No comments about The Fertile Rock: Seasons in the Burren.

5 comments about Mythic Ireland.

1. Whether you're a tourist, a researcher, or just interested in Ireland's mythic and ancient sites, this is THE book to own. Dames includes documented history and archaeology, as well as rich anecdotes that make each site come alive on the page. I read and discard many books about Ireland and its history. This one is at the top of my list, to keep and re-read often.



2. I found this book to be fascinating, scholarly and helpful. It was one of two books I brought to Ireland as a pseudo-guide book. From it, I got a great tour of Lough Gur. For those interested in Celtic Ireland, it is a must read!



3. I picked up this book hoping to get a good solid introduction into the relation between Irish myths and Irish stone sites. Being someone with no prior knowledge of Irish myths but with an academic background in English, I find Michael Dame's style in this book totally confusing: the basic division into chapters about the Irish provinces is fine, what he does within these chapters, however, is often barely comprehensible! This is, in my opinion, due to the poor structuring of the many, many myths, their variations and correlations with myths of other cultures, and descriptions of sites. The wealth of interesting information is presented in a mostly incongruous sequence of paragraphs making it nearly impossible for the novice to grasp or remember. Dame's way of mentioning names as if the reader is already familiar with them may be fine with people who know their Irish mythology, to me as novice it only adds to my feelings of incomprehension and confusion. - This book could be so much better if it were only written better!



4. Michael Dames, a student of geography, archaeology and art, wrote this book as his own introduction (or perhaps explanation) of Ireland. Divided into five sections (one for each province of ancient Ireland), the book looks at the beliefs of Ireland, and its magical locations - those both ancient, and modern. As a treatise on Irish mythology this book is rather lacking, and as a travel book it is a complete disaster. But, as a book that combines the two, it is nothing short of a tour de force. It gives the reader ideas on how he or she can travel Ireland, touching the magic of its history, and the history of its magic. This is quite a fascinating book.



5. Michael Dames sets out to tie the Irish landscape into the mythic tales of the Irish (mostly pre-Christian but also Christian as well). He paints a compelling image of Ireland's geography and living myth based on archaeology, and the like.
   
   The book is organized into five parts, each part covering a province of traditional Ireland (Ulster, Munster, Leinster, Connacht, and Meath). Within each part, the geography is told in three chapters: an introduction chapter, a second chapter which contains a great deal more detail, and a concluding chapter which includes summaries of other interesting sites. In general, only a couple of closely located sites are covered in any detail for each province.
   
   The book, however, requires that one has a reasonable grounding in Irish myth and legend. Dames does not retell the legends, but largely references them in his discussions of the land. If this is your first book on Irish myth, you are better off to set it aside for the time being, pick up Charles Squire's book, and read that first. However, once you have read that, I still recommend coming back to this book.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Irish myth, though I might recommend other books first to the beginner.

No comments about Michelin Ireland Map No. 923, 5e.

2 comments about Lonely Planet World Food Ireland (Lonely Planet World Food Guides).

1. Very entertaining and informative, this little book was a pleasure to read. Written by Irish folks, it offers witty commentary on the social and cultural traditions of Ireland as well as discussing the wholesome and delicious cuisine. If you've got any interest in Ireland at all, you're sure to enjoy this wonderful guide.



2. This is a really great book. It covers not only the subject of Irish food, but also gives information on the culture and a brief history of Ireland. The book is packed with information, maps and beautiful photographs. It is a really helpful book for anyone interested in Ireland.

4 comments about Ireland: Standing Stones to Stormont.

1. Ireland: Standing Stones to Stormont is more than a "coffee table book." It's a reference filled with dozens of gorgeous photographs of Ireland. But it's also a collection of legends, lore and personal experiences of author Kumpf. I was compelled to read every page, astonished by the incredible pictures and entertained by stories about Irish history, faeries . . . even hazel nuts (my favorite story in the book). Yes, I proudly display this book on my coffee table. And I visit it a lot!



2. I have read several books on Ireland and this one is my favorite so far. He not only gives you information about Irish history; but, does so in a way that really makes you feel as though you were there. His respect for the heritage, traditions and legends was what