling us with great elegance and delicacy the story of one he has admired and loved so much, but without fear of saying the truth. Amicus Plato, sed magis amica veritas. Of course, the reader has to know Mr Harris is the true "lead actor" in the story he's telling us, always supporting the Truth and the Right. But one can easily forgive him for that in reward for the great moments un Oscar's life he's saved from oblivion and darkness. A wonderful work of art itself, this biography must be read by every admirer of that Prince of Charm Oscar Wilde was. X. Careaga

Kamil Aydin wrote a very informative book on images of Turkey and Turkish people in Western literature predominantly focusing on stories and fiction written in English. Aydin draws our attention to a bulk of literary work which portrays Turkish people, history, culture and customs to their readers. This book shows how Turkish identity is constructed in the images of western writers in different periods of history. The author successfuly demonstrate the effects of social, cultural, political and religious factors in the portrayal of Turkey and Turkish culture throughout the centuries. This is an excellent book for students of social and cultural history as well as comparative literature. I recommend it strongly.

Dr. Talip Kucukcan, Istanbul, Turkey

Elmas Sahin from Turkey,Erzurum ... I suggest that you should read this book.Because you will find a lot of things about Turks and Turkish culture, costumes, beliefs and manners. You can also read ''The Images of Turkey in Western Literarure'' written by Assoc.Prof. Kamil Aydin in order to learn how Turkish lands becomes a focus of curiousity for Occidental people. Mr. Aydin points out some significant passages in many English or the other Europeans novelists,playwrights or travel writers such as Marlow,Shakespeare,Nerval, Faucoult, Kipling introducing Turkish or Islamic figures in their works. Most of the writers handle Turks from negatif points of wiev in many examples given by Aydin. Aydin foceses on 20 th century images of Turkey in his work, especially in the west popular fiction, travel writings, and motion pictures.He underlines how a non-western culture is rperesented by a western culture with very interesting examples such as Midnight Express, Lustfull Turk. On the other hand Mr. Aydin shows us some important passages in Orientalism written by Edward Said . As Said writes in his book ,Orientalism Mr Aydin also writes about Orientalist approaches related to Turks.But Aydin's book is quite different from Said's work. Said only tells about Arabic and Islamic culture handled by English French and American imperialist thoughts. Whereas Aydin draws attention to Turkish images reflecting in the Orient (West). Shortly you should read this work as soon as possible. Why? Because you will find in this book very more things than you will never think about Turks or real Rurkish identity, Turkish Culture or Turkish way of life .

I read this book''The Images of Turkey in Western Literature'' by Assoc.Prof. Kamil Aydin.Really It is a very important study in both Turkish and World Literature.You can see in it a lot of crucial examples about Turkish Literature, Týrkish Culture, Turkish way of life reflecing in Western literature and Movies .For instance Mr. Aydin emphasises ,in Renaissance,that Turkish lands became a focus of curiousity for Europens,especially, exotic costumes,beliefs and manners of Turkish people.He gives some significant passages in works of Marlow,Kyd and Shakespeare. These writers introduced Turkish figures in their works in a negative way. Aydin focuses in this work on 20 th century Images of Turkey in the West popular fiction and travel writings. He stresses how a western culture rperesents a non-western culture in its own writings,from a non -European perspective. Aydin points out the real identity of Turkish people througout Western versions of the history of the Turks within the oriental context. ''Although Turks have completely different origins, geographically,with a different cultural,traditional and linguistic identity, they have never been detached from other Islamic nations of the Middle East'' Says Mr. Aydin You can see many western historical descriptions about the Turks. Like Edward Said's Orientalism dealing with Arabic and Islamic images Mr. Aydin's book tells Turkish Images reflecting in the Western World.You must read this book if you want to learn more than this about Turks and their costums and cultures.It is one of the most famous masterpieces written in this field.

Well, first of all ,i really congratulate Mr.Aydin bcoz of his success.When you start reading this book you can start to a journey in time,coz you can absolutely witness some flashings of the Turkish world which were misunderstood by the world,well at least by europeans,coz Americans already dunno much about Turkey, then you can witness the reflection of misunderstanding of occidental culture's researches on Turkey and the Turks.Coz this outstanding book will be your guide to see the wrongs and the rights about Turks.In the early 20s, The Sickman of Europe stood up and fight for his natural rights to get them back ,even though the mass media misreflected something about Turks and they always get confused between Turks and The Arabs.You can also witness the difference between The Turks and The Arabs.I accept myself lucky ,coz i read this book and im honoured of having this masterpiece.If i were you, i never get confused and click on buy icon to get a masterpiece and reach this honour as we did.Thank You Mr. Aydin for this outstanding masterpiece at heart and also hope you continue your success in literature with other research books and literary books...Finally, all you have to do is to hit the buy button and enjoy yourself while reading this guide book!!!!Really really it is!!!!!!!!

