Ireland Books

The sending, receiving and collecting of postcards as a major part of life in Edwardian Dublin, where there were six mail deliveries a day and one on Sunday, so it's fitting that Niall Murphy has gathered a fine representation of over two hundred postcards posted in Dublin during 1904 to display the messages and interests of ordinary people of the time. More than just a display of vintage cards, A Bloomsday Postcard pairs postcard images and messages with a re-creation of everyday life; thus earning a place as literature, social commentary, and art history all under one cover.

The sending, receiving and collecting of postcards as a major part of life in Edwardian Dublin, where there were six mail deliveries a day and one on Sunday, so it's fitting that Niall Murphy has gathered a fine representation of over two hundred postcards posted in Dublin during 1904 to display the messages and interests of ordinary people of the time. More than just a display of vintage cards, A Bloomsday Postcard pairs postcard images and messages with a re-creation of everyday life; thus earning a place as literature, social commentary, and art history all under one cover.

How did Napoleon succeed in battle? According to Connelly it was by having detailed and perfect plans that fell apart leaving Napoleon forced t0 improvise. Napoleon's ability to improvise on the battlefield were the true ways he won. His enemies expected him to follow his plans which were easy to discern and when he did not he won battles. This provides excellent accounts of various battles and does so without becoming bogged down in details. I highly recommend it for those starting out with Napoleon and want to understand how he won battles. (as someone who did their thesis no Napoleon this book would have been invaluable at the time). The book is well written and a quick read that will help understand the Napoleonic wars in the context that they were in.

Dr. Connelly sees Napoleon as probably the greatest general of all time, in part because, paradoxically, 'he never really made any plans that he stuck to.'

That lack of planning would appear to be disastrous for anyone else. But for Napoleon it marked him as one of the most remarkable military leaders in history, Connelly said. 'He made plans so that he would have special men and supplies in the right places, but made everything else up as he went along. This equates to genius by him.'

It's considered a truism that 'No plan survives first contact with the enemy (Helmuth von Moltke).' So much so that many military organizations have altered the way they do planning so that they are making no presumptions of what the enemy will do. Get good leaders, get enough men and equipment, get them the food, ammo, etc. they will need, and point them in the right direction.

The interesting point is that Napoleon recognized this so long before von Moltke, Patton, etc.

The book is delightful. It's got a bit of humor, and analyzes Napoleon's battles from a slightly different aspect.

That is, write another engrossing history of the Bolshevik Party in revolution. This volume picks up seamlessly where his earlier "The Bolsheviks Come to Power" left off. For those of us who enjoyed his lucid and - at the time - groundbreaking reconstruction of 1917, this volume dealing with the revolutionary aftermath of October has been too long-awaited.

Although the writing gets dense at times, those interested in the subject will find a fascinating wealth of information on just how confused, ad hoc and improvisational were these early days of "Communist conspiracy" and "scientific socialism." Rabinowitch begins with the early negotiations between the Bolsheviks and other parties on the limits of inclusion in the new Soviet government, and concludes with the first-year anniversary of the October Revolution. Throughout the narrative his focus is on the moderate Bolshevik faction and how it was marginalized by Lenin, as well as the pressures of civil war.

Realistically, however, Rabinowitch does not idealize these moderates nor overindulge the what-ifs of historiography. In outlining the transformation of Bolsheviks "from rebels to rulers" he keeps us aware of the harsh realities of civil war that made compromise and negotiation seem suicidal. And it must be remembered that attempts by moderate anti-Bolsheviks, to promote democracy and counsel conciliation on the White side, were brushed off by rightwing army officers and Western advisors who were determined to crush Bolshevism at all costs. With the narcosis of civil war gripping all parties it's very hollow indeed to berate the Bolsheviks alone for being dictators and fanatics, or expect them to rise above these circumstances. This is Rabinowitch's conclusion and is a refreshing counterpoint to the ideologically-driven anti-Bolshevik school led by Richard Pipes and Robert Conquest.

Written by Russian and Soviet historian Alexander Rabinowitch (Professor Emeritus of History, Indiana University Bloomington), The Bolsheviks in Power: The First Year of Soviet Rule in Petrograd is an in-depth historiography of the Bolshevik Party's first year in power after the revolution of November, 1917 that so profoundly affected Soviet history and politics throughout the twentieth century. The Bolsheviks in Power denies the entrenched view that the party's severe ideology immediately changed the Soviet political system into one of brutal authoritarianism; rather, it is revealed that the Bolsheviks struggled to hold on to power amidst a sea of political, social, economic, and military crises, causing the oppressive regime that rose from it to appear virtually ad hoc. Issues discussed include the swift decline and fall of moderate Bolsheviks; the creation of the ruthless Cheka, the Bolshevik-Left SR alliance, and much more. Enthusiastically recommended as an addition to college library world history shelves.

To put it most simply, Andrew Bush's "Bonnettstown" is one of the great photography books of the past several decades. The photographs are haunting and beautiful; it is a book to return to again and again -- indeed, it is the last book I would part with from my collection.

a book i dearly enjoyed with beautifull photos of inside the house where light seems endless and shines in every corner. of this spleldid book also shows the great talent of the auther and skill in capturing the atmosphere on paper.a very interesting book from jane bolger

I really enjoyed this book, as a fan for over 25 years I was delighted to read this biography! I recommend :)

For any fan, the biography of their idol is usually found wanting. As a U2 fan and Bono enthusiast, it's difficult for me to give a good review on a biography of Bono simply because it's irrelevant for me to own a biography on Bono. For the obsessive fan, there's rarely any new information that i haven't already heard; also, biography's on living people are already hard to judge simply because they're obsolete the day they're released.

