Ireland Books

In the last few years I have been searching books offering a general overview of the past, and I have realized that many books entitled "History of ...whatever" only provide information about the West, the rest of the world being almost ignored.

Otto's on fools or jesters is different, it is truly global. As far as I know, there are not many books (i) dealing with jesters (ii) including not only Europe but also other parts of the world and (iii) readable enough for the non-scholarly public. In that sense, Otto's work seems to me a fascinating examination of the jester tradition throughout the world and history, so I recommend it, my rating being between 5 (content) and 4 (pleasure, sometimes falling to 3, sometimes raising to 5).

Other books that I would recommend would be "Kings or people: Power and the Mandate to Rule" by Reinhard Bendix and "Vienna and Versailles: The Courts of Europe's Dynastic Rivals, 1550-1780" by Jeroen Duindam.

Additionally, as a complement to " Fools Are Everywhere: The Court Jester Around the World", I would also suggest reading (hoping that will be of use for those looking for a broad framework to understand the past) the following works, whose scope is as amazingly global as Otto's: 1. Agrarian cultures: "Pre-industrial societies" by Patricia Crone; 2. Economy: "The world economy. A millennial perspective" (2001) plus "The world economy: Historical Statistics" (2003) by Angus Maddison (a combined edition of these two volumes is to appear on December 2007); 3. Government: "The History of Government" by S.E. Finer; 4. Ideas: "Ideas, a History from Fire to Freud", by Peter Watson; 5. Religion: "The Phenomenon of Religion: A Thematic Approach" by Moojan Momen; and 6. War: "War in Human Civilization" by Azar Gat

I can't think of a book that has a better choice of title than _Fools Are Everywhere_ (University of Chicago Press) by Beatrice K. Otto. Everyone would agree with those three little words, but Otto has the specialist meaning revealed in her subtitle: _The Court Jester Around the World_. Her title amply is demonstrated in a large and wide-ranging history of fools. Everyone knows of the fools in England, quite possibly because Shakespeare put many of them in his works. But Otto has gathered a huge amount of material from Everywhere; fools may be found also especially in China (which is, along with Europe, the arena of Otto's closest inspection), and in India, Arabia, and Tonga, within the Yaqui Indians, among the Aztecs, and, well, everywhere, even in corporate boardrooms.

A tradition this nearly universal must have strong reason to exist, and Otto demonstrates over and over, from one anecdote to another, that fools served both kings and subjects. Jesters were not only tolerated by the rulers, they were cherished. They may have made uncomfortable, biting attacks; Sultan Mahmud was lying in the lap of his jester and asked him, "What is your relation to cuckolds?" The jester replied: "I am their pillow." But even beneath the bite is understanding and even kindliness and acceptance. When King Tamerlane was roaring out 800, 1,200, and 1,500 lashes for a series of offenders, his fool Nasrudin interrupted him with what seemed to be an irrelevant question: "O King, do you know everything?" "Of course I do," retorted the King. "Then how could you inflict such punishment? Either you don't know the meaning of the number 1,500, or you don't know the sting of a whip." The jester is here shown to be the kindly servant of the king, as the one who might save the king from himself; but also, he is the servant of the subjects who would otherwise feel the king's lash. Thus the jester became in cultures everywhere a folk hero.

There are countless anecdotes here, and not all of them pay off. There are many that rely on the time, or the language, or "I guess you just had to be there." But plenty of this otherwise academic work is good, foolish fun. Otto has presented case after case, and her book has little theorizing. She does speculate upon where the fools of the court went, since they are now historic figures. They didn't really go anywhere, she says, they just specialized. Actors, cartoonists, and comedians took over the role, especially after the fools became presences on the stage. Otto hopes that the twenty-first century may have a rebirth of the fool (can you imagine someone paid to do pratfalls at the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks?), and does give some fine twentieth century examples. Will Rogers famously used his fooling to puncture politics-as-usual in otherwise impossible ways, and addressed President Wilson with great informality as Pres. And Otto quotes the best jester of the twentieth century (in my view), Groucho Marx, who was told by the management of a beach club that Jews were not allowed to swim from the beach. "What about my son?" came the reply that could have issued from a sprite clothed in swatches of colors, a horned cap, and bells. "He's only half-Jewish. Would it be all right if he went into the water up to his knees?"

Otto's first book, Fools are Everywhere, is a brilliantly crafted one and will delight readers. Her writing is extraordinarly gentle on the mind - eloquent and powerful. The quotes she has sprinkled throughout and the fun "flip-pages" that bring the popular juggling jester to life are added pleasures for the reader to enjoy.