This is a simple overview of modern Irish history, told from the perspective of the invadee, not the invader. The book has a slight hint of this viewpoint, but does a great job of telling Irish history for the general reader without resorting to myth and legand.

Don't be deceived by this book. In Search of Ireland's Heroes is not a "popular history," but it is an intensely intimate history. The author, Carmel McCaffrey, has fashioned a unique and intimate historical look at her native Ireland. What emerges in this second volume of her two volume series (the first, In Search of Ancient Ireland), is history from the inside out. This is not history written by the conquerors, but history as seen through the eyes, the reflections, and documents of those who participated in the events.

In fact, a distinctive feature of this book - the story of Ireland from the Anglo-Norman invasion up to the late 20th century - is its dependence on original sources. It cites the words of Geraldus Cambrensis, a 12th century Norman scribe. It makes the reader feel the cutting edge of the Penal Laws as they restrict the "superstition of Popery" by declaring that pilgrimages to St. Patrick's Purgatory were considered to be "riots and unlawful assemblies."

The organizing structure of the book includes military, political, and social history, but the book - true to its title - organizes the story around an extraordinary line of heroic figures; women and men who emerged at critical moments and who symbolize the struggle for Irish identity and independence. "Heroic figures" may be a little misleading, for these figures are not distant or exaggerated personalities, but an instantly accessible gallery of characters who gave voice to Irish ideals and often gave their lives and fortunes rather than submit to an oppressive alien rule. There are family tribal leaders (the Fitzgeralds, the O'Neills), 18th century Protestant nationalists (Grattan, Tone, and Lord Edward Fitzgerald); and the usual 20th century suspects like Eamon DeValera and Michael Collins. But there are also less known but fascinating characters like Robert Briscoe, arms runner and later Lord Mayor of Dublin.

One of the journalistic oversimplifications when reporting Irish events and history is the tendency to view them in terms of the struggle between Protestant and Catholic factions in the country. The point McCaffrey makes over and over again is that religion is indeed a theme in Ireland but that the issue is much more complex and nuanced than the Catholic/Protestant dichotomy. She notes that Irish Catholicism has had a long-term dispute with Roman Catholicism over its unique communal and ritual expressions. Some of the most articulate voices of Irish nationalism were Protestant. Even the term "Protestant" is not univocal with the Church of Ireland and the northern Presbyterians having a strained relationship. And McCaffrey reminds the reader that the early Irish Republic in its constitution recognizes the Jewish presence and the contribution of that community to Irish life. An untold part of the long-term Irish story is about religious tolerance not religious conflict.

Perhaps the most engaging feature of this comprehensive history is the rhythm and style of the author's prose. It is hard to define an "authentic voice." But you know it when you hear it. Read some random passages of this book out loud and you will hear vivid detail, subtle irony and humor, a gripping feel for time and place, and, yes, deep sadness over the loss of life, land, and language.

There've been plenty of books on Irish history but none quite so vivid and accessible as In Search of Ireland's Heroes: The Story of the Irish from the English Invasion to the Present Day. IN SEARCH OF ANCIENT IRELAND was published in 2002 as a companion to the PBS series of the same name: this is actually a sequel to that book, standing solidly both as a companion volume and as an innovative history by itself. Here the struggle between English and Irish in the centuries since the first English invasion of Ireland in the 12th century are documented, filling the gap with a powerful narrative history documenting the personalities and people who fought on behalf of Ireland's freedom. The focus on heroes makes for a lively documentation indeed, making this a strong pick for both Irish history holdings and especially for general-interest public libraries.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

That rare publishing event where the sequel is even better than the original. McCaffrey uses original documents to illustrate Irish history from the English invasion through today.

. . .especially those who have read Humphrey Carpenter's excellent biography of the Master, JRR Tolkien, will be particularly interested in this book. It details the lives and works of "The Inklings"...

The Inklings, who included CS Lewis, Charles Williams, Hugo Dyson, Warren Lewis, Owen Barfield (and later Christopher Tolkien) were a group writers, scholars, and friends who met regularly at the "Eagle and Child" pub in Oxford (as well as in Lewis' rooms at college) once or twice weekly for the best part of 30 years. In this biography can be found many delightful anecdotes concerning these men and the remarkable works of literature they penned.