All of that aside, this book was a great addition to my U2 collection. Jackson presents a well-rounded look at the rock star's life, focussing mostly on his social work. Of course, if i had written this book it would have been gushing with admiration and fan-boy emulation. the fact that it's not proves that it's a superior, well-written account written for anybody on the reader spectrum, long-time fans and non-fans alike.

My only complaint is the lack of focus on Bono's spiritual side. This book almost gives the impression that Bono's endeavors are purely socially and politically motivated, almost without any transcendent consideration. Of course, enough has been written and discusssed about Bono's spirituality, so perhaps a fresh take on his life story thus far is something fans can use. However, for a social and spiritual balance, i recommend reading Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2, although that succumbs to several of the inherent problems with fan biographies.

This book was revolutionary when it hit the stands. It still is. Take a visionary artist like Jim Fitzpatrick (who is immersed in the styles of Mucha, Hal Foster, and the Book of Kells) and give him the chance to edit the Irish epic "Lebor Gabala" into a meaningful whole and you have one of the most dynamic synthesis of myth and image to emerge in the last half of the 20th century. It may be said that it is an ethnocentric project with an egocentric edge, but since that "edge" is competently rendered, then the project can be praised for it's daring. Bringing a myth into a new age is no small feat and to do so with such flair can only recommend itself to those who seek a Celtic Revival.

What a truly beautiful book! If you like Keltic artwork, fantasy, and mythology this is one of the best! While the book is VERY hard to find and rare, if you can get it, it is worth the time!

This is a fine book for the golf enthusiast anywhere. It is a fascinating history and celebration of the game played by those who love it. Beginning with the origins of golf in Ireland this is a story of dynamic personalities who helped popularize the game. The evolution of the tools of the game is included with many great photos of early equipment and memorabilia. The stories of the great local and international golfers of Ireland are told in detail with some great action photos. Contributions of others such as Arnold Palmer are included, as is extensive coverage of ladies' golf, which has always been popular in Ireland. One of my favorite things about golf is the beauty of the courses and the Irish ones shown here are among the world's most exciting and varied, carved into the natural landscape. Any golfer will find something of joy in this book.

This is a fine book for the golf enthusiast anywhere. It is a fascinating history and celebration of the game played by those who love it. Beginning with the origins of golf in Ireland this is a story of dynamic personalities who helped popularize the game. The evolution of the tools of the game is included with many great photos of early equipment and memorabilia. The stories of the great local and international golfers of Ireland are told in detail with some great action photos. Contributions of others such as Arnold Palmer are included, as is extensive coverage of ladies' golf, which has always been popular in Ireland. One of my favorite things about golf is the beauty of the courses and the Irish ones shown here are among the world's most exciting and varied, carved into the natural landscape. Any golfer will find something of joy in this book.

Farr's book is a well-written and important contribution to the study of the Book of Kells. Her analysis of image placement, image detail, liturgical context, and historical context provides a comprehensive base for her arguments. Moreover, the arguments are supported by contemporary Kells scholars as well as early exegetical writers such as Bede, Tertullian, Tyconius, Augustine, and Maximus of Turin. Farr certainly breaks new ground in her analysis of Folio 114r and provides a believable explanation for its placement and function. Farr also revises older liturgical interpretations of the manuscript and extends them to consider the manuscript's use during the office as opposed to its use during the mass. The style and language that Farr uses indicates that this work is intended for medieval scholars with some background in the insular tradition. I would add that a less experienced scholar should be able to understand the material, although he should have ready access to a Latin dictionary, an English dictionary, and perhaps Michelle Brown's Understanding Medieval Manuscripts: A Guide to Technical Terms. Nevertheless, Farr's book presents a fascinating analysis of a manuscript that has mesmerized the world for hundreds of years. I would recommend this book to any one interested in the Book of Kells, insular manuscripts, and/or illuminated texts. Additionally, I would recommend it to anyone interested in early church history and practice. I believe that Farr has more than accomplished her stated goal and has comprehensively expanded the collective understanding of a text traditionally considered to be a mystery.

This book is one of the finest, most complete studies of the Book of Kells that I have ever read. Dr. Farr is a true scholar!

This is a very good analysis of what was, and possibly still is, a violent, self-perpetuating feud. Both sides of the Border were guilty, and victims. And both sides were happy to increase the level of brutality for each round of attack/response. Great reading with lessons for today.

Excellent book that does an outstanding effort detailing the historical 1296-1568 period of the Scottish / English border, complimenting the book The Steel Bonnets by Fraser G. MacDonald.

An exceptional book, from an exceptional writer. Not that many people understand all the intricacies of Bosnain culture like Ivan Lovrenovic does. Simply, one of the best books you can read about often misunderstood Bosnia.

A very special book.

One of the stereotypes about Bosnia and the recent conflicts was the common complaint that the history and culture of the region were impossibly complex, incomprehensible. The stereotype furnished a convenient excuse for those who wished to acquiesce in the organized aggression and crimes and the country and its people.

This short book is the clearest, most accessible account of Bosnian culture, history, and identity available in English. It should be the first book read in any discussion of Bosnia. Each phase of history--from the medieval period to the tragic wars and genocide of 1992-1995--is depicted with concision, humanity, and depth. The writing is lucid and the stunning black-and-white photo-illustrations are integrated with care and sensitivity into the narrative. Recommended not only for those interested in Bosnia-Herzegovina only, but for those interested in European history, East-West relations, and the dynamic of religion, culture, and identity; i.e. to both specialists in the Balkans and to the wide readership of those interested in history and culture anywhere.

The reader will emerge with a sense not of incomprehensibility, but of the richness, vitality, and uniqueness of an extraordinary place and people.