Ireland Books

New Myth, New World takes you on a journey deep from Rüssia's past to the present when the regime has fallen (even exploring the current relevance of "excrement" as a metaphore in Soviet literature). What I liked about this book was the well researched exposition of this work, as well as the meticulous prose that did not stray from being objective. The author is well-read, and consistently stays on track, and even when you think there has been a mistake (for example, quoting a 20th century figure for an idea Schopenhauer articulated a century before in his criticism of Hegel and his fellow mumblers), you'll find a few pages later that you yourself were wrong in thinking the author to be mistaken. A la fin, this is a good example of scholary work, which should be studied and learned from.

Other recommendations: Cultural Exchange (A book dealing with the Cold War and the exchange of information that helped lead to the downfall of the Soviet Union)

Nietzsche in Turin (A short work dealing with Níetzsche's last days, but strays enough from the subject to make it much more enjoyable than the crumbling insanity which was befalling good old Fritz at the time.)

Toilet: The Novel, by Michael Szymczyk (A Tribute to the Literary Works of Franz Kafka)

New Myth, New World: From Nietzsche To Stalinism by Bernice Glatzer Rosenthal is a thoughtful and scholarly reinterpretation of Nietzsche's lasting influence upon Soviet culture. Drawing on diverse primary sources in religion, philosophy, political ideology, architecture, street theater, and more, New Myth, New World is a learned and informative series of discourses combining to illustrate and demonstrate the lasting power of ideas in helping to shape the character, culture, and politics of the Russian nation and its governments. New Myth, New World is a welcome, significant, scholarly, and very strongly recommended contribution to Soviet Studies, Russian Cultural History, and Philosophy Studies academic reference collections as well as International Studies student supplemental reading lists.

In the 1960's Michael O'Kelly and his team of student archaeologists restored the megalithic structure known as Newgrange. This book presents his findings and speculation on the ancient tumulus, and written and pictorial accounts of the reconstruction works itself.

Although the existence of the structure was known since Charles Campbell discovered it in 1699, its premier significance as a repository of ancient art, architecture and symbolism was never fully realised until Prof. O'Kelly and his team set about their work. The phenomenon of the roofbox, which for 7 minutes at dawn on the days of the winter solstice fills the central chamber with light, is incredible. I have visited the site more than 30 times, and had the privilege of a solstice viewing in 1994. I cannot recall a more fundamentally spiritual experience in my life.

This book has it all. The non-academic reader (I am one such!) may find certain sections a little turgid, but there are plenty of discussions on the mythology and symbolism to compensate for all the facts and figures if the latter don't suit. The illustrations are superb (photos, maps,pen/ink); the footnotes comprehensive, the objective analysis is compelling and the whole project just so worthwhile.

The reader can also enjoy placing their own interpretations on the significance of the carvings, objet d'art and the Solstice phenomenon, and be just as valid as anyone else. After all, the original builders left this earth 6500 years ago and didn't leave a users manual!!

Enjoy. 5 Stars (and the sun and moon as well!)

Provides plenty of technical information on the excavation and restoration of Newgrange without destroying the wonder of the site. Great drawings as well as photos, exactly what I was hoping for when I ordered the book.

I have read this book and used it as a reference resource. As per the critical reviews, a highly readable narrative of nineteenth century art. Gives insight not only onto artists and their work, but also onto the economic, social, and political factors of the nineteenth century and how they affected and influenced art making. Fluid writing, well presented scholarly arguments, excellent supporting images.

Compiled and written by Petra ten-Doesschate Chu (Professor of Art History, Seton Hall University) Nineteenth-Century European Art is an immense (544 pages), complex, and scholarly coffee-table artbook presenting and studying European art of the 1800's, featuring 550 illustrations (200 in full color) of classic and illuminating works. The reader is treated to an extensive, literate, articulate analysis of the great European artists of the period, including the evolution of their styles, figures, and nudes, the spread of Modernism, and much, much more. Enthusiastically recommended for both community library as well as academic Art History reference collections, Nineteenth-Century European Art is as much fun for the non-specialist general reader to simply browse through, as it is a treasure trove of art history information for the dedicated student.

This is by far one of the best books ever written on the Troubles in Northern Ireland. I'll say more, this is one of the best "political" books ever! For the first time, the incredible experience of Republican POW's during the "blanket" and "no wash" protests and the subsequent hunger strike is told by those who were involved in them. I cannot possibly convey all the emotions this book gave me. The overall feeling I received by reading these pages is one of anger and indignation at the callousness of the British Government led by Maggie Thatcher (whose name will never be cursed enough!). But I also felt proud for what these people achieved through their sacrifice and determination. Not only they refused to be labeled as common criminals when the treatment they were subject to showed the opposite, they also highlighted the true nature of the Republican movement. Whoever believes the IRA is just an Irish Mafia should think twice before saying such nonsense.Republican POW's showed once and for all that the aim of their struggle is not to gain money or power. They fight for freedom and dignity. Together with "On the blanket" by Tim Pat Coogan and "Ten men dead" by Peter Beresford, this book will give any reader full insight on one of the most beautiful and saddest pages of Irish history. This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the H-Blocks Hunger Strike, so do yourself a favour and buy this book now!