A 'must-have' for any lettered hobbit.

If you're interested in the history and lives of famous 20th century authors, this book is definitely for you. "The Inklings" is a delightful peek into the world of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, retelling the lives of several great authors. Among these are C.S. Lewis, author of the Chronicles of Narnia series; J.R.R. Tolkien, author of "The Lord of the Rings"; Charles Williams, a somewhat less noticed author now a days; and many others.

The group consisted of a rather small membership, but the ideas and input that the men gave to each other in regards to their writing probably turned out to be invaluable by the time their works were ready for publication. It was to the Inklings that Lewis first read his "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe", and Tolkien his "Lord of the Rings" which the group simply called "The Hobbit Book".

This has been the best biography I've found on this group of writers, and indeed carries more detail about C.S. Lewis than many biographies dedicated solely to him have. The same is true with Tolkien and Williams. Even if you're simply a curious fan, wanting to know a little bit more about the men who created some of the 20th century's finest literature, this book still delivers.

C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were two of the most innovative and popular authors of our century. They, and other, less popular authors (e.g. Charles Williams, Owen Barfield) were friends, and met regularly at Oxford to read their new works aloud to each other, and to criticize each others' work (as well as to smoke, drink and goof off). The Screwtape Letters and the Lord of the Rings were developed in this forum. Carpenter, like no other biographer I know of, captures the group spirit of these geniuses, giving the reader exciting insights into their influences upon each other, and into their fascinating, strange lives. Particularly interesting is Carpenter's account of the spiritual dimension of these men -- especially Lewis, who converted from staunch atheism to a devout Christianity under the influence of Tolkien and Barfield (among others). I recommend this book to any lover of the above-mentioned authors. I think it would also be of interest to many lovers of fantasy, and to any Christian with a literary bent.

Perhaps the best book to glimpse an overall picture of a world famous literary group that formed at Oxford University, around the era of World War II. The author, Humphrey Carpenter performed an admirable job weaving the highlights of a University literary club dominated by C.S. Lewis, but also including members such as J.R.R. Tolkien, and Charles Williams and other lesser known contributors over a span of three decades. Many of the members had literary works in progress and used this group as a sounding board. The members of the Inklings acting as critics. It was in this time period that Charles Williams perfected his poetical style, and Tolkien wrote most of his "Lord of the Rings Trilogy". This group was responsible for the inspiration and final output of many of its member's best works. The author would tell of the member's part within the group and tidbits of their lives outside the group. Humphrey Carpenter, the author has mastered the technique of balancing the highlights of the Inklings as a literary group and also managed to include a little personal background on each of its members. A quick scan of the authors previous works will show that he could do this because he has written about some of the members individually. The reader will feel that in this one book one has gained a true idea of the nature of the Inklings along with a neat biography of some of its members. The Inklings as a group paralleled the life of C.S.Lewis, The group was at the height of its influence when Lewis`s career was at its peak and then as different writing styles became fashionable, members of the group also died or were replaced. This book is worth the read, one sees the spark of an idea formulated by this group later brought out as a book by one of its members.

Great book. Easy to read and understand. Explains Irish history pretty good. But it's not boring because he talks about ways that people see Irish history. Taught me a lot about Ireland and Northern Ireland. Highly recommended. Good gift too (that's how I got it). - Johnny Fitz!

This book was very good. I have read a few books on Ireland and this is now one of my favorites. It is not only a good read (how could interesting history not be?!?!), but is also a good reference book to look up facts about Irish history. Particularly interesting were the sections on the various interpretations of Irish history. I didn't realize that people's different ideas about Irish history influenced their political and social opinions so much. At times, though, I thought that maybe historians are too interested in the work of each other. Each chapter has three or four pages on interpretations. This is a good thing, but, if I wasn't interested in the particular topic, I found that I wasn't interested in the interpretations either. But, overall, this is really good history, it seems to me.

Finally, I understand Irish History! A Short History of Ireland by Joseph Coohill is the most readable and understandable account of that ancient and troubled land. I didn't know that the Scandinavians were its first settlers and that the Celts didn't arrive until 500 BC. Then the Scandinavians came back again in 800, etc. Of course, there's the 800 years of British rule and all the bitterness that it has caused. This book clearly explains how the mess we call the "Famine" arose from a simple fungus and spread by the incompetence and wrongheadedness of a foreign ruling class that sacrificed human life for economic policy. Coohill shows how the event has shaped many of the current ideas and frustrations of both the Irish and their myriad descendents all over the globe. The fight for independence and the creation of North Ireland are particularly well described, as is the current situation ("The Troubles"). In addition, this book taught me how history is written and how historians change their views as they cover more information. Fascinating.