Otto states in her introduction that she hopes to show that the court jester is a universal character and if not omnipresent, certainly omnifamiliar. Her research is vast and extensive - with fascinating similarities found between European and Chinese cultures - the latter's contributions to this subject being relatively unknown in our time. She provides information on characters found in other cultures as well - India, Native America, Africa and more. She emphasizes the important role of jesters within society and the obvious need for satire - discovered independently by peoples across the globe.

There is a selection of illustrations throughout the book and some fabulous excerpts from literature and historical documentation.

Though Otto remarks that there have been many books on the topic of jesters in the past century, I have found nothing comparable to this one. The most useful research on the topic has long since become shrouded by various forms of inaccessibility for the majority of readers. For these reasons, and many more, this book is an extraordinary contribution to our times. I, for one, look forward to the future books written by this author.

Not only for academics, but for potential tourists (to Romania)as well. Hip and smart, a 'must read' for anyone involved in Eastern European studies.

Dr. Roman has done it! After reading many books on Eastern Europe, I was ready to give up; it they were written by Western scholars, they were unanimously deploring the hopeless backwardness of the region. If written by Eastern European scholars, they were just exercises in journalism or news reports.
And then, I read "Fragmented Identities". A beautiful journey through the soul of Balkans (specifically, post-communist Romania), seen through the eyes of a native, but explained through Western theoretical frameworks. The book deals with an eclectic mixture of hot issues in today's Romania (and not only there!), e.g. gender subjectivities, anti-semitism, feminism, estetics, etc. A must read for all Eastern European scholars, political scientists, feminists and for all those who are interested in a fresh and intelligent portrayal of today's (urban) life in Bucharest and Romania.

Dr. Roman has done it! After reading many books on Eastern Europe, I was ready to give up; if they were written by Western scholars, they were unanimously deploring the hopeless backwardness of the region. If written by Eastern European scholars, they were just exercises in journalism or news reports.
And then, I read "Fragmented Identities". A beautiful journey through the soul of Balkans (specifically, post-communist Romania), seen through the eyes of a native, but explained through Western theoretical frameworks. The book deals with an eclectic mixture of hot issues in today's Romania (and not only there!), e.g. gender subjectivities, anti-semitism, feminism, estetics, etc. A must read for all Eastern European scholars, political scientists, feminists and for all those who are interested in a fresh and intelligent portrayal of today's (urban) life in Bucharest and Romania...

I found this particular guide book to be one of the best I purchased - and I bought a few. It was very accurate and up-to-date on prices, phone numbers, attractions, hours and general information. (Although that was June '96 and I'm sure that "Frommer's Ireland on $60 a Day" is more accurate money-wise.) It really helped me to plan my vacation and I was able to see most of the places I wanted to without wasting time or money. It has a bit for everyone from the pub scene to literary interests and everything in between. I especially like how Frommer's tells you how to get the best value for your dollar but where you should splurge if you can. Hope I run into a few of you when I next go to Ireland!

I bought this book, and several others, in order to prepare for my first trip to Ireland. It was the only one I should have bought!! The prices were incorrect, but inflation happens. I would highly recommend this book to anyone planning a vacation to the Emerald Isle! Don't waste you hard earned money on any other books or maps! Save it for shopping. I spent even less than the $50.00 a day, and had a wonderful time. I saved so much, that I am going back again in a few months!!

I used this book for my trip to Ireland and found it very accurate and so informative be it food/b&bs/cars-driving and tourist sights. The tips were great and the whole trip was just smooth sailing due much of this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who might be heading to the Emerald Isle.

Another reviewer mentioned a spiral bound booklet of maps,etc. I did not receive this when I purchased the book directly from Oxford University Press.

Having spent hundreds of dollars on this book, it was sad to see that it suffers from an extremely high number of peculiar typographical errors. Supposedly a corrupted file was the one actually sent to the printers; I guess nobody bothered to check.

Oxford University Press' ongoing translation of the German government's official history of the Second World War, Das Deutsche Reich und der Zweite Weltkrieg, has produced yet another fine volume. This is to my knowledge the best work available on Germany's attack on the Soviet Union. The sheer scope and depth of the campaign are laid out in astonishing detail.