"Nor meekly serve my time" is written by republican prisoners that talk about their experiences in the years 1976 to 1981. These were the years of the "dirty protest" and the hunger-strike that ultimately killed 10 people. These are their memories, not only of the 10 men that died but also about their own struggle and endurance. In the time of the book you will intimately know these people that fought so hard to regain political status in Long Kesh, which was denied by them by Margaret Thatcher. It is a very moving account and all the more so because these people actually sufferred through conditions that in the civil world we live in, they should never have to endure. As somebody who has read many books about Irish history but especially about the "troubles", this one stands out by far.

On the whole I agree with the first reviewer on the book in its totality. I found that chapters 1-3,6, and 10-12 were the most informative. The last chapter on the Norman legacy could be a book unto itself. This is a fascinating book on several levels. The author displays great dexterity in showing how this multi-ethnic and multi-religious Kingdom grew, and prospered for decades. The abilities of the Normans and the talents of the very different populations appear to have been largely complimentary. The reader occasionally will ask themselves, "did the Renaissance start here?"

Sadly, for the kingdom and perhaps Europe in general? What may have been a tolerant model state could not survive their many external enemies and their own weak leaders after the death of Manfred. I would also recommend Barbara M. Kreutz' "Before The Normans," since it deals with the culture & conditions before the arrival of the Normans. The compare & contrast aspects between the two are good reading for any teacher, student, or history buff.

Matthew's history is precise and helpful in arranging the massive amounts of information lying in archives throughout the whole of southern Italy and Sicily. His command of the languages necessary to conducting scholarship in this field is nothing short of extraordinary, and preceisely what Medieval Italian studies needs. His ability to synchronize the material into some navigable whole is easily seen almost every chapter. The only area which seemed a little lackluster was the art and religion chapter. I would have liked to see a little more information regarding the place of Norman art and architecture related to the Byzantine Empire, Venice and the West. However, I haven't run across so detailed a history yet, and will continue to use Matthew's book as a staple reference tool in the future.

Having travelled extensively in Ireland, lived there for a number of years & married an Irishman, I have read more than my fair share of guides to Ireland. This one is outstanding. It is conise, informative, easy to use and well balanced between enjoying the wonderful bits of Ireland while still being clear eyed. The accomodation & food recommendations are limited but good, and it's easy enough to get the full guide from the Tourist Agencies- and recommendations from the AOL bulletin board.

I've visited Ireland several times, and own more than a few travel guides. This is the best of the bunch for northern Ireland - the old Ulster region. It has historical facts, lots of recommendations for places to see and things to do - not just the major sights like Giant's Causeway, but off the beaten path places, too. Lodging recommendations are included but certainly not extensive... other sources of B&B recommendations would be handy. Other than that this book has it all in a handy, packable size. For my trip this year, this will be the only travel guide I carry with me!

To define the Baltic Sea region these days is the challenge in itself, since during the last half a century the region has been divided and deprived of its proper identity. Alan Palmer has done it brilliantly, by illustrating how once noisy and bustling sea and its shores had been coveted by different regional powers, which wished to convert it into the inner lake of their respective empires. The sea, however, more often in the past had separated than united its shores. The author reveals, that despite all efforts, none of regional players in long term has ever managed to consolidate its power on the opposite shores of the Baltic Sea.

The book is written from the perspective of that of the British sailor, which inevitably shifts the focus of the whole story of more than thousand years of the region's history in the direction to the Western part of the Baltic Sea. Oresund, but not the Gulf of Finland here is where the sea begins and where the keys to the Northern shores are hidden. But all in all - what you will read will not be a toothless summary, but an historical account embellished with interesting and spicy details. To name just one - as it turns out, Countess Sybille von Bismarck, a niece of the Iron Chancellor shot herself at the age of eighty-one. You can guess as to when it happened!

A surprisingly good read. Crammed with interesting, informative, and beyond that, engaging facts from history that I've never heard before. I do recommend getting the Oxford Atlas of World History along with it, if you are a person who likes to know where events are taking place. The maps in the book are fine but there are only three of them and the Oxford is a very fine product in itself.
I think Northern Shores illustrates in candid details all the strife, mayhem, and frustration caused by people needing to choose leaders who need to rally the troops and expand the benefits to themselves and their people by using religion or any other means they can claim. I'm just up to about 1900 now but whatever happens here on out I won't be disappointed.