As a teacher and writer whose work is primarily limited to literary studies, I found this text exceptionally helpful in its integration of accessible historical scholarship and incisive commentary on cultural and social contexts. Coohill successfully enables his reader to understand the complexity and instability of political and cultural identities, particularly as they reveal themselves in twentieth century Ireland. And while the expansive history has exceptional breadth, Coohill skillfully explicates the intricacy and depth of historical and cultural interpretations of critical historical moments. I recommend this text to anyone interested in learning more about the fascinating interplay between Irish culture and history.

"Irish Chain" centers on Rose Dunlea, a 13 year old girl living in Halifax in the 1700's. Rose lives a content life with her family, yet still has a few problems of her own. Her major struggle is her dyslexia-in those days, dyslexia was unknown so people who had trouble with reading and writing were labelled "dumb" and "slow." Rose dreads school and has already been held back twice,and is threatened to be held back yet again. Rose is friendless and picked on severely by most of her teachers. During troublesome times like these, she turns to her Irish Chain quilt, made by her grandmother, and the stories of its patches give her comfort. One day Rose prays to God that she should not have to go to school anymore. Her prayers were answered on December 6, 1917, when two ships, one loaded with explosives, crash in Halifax's harbour. The crash destroys nearly the entire North part of Halifax, and resulted in the greatest human tragedy Canada had ever seen. Throughout the turmoil,grief-stricken Rose must find her remaining family members, face the pain of loss, and gain inner strength and courage from the stories of the quilt patches to piece her life back together. A wonderful story!

Barbara managed to "weave" together a very well written story of the largest man-made explosion outside of Hiroshima. Rose Dunlea is a girl living in Halifax struggling with reading skills. She prays to god that she won't have to go to school ever after being humiliated in front of the class. But when two ships collide in the harbour, an earth-shaking disaster strikes, and Rose Dunlea does not have to go to school. While plagued with grief, Rose sets out trying desperately to find the courage of her great -grandmother Rose: the creator of the Irish Chain quilt, and the missing members of her family.

When you read the first few chapters of this book you seem to think that Rose`s life isn`t too bad a little ruff aroung the edges mabye but still liveable. When tragedy strikes you become part of the story unable to put it down. I would definetly recommend this book to everyone although it might be a bit much for younger readers.

When my mom got me this book for Christmas, I must admit I was reluctant to read it. I had never heard of that horrible halifax explosion, so I put it aside till Febuary. And I got right into it, believe it or not. It even got me to watch the recent documentry on the halifax explosion.

The book starts off in the winter or 1917, and the main character Rose Dunlea is worrying about her problems, and wishing she was perfect. Don't we all? But her problems wasn't her wishing that she was a supermodel, like other books. True she did mention once or twice that she wished she could be a little prettier. Her problem was that she was dyslexia, and in 1917 a person with dyslexia was slow and dumb! Dyslexia for those don't know is a difference in the brain. They are as intelligent as the average person, they just have trouble with what is seen or heard. For Rose, she was the seeing problem. Numbers and letters seem to jump and move when she writes them. Her da won't let her drop out of school because he wants his kids to have the education he never had. Rose has already been held back twice and has absolutely no friends. In these times she turned to the irish chain quilt. Each patch has a story of her ancestors. These stories are told throughout the book.

She wishes she never has to go to school again, or so she told God. Then on December 9, 1917, two ships crash in Halifax harbour, one of them was carrying explosives. And they explode destroying buildings and kill and wound so many. This would go down as the worst Canadian disaster perhaps ever to happen. Rose convinced that it is her fault (remember her praying to god wishing she doesn't have to go school anymore) is grief-striken. She goes around and tries to find all her family and friends. Many of her loved ones are dead, or seirously injured...but still there are some who alive. This story is a heart warming story that shows that the human spirit still endures through all catrosphes(sorry about that misspelling).

If this book had any major faults, I failed to catch them. The characters were all vividly delinated(drawn)in words. It makes you cry, wonder, cheer and wish that you could shake hands with Rose Dunlea. Then again I'm canadian, so maybe this book meant more to me then it will to others from different countries.