This is the 4th volume of the "Official German" history of World War II. There are suppossed to be 10 volumes altogether. Volume 4 is so far the most ambitious and controvesial of the set. It is well over 1000 pages, many, many tables, charts etc. It even comes with a spiral bound 4 color map book that shows the operational side of the conflict. Considering that this tome covers the decision to invade, the build up, and attack from June 1941 thru December 1941 you will understand the scope of this project. While laying the bulk of the blame on the conflict to the Nazi's, there is some discussion on the new revisionist thinking that Stalin was in fact preparing a strike into Germany but was forestalled by the German assult. I will let you the reader figure out which way the book tends to go. The translation from the German is very good, I had no trouble following the text. This book and series is not meant for a first time introduction to World War II; great detail is given on the socio/economic aspects of this conflict that rarely get mentioned at all the standard popular books. All in all a great addition to the series and a wonderful new look at a topic that never seems to go out of style. You will love it in your library!!

This book would be an interesting read by anyone interested in history, Paris, public health, disease, medicine, waste disposal, hygiene, sanitation, etc. It tells how things went from bad to worse, in 1880 when there was a garbage and sewage crisis in Paris.

In late summer of 1880 odors began drenching Paris from its sewers, and residents feared an epidemic would follow. Fifteen years later another Great Stink occurred - this time with little fear of resulting disease. Historian Barnes considers the evolving science of public health in Paris between the 1880s and 1890s, blending history, culture, science and medicine with a review of how public health policies changed during the era. A work of impeccable scholarship, The Great Stink of Paris and The 19th Century Struggle Against Filth and Germs is highly recommended and informative reading for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the history of modern medicine, as well as 19th century French history.

During a recent trip to China in 2001, I passed fields fertilized with human waste, and saw toilets which were made by laying wooden planks across a small stream of water. In other words, the problems of human stink and poor sanitation are not only of historical interest, circa Paris 1880. In this book, the author gives a ripe account of the public outcry when the Odor of Paris turned from an almost-amusing bother to a public health emergency. He traces the change in belief about the health dangers of stink, weaving sociology and the history of science together, and gluing it firmly with an authoritative and believable re-telling of the ups and downs of local French government as it tried to serve the public, incorporate the recent discoveries of Pasteur, and educate the public in the basics of sanitation. Intended for scholars rather than the masses, this book contains a well-researched, thoughtful and complete record, which is surprisingly warm and lively, of this period in human olfactory history.

I remember this book from my childhood. I had my parents read each story to me over and over. When I learned how to read I read this book until the pages fell out. In short it is a great book that encourages youthful imaginations. And, it makes for great bedtime stories. A real classic. I bought it for my children.

As a child I didn't have the books of Oscar Wilde but rather the records. My imagination soared with his descriptions of life, and my eyes overflowed with tears at each story. The record of the Happy Prince was read by Bing Crosby and Orson Wells and each year at Christmas we still play that old scratched thing, just to hear it's wonderous love story and that of The Selfish Giant. Now I have to get the book so my nieces and nephews will share in my treasures of love!!!! What is this world if it isn't all about Love?

In these tales, most of them being sad and even very sad, Oscar Wilde looks for a way to save one's soul in front of the misery of the world. Anyone in society who lives in the upper classes does not necessarily see the ugliness and suffering of the world when one looks at the lower classes. But in these tales the Happy Prince, or the Selfish Giant, or any other character will manage to get salvation out of their upper class blindness, by opening their eyes to misery and suffering and by doing what they can to repair these pains and evils because they will realise they have to feel responsible for the world, because they are more powerful and could easily impose their selfish rule. But the giant will discover nature, if not God, punishes him for his selfishness. The nightingale will try to redeem a young student by giving him a red rose in a season when read roses do not bloom. And yet the student will not get the love he wants because he is nothing but a non-entity for the girl he would like to be loved by. There is also a very sad note in A Devoted Friend and how friendship can become a mask for selfishness, a nice appearance for an ugly and egoistic attitude. Those tales are sad and at the same time they convey a moral full of hope. All is not lost if the Happy Prince can give away his happiness for those who suffer, even if later the powerful of his society will reject him when he does not look happy and beautiful any more

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University of Perpignan

I must admit, I am a Aran knitting fanatic. I love cables, bobbles, and chart work. I'm not particularly fond of Fair Isle knitting. This book is a good basic starting point if you want to create a knitted item with cables and color changing fair isle. If you don't own the Barbara G. Walker knitting books, start with this one. It is an excellent alternative to someone starting out with patterns ranging from very easy to more intricate and complicated. Definitely worth considering for your knitting library.

