Irish Books

This book (the first volume) is over 600 pages. And they are 600 pages chock full of intelligent analyses and overviews of all the poetic schools in Britian and the US since the 1890s. This book is fascinating in its content and a joy to read because of Perkins' clear and humane style. It is amazing that one person can know so much. But don't let that intimidate you. This book will do wonders for your working knowledge of American and British poetry.

David Perkins's "History of Modern Poetry" gives the reader the essentials of the modernist movement, from its beginnings as a reaction against the outworn Romantic era to the poetry of Ashbery, Ammons, and Merrill in our own age. Brevity is a virtue here: Perkins states the essentials of a poet's life only and so escapes the common error of overinterpretation which most critics commit. The series also pays attention to minor poets who do not rank highly today and past movements in journals and anthology editing so as to provide us with a complete picture of what the past century of poetry has consisted. Highly recommended.

David Perkins's "History of Modern Poetry" gives the reader the essentials of the modernist movement, from its beginnings as a reaction against the outworn Romantic era to the poetry of Ashbery, Ammons, and Merrill in our own age. Brevity is a virtue here: Perkins states the essentials of a poet's life only and so escapes the common error of overinterpretation which most critics commit. The series also pays attention to minor poets who do not rank highly today and past movements in journals and anthology editing so as to provide us with a complete picture of what the past century of poetry has consisted. Highly recommended.

I love poetry. Books like "History of Modern Poetry: Modernism and After" fill my bookshelves. I eat this stuff up. But one thing a lot of poetry books do is mush up the sense of it all in the hope of appealing to the academics. Since most regularly published poets are professors in English departments, it works out, but it creates a great divide between the laity and the academic.

What David Perkins has done is explain the basic chronology of poets periods. This is neither an encyclopedia of terms nor an anthology of great poems. Instead, Perkins takes a period, affiliates the poets major within that period and explains their context and importance.

He keeps it simple without talking down to the reader.

Essentially, it is a collection of intelligent essays. Some are topical, like "The Postwar Period" while others are poet-specific, like "W. H. Auden."

Perkins writes clearly. It isn't trying to impress you, but he is trying to help you understand Eliot and onward.

I read it for personal growth, but it would make a solid textbook, in tandem with Perkins' other volume covering the previous eras.

I fully recommend "History of Modern Poetry: Modernism and After" by David Perkins.

Anthony Trendl

This is a really different kind of memoir. It's personal, yet gripping as a novel would be (part of it is memior, part is fiction). It's also thoughtful and analytical without falling into the trapof being dry or over-intellectualized. I learned as much about myself as I did about the author. The blurb on the back cover is right - once I started it, I couldn't put it down.

This is an intimately written and insightful work. Anyone interested in women, film, or issues surrounding lesbianism will enjoy the work. Beautifully formatted.

In "Home Movies..." Citron uses an interplay of fact and fiction to guide the reader on a journey of secrets. We are never quite sure of who is speaking and yet always sure it is the author's voice we hear. Citron has crafted her written words with the same sense of artistry evident in her films. This book is powerful and artfully written. It is as much about understanding the well-buried and fragmented narratives we each conceal as it is about the story of Citron's individual exploration of her own stories. Communicated through simple language inflected with subtle nuances, the truths among these pages explore the juncture of life and art. Interacting with this text is quite an experience.

This is a really different kind of memoir. It's personal, yet gripping as a novel would be (part of it is memoir, part is fiction). It's also thoughtful and analytical without falling into the trap of being dry or over-intellectualized. I learned as much about myself as I did about the author. The blurb on the back cover is right - once I started it, I couldn't put it down.

At this point, given the reviews, it is clear that Anne Atik has written a fine memoir. What I would like to comment on in particular is the role she herself plays as both writer and actor. She manages to be remarkably self-effacing, something not at all easy for a writer who was a close friend of a famous artist. There is no tone of bragging, there are no self-serving anecdotes, and there are minimal details about the memoirist herself. In fact, if anything, I found myself wanting to know a bit more about her. But her discretion is admirable.

This is a revealing, insightful portrayal of the great Irish writer, by a close friend of his, the poet Anne Atik, wife of the painter Avigdor Arikha, whose striking portraits of Beckett are reproduced here. The book is unique for its descriptions of, and insights into the springs of artistic creation, for the refined 'table talk' it lovingly and discretely recounts, for the details that only a friend could know and see so well - all told by a poet. This is definitely a must for Beckett fans and lovers of literature.

This memoir is what we hope for. Lots of new information, inside anecdotes, and pictures.

If you love Beckett you must have this book. I would've gone without meals to buy it, if necessary.

Also be sure to buy Why Beckett, by Enoch Brater. It is magical.

This book ( How it was)

well,... it was amazing.

I am so glad I bought it.

I was in cafes with Beckett....

( no other book can do that)

I wondered for a long time whether I should buy it...

I'm glad I did..


What a wonderful book!

if you love Beckett

The book is outstanding and a great introduction to Beckett's life and work. It arrived promptly and in excellent condition.

This book is a must have for any fan of great theater, intelligent novels, deep poetry, critical essays, or moving short stories: because it has all of them by the master of all of these genres.

From famous works such as, "Waiting for Godot," and "Krapp's Last Tape" (plays), that force a reader to rethink their world, to classic short stories, such as, "Dante and the Lobster," that is a dive into a surreal world: this book has everything.

1,000 words is not nearly enough to get into this book at any real depth, or to even give it a proper over view. This book covers the entire spectrum of one of Ireland's greatest writers.

Creater of the theater of the absurd, world renouned playwright, and man who single handedly made a place for the "shorter play," in a world that had come to expect a minimum of two acts, for a peice of drama to be considered serious.

This book contains novels, novel excerpts and short stories, all of which, redefined the genres that they belonged to. Prolific, constantly changing, and reaching new hights, Beckett redefined every genre that he wrote in, and set new levels of perfection for the rest of us to reach for.

One can not say enough things about this true literary genius. The best advice that I can give you is, buy this book, read it, and give yourself the perfect oppertunity to become aquainted with Beckett. This book gives a wondeful over view of each of Beckett's writing stages and the evolution of his work.

If you've never heard of Beckett, this is the first thing you should check out. Richard Seaver's introduction is an added bonus, which helps us understand Beckett even more. All in all, a fabulous book.

This is a very wise introduction to Samuel Beckett's work. If you haven't discovered one of the most profound voices of the 20th century, then this book is the way to do it. By far his most accessible work is the short play Krapp's Last Tape and it is in this volume complete. Waiting for Godot is also here as well as excerpts from Beckett's prose and some of his later plays like Not I. This book belongs on your shelf.

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.

I liked this little book, we used it on my wedding, and our friends weddings. It's fun and almost always witty. Worth the little price.

This is a really cute book, quite small but filled with wonderful Irish sayings and wisdom. I would recommend it as a stocking stuffer, or even a gift by itself. It really is a timeless collection, and I end up giving one away nearly every year.

This quaint little book is full of wonderful, whimiscal folklore. With each page there is a rustic black and white illustration giving the book its irish traditional look. The book is filled with short poems and greetings that would enrich anyone. Its fun and very easy reading making a great gift. I'm planning to send this book to my sister and Mom before we head to Ireland so we have a feel for some of the Irish folklore. It would make a great addition to anyones library.

Even the cover of this book is great. Chock full of sayings and blessings. A wonderful companion for an Irish wedding. Some of the sayings would make great conversation pieces when placed on place cards!!!