Also at the end of this book is a lovely worthwhile author's note by Barbara Haworth-Attard, photos of the halifax explosion and a step by step instructions on how to make your own irish chain quilt. Enjoy!

Oscar Wilde's mother was a renowned Irish nationalist writer in her day, and sent her famous son forth as an effective blow against the empire, revealing its corruption perversion and hypocritical shallow cruelty through his own writing until he was finally imprisoned a de facto political prisoner and broken (read his Ballad of Reading Gaol and De Profundis)

Lady Wilde's Ancient Legends so highly praised by Mr. Yeats cannot now be found, nor her other winderful and witty writing, and it is a great loss to our culture and wisdom. We must console ourselves with this slim volume of "Superstitions"

Such is our anglo-owned commercial time . . .

A grand little book filled with traditonal folk charms, superstitions and other mysterious items. A quaint and well informed read.

This book was written by Lady Wilde who was Oscar Wilde's mother, and what a wonderful book it is. Although the book is called Irish Cures, Mystic Charms & Superstitions, it also contains a section of proverbs, information about the fairy race, traditions and the uses of herbs. The writing is beautiful and I can almost hear Gaelic when reading how to cure dropsy or keep a changeling from being substituted for a mother's baby. That this advice was actually used is so mind-opening in this day and age of technology where the cure for everything is probably on cable TV.
Lady Wilde was extremely talented and she collected a multitude of Irish make-believe and folk advice into these priceless pages. It's also a cheerful read for night-time reading. You can pick it up anywhere and find something interesting and amusing.
As I turn off my cell phone and computer, I pick up Lady Wilde's book and put myself in another century and place.

I think this book was an awesome guide to irish traditions. I thought the book had many good charms, keeping you ready to start right away. Personally this book tought me a great deal about myself and i thought it was over-all great. 5 STARS!!!

Amy, you did it again! I actually think this book was better than the Irish Princess, which I loved. You found a way to make us all believe in majick. It took a while for Raymond and Fionna to come together, but boy when they did, it was wonderful. The flowers were a great touch also. Boy, was it ever! Wish I could rate this to 10 stars. Keep up the good work and can't wait for the next one.

I really enjoyed reading this novel. The characters came to life on page one and never disappointed throughout the novel. I will definitely add this author's work to my list of top reads! Thank you Amy!

Cursed land, a banished witch, a bit of magic and a skeptical English Knight make for an appealing new tale from a familiar voice in THE IRISH ENCHANTRESS. Amy J Fetzer first introduced Fionna O'Donnel in her richly fascinating drama THE IRISH PRINCESS. Fionna banned from her family for a decade is nearing the end of her banishment but now her past clashes with her future as she claims not only her daughter, her people but is offered the chance for an incredible love, with magic of a most extraordinary kind.

Ms Fetzer has a an engrossing tale here made even more delightful with the appearance of two youthful secondary characters who add much to this sometimes dark tale: Connal and Sinead. Each adds special elements sure to delight the reader helping to enrich the story, certainly readers will demand their story in the future. I sure expect to learn more of this delightful couple in the future. Add to this some very special and often unexpected evil that can only be rendered impotent by Fionna' magic and the reader will not want to turn the last page.

Although not all is perfect in the telling of this tale. I would be remise if I didn't warn the reader they may find at times, especially in the beginning, that something is missing: a back story implied but not known which may cause reader confusion.. Because of this I would highly recommend reading THE IRISH PRINCESS first. Each book in a series can and should stand alone and in all fairness THE IRISH ENCHANTRESS does for the most part stand alone. Yet, reading both books will allow the reader to fully enjoy the unique magic found in Ms Fetzer's medieval Ireland.

Amy J. Fetzer has created a wonderfully rich and distinctive addition to a body of work reflective of what is especially good with historical romantic fiction. Whether the reader likes the location or the time period, THE IRISH ENCHANTRESS is sure to be a favorite amongst her growing fans and those new to her work.

Irish castle folk and English soldiers inhabit GleannTaise Castle once Fionna O'Donnel. English knight Raymond DeClare doesn't know the castle and his king awards him is cursed. It had been a magnificent castle in its day. Now it must be quickly mended before they all freeze to death this winter. To please his king he must also marry an Irish lass. Before his people starve on the land, Raymond must learn that the O'Donnels cursed the land and only magick can lift winter's spell and bring it back to life.