Even the most intimidating and complex designs are simply explained in diagrams that any novice can follow. One can easily use this guide to create patterns for Aran/Fair Isle sweaters, hats, blankets,etc., even if one has never attempted these before! What a find! Arans sweaters made easy!

If it's inspiration you want for doing aran knitting this is the book; the inspiration it has given me is superb. It has everything from very simple patterns to extremely complicated aran patterns and even fair isle knitting but my interest was the aran patterns.
There are coloured photos and written directions as well as chart directions so all are catered for.
It is quite inspiring....
maryanne

This book is marvellous diary about people who help to childrens all over the world. Also have a good descriptions of my state: (general situation, war, cities, people...). I hope that next edition will have more successful stories. Thanks! :-)

You feel a part of each patients family, their sorrows and their joys. You see the inside of each sternum.

This is a great book about people who help childrens in countries which dont have possibilities for high-tech medicine. Also this book have a wonderful descriptions of my country (people, situation, cities...).

Irelands stories, have been told for generaitions . And Now that they are written, Thay can never be Lost. .. Seamus macManus, In my oppinion had a great reason to wright this down. Because story Tellers like himself are a Dieing Breed, And People need to keep these intact.

I recently read one of the stories from this book to a group of 4th graders for St. Patrick's Day. It was very entertaining and amusing and the class appreciated its humor. From the stories I read in it it has a very Irish type of humor which I enjoy. Excellent book. Pity it is hard to find.

Having grown up in an Irish family I heard these stories as a child from my great grandmother. Seumas MacManus passes on the valor and humour of the Gaelic race in a beautiful flowing style. This is a story book to read to your child at night to excite the wonder and magic in the world for him/her. I highly recommend this book to you...

One is most reminded of those Field Guides to insects, flowers or birds written for those who engage in bird-watching, amateur entomology, or hiking. This is nothing less than a Field Guide to the World of Fairy, one that is small enough to be spirited away in a bush-jacket pocket, just in case one desires to get a binocular and go fairy-watching. However, I would not advise taking a butterfly net; one must always approach the fairies with respect.
The book is divided into the general history of fairies, touching upon manifestations of the wee folk in most cultures, then settles down to the race of fairies that are specific to Ireland. She provides accounts of the nature of the fairy folk, the most dominant trait of which is living entirely in the present with no care for either past or future, and a devotion to the pleasures of their immortal lives.
Treating the world of faerie in so serious a fashion, as if one were discussing the genetic structure of the mushroom is perhaps the greatest achievement of Carolyn White's A History of Irish Fairies. Ms. White, a Ph.D in Literature, manages to treat the subject with respect and scholarship without ever once putting tongue to cheek. The tone of the book throughout is academic, but not dry or tiresomely detailed.
What is most helpful is her listing of what to do when one encounters the fairies (Putting a steel needle in your collar is always a good protection.) again quite without anything that would suggest that she is taking the subject anything but seriously. A whole section of the book is a guide to relations between fairies and mortals in which she states," To disbelieve in them is the worst offense of all. Modern man lacks the leisure time to encounter fairies; absorbed in his own affairs, he moves too fast to discover the immortal languor of the good people. It is understandable that mortals infrequently meet fairies ... but it is inexcusable for mortals to be so arrogant as to believe they do not exist."
The faeries are divided, as Yeats did, into the Trooping Faeries and the Solitaries, with most of the book devoted to the former although not labeled as such. She describes traits that unite each type, describes their individual denizens. Among the solitaries are the Ban-Shee, the Pucka and of course the ubiquitous Leprechaun.
So, if you are of a mind to step in to a fairy circle or sit on a fairy mound seeking a vision, A History of Irish Fairies would be a good, if not a necessary companion.

Both informed and informative, Carolyn White's A History Of Irish Fairies takes the reader on a fascinating survey of the fairy world of Irish folklore, mythology, and legend. Readers will learn just exactly what a fairy is, the meaning of fairy names, the diverse variety of fairies, fairy locations, what they eat, where they live, the fairy celebrations of May Eve, Midsummer's Eve, November Eve, and Tir-na-n-Og, as well as just what happens when a fairy and a mortal fall in love. A History Of Irish Fairies is especially commended for both personal and academic Metaphysical and Mythology library collections.

Although I wouldn't call this book "scholarly" due to its lack of citations, the author is quite knowledgable and holds a PhD in Comparative Literature. She provides an excellent starting point for those who would like to know more about faeries, whether it be for mystical or mundane purpose (I highly recommend it for Faery Seekers.) This book is an easy to read and a wonderful overview of Irish faerie lore which can provide direction for more study.