This book should be required reading for all high school seniors. A course should be taught on the follies and horrors of war, with this book at the core. A course that teaches that all men are brothers in the end. Gibbs has done an amazing job here of describing World War I. Everything, from the mud and slime, bits of decomposed bodies, stupidity of G.H.Q. and those who ran the war, misguided patriotism, to the questioning of the Christianity of both sides, that could lead to such butchering of young men. 900,000 in England alone! And only 20 years later . . . . Giibbs knew it would happen. How?

I recommend this book for anyone who can read. I knew very little about WW1 other than vague impressions about "trenches" etc. This book prompted me to read other books on the subject. It is very hard to put down, and it will change you forever once you read it. I think it should be mandatory reading for students.

This is a job that needed doing and is well done.

Thanks to Waltons Stores of Dublin Ireland

Pretty much self explanatory. The title says it all. This is pretty much a bible of Irish fiddle tunes. So I'll not review the content, but rather my review will be on the quality of this book. First a word on spacing: In order to fit so many songs into such a slim volume the individual pieces are crammed as tightly as they can fit onto the pages and I tend to lose my place. If you are a little older and your eyesight isn't what it used to be you may need reading glasses to be able to make out the small print. My recommendation is to use this as a source book and pick which songs you want to play and make copies of those pages. The binding seems to be of good quality (stitched and glued), but time will tell the tale. Most paperback volumes tend to fall apart after a while, but my suggestion about making copies of the pages you want to play should save some wear and tear on the book. The paper is also a good quality. I'm not sure if it is acid-free or not and this would make a big difference on the life of the pages, but it is a nice semi-gloss stock similar to magazine pages, but thicker. Once you break the spine in the book lays fairly flat even though it isn't spiral bound, so if you wanted to use it on the music stand you could do that. As soon as I got my copy I went through it from front to back flipping a few pages at a time and folded the spine back and this helps it to lay flat. The ink doesn't seem to smeer when handled as some other books have done. There is an interestin introduction by Fancis O'neill and an indespensable index. I'd say this is certainly a good deal for $20.

Keith's story begins in a godly English home, and continues through exciting days in Ireland, with the early Charismatic renewal and street level Evangelism, expressing love for both Protestant and Catholic Irish people alike. Now rooted in the land and people of their adoption, Keith and Elsie share the lessons, experiences and fruit of their international ministry and frequent travels. The lessons this book teaches us are hammered out on the anvil of his life - successes and mistakes alike. I've quoted this over-used metaphor because there has been much of this hammerings in Keith's life. He well knows the truth of Our Lord's promise in John 16:33: " In the world you shall have tribulation " The Lord keeps His promise and assures us in the midst of pressure that He has overcome, so be of good cheer. There is much to cheer about in this story! Adventures of living faith, when God steps in at the last minute; healings of the seriously ill, which touch the emotions; words of supernatural knowledge, and reconciliation across the divide of religion and race; all jostle together. This wisdom is laced with Keith's dry sense of humour, which could be easily missed. Who would get married on the verse of 1 Samuel 17:10 "Give me a man that we may fight together"? - Well, Elsie did! Keith has learned to protect and inspire his two sons and daughter; they all love and serve Keith's master. That is a great commendation, and one we should honour and seek to emulate.

Secondly there are a large number in full-time ministry today who recognise and gladly confess the influence of Keith's teaching and example as set out in this book. Keith's influence on the generations just coming up behind him is very extensive indeed. This augurs well for Ireland and tells us that Keith certainly didn't get it far wrong. May God help us through Keith's book, to also obey the vision He has given us.

Keith's story begins in a godly English home, and continues through exciting days in Ireland, with the early Charismatic renewal and street level Evangelism, expressing love for both Protestant and Catholic Irish people alike. Now rooted in the land and people of their adoption, Keith and Elsie share the lessons, experiences and fruit of their international ministry and frequent travels. The lessons this book teaches us are hammered out on the anvil of his life - successes and mistakes alike. I've quoted this over-used metaphor because there has been much of this hammerings in Keith's life. He well knows the truth of Our Lord's promise in John 16:33: " In the world you shall have tribulation " The Lord keeps His promise and assures us in the midst of pressure that He has overcome, so be of good cheer. There is much to cheer about in this story! Adventures of living faith, when God steps in at the last minute; healings of the seriously ill, which touch the emotions; words of supernatural knowledge, and reconciliation across the divide of religion and race; all jostle together. This wisdom is laced with Keith's dry sense of humour, which could be easily missed. Who would get married on the verse of 1 Samuel 17:10 "Give me a man that we may fight together"? - Well, Elsie did! Keith has learned to protect and inspire his two sons and daughter; they all love and serve Keith's master. That is a great commendation, and one we should honour and seek to emulate.

Secondly there are a large number in full-time ministry today who recognise and gladly confess the influence of Keith's teaching and example as set out in this book. Keith's influence on the generations just coming up behind him is very extensive indeed. This augurs well for Ireland and tells us that Keith certainly didn't get it far wrong. May God help us through Keith's book, to also obey the vision He has given us.