The witch Fionna believes the English only want to rule or slaughter. She is also long accustomed to rejection. Ten years ago her father beat her and banished her from home. If she wishes to forget what happened, the scars on her back serve a perpetual reminder. Now her daughter lives with friends, and she visits only in secret. Despite her banishment, Fionna protects the sacred circle, the fairies, and all else that is sacred. Fionna descends from the ancient ones who tended the earth, their blood running strongly in her veins.

Fionna wants to hate Raymond, blame him for all the atrocities reaped on Ireland. Yet she healed Raymond once, then clouded him mind with herbs so he would forget her. When she sees him again, his horse bears down on three children in the road. Using magic, she pushes the children from harm and causes the stallion to stop -- unintentionally throwing the rider. He refuses her help, blaming her for the accident. When her hood falls aside, her beauty bewitches him.

Raymond's soul screams recognition, but he knows not why. Then in a moment he remembers that she once saved his life. She reminds him what he must know, that she is a witch. All the while Raymond denies the power of incantations and spells, refusing the truth. Indeed, the law dictates that he takes her life if she persists in her claim. As he looks at her with rage and disgust, Fionna walks away. Like the villagers, Raymond makes her feel shunned and rejected. He vows she'll never know that she's the reason he left Ireland six years ago. Nor admit her eyes have haunted him all this time. And neither can deny the connection that burns between them.

Amy J. Fetzer writes with knowledge and respect for the old ways, understanding elements, fairies, and those who call themselves witches. With a creative flair for storytelling, she weaves an extraordinary tale of magick and love, creating an absolutely memorable tale novel. Her secondary characters, especially the fairie, are absolutely delightful! THE IRISH ENCHANRESS held me spell bound, beginning to end! Very highly recommended.

Over five hundred pages of Irish stories provide one with great enjoyment. A few anachronisms, like a cyclops forseeing the devastation of the New World, give some stories a distinctively modern flavor, which is not entirely a bad thing since it is the prerogative of every storyteller to add his or her own flavor.

The deus ex machina manner of some heroes' baptisms into the Christian faith would confuse a newcomer, but bear actual roots in Irish history. As Catholicism grew to dominance, baptisms were tacked on to the ends of stories to provide spiritual aedification.

An introduction to this work is sorely needed, since the reader cannot tell how many of the stories are folk stories retold, and how many bear the embellishment of the anthologizer. The historical context from which these stories arose requires further explanation, especially for the Irish diaspora.

In short, not a masterly work, but closer to greatness than mediocrity.

This book is one of a few that I had the most fun readin

This is an excellent book. Michael Scott has made a marvellous job retelling the old stories in a beautiful and accurate style. In this volume you can find the most important traditions of Irish myths.

Micheal Scott has collected a volume of stories that cover the the early bloody begginings of Ireland to the present day (the seventies). The first stories involve various settlers to the young land. As time progresses the Tuthe de Dannan fade into legend and interact with characters in the stories. By the end an American construction company plans to level an ancient fairy fort. Needless to say all hell breaks loose and the book ends. Many of these stores make reference to previous ones. This volume is also a handy reference guide. These stories all flow together to make a fasinating history of Ireland according to myths. The way Micheal has rewritten these stories has made me unable to read other volumes of Irish tales. This book is definitly worth the search. I looked for seven years and just recently found it at Powells Books in Portland, Oregon. I hold this book to be a ruler to which all other stories are measured up to. This short review may be a little one sided but all I can say is that I have nev

I had this book recommended to me by someone in one of my genealogical mailing lists.

I highly recommend it.

There is much to be written about the Irish in Philadelphia and this book certainly goes into great detail about the emigrants. It tells the conditions of the city, famillies and how they lived, worked, died. I have read it several times and will read it again and again.

A family member in Northern Ireland picked up my book and read bits of it while visiting. I was asked to get a copy for them to take back to Ireland as they wanted to know more about the emigrants and their lives after they left the old country.

This was a very informative book about how the Irish in Philadelphia affected the city, and how the old establishment of the city was able to keep the Philadlephia Irish from gaining the same political power as those from New York and Boston. It is not a very easy read, due to the fact that it contains many facts and figures, but is nonetheless a very informative work about the forgotten Irish-Americans of Philadelphia, and why they were forgotten.

The thing I most liked most about this book was that the author went into detail about the conditions of life in Ireland for these people. Whether they came before the famine or after, these folks didn't just get off the boat and become Americans. They brought with them a rich culture and way of life. If you are Irish and from Philadelphia, this book will mean something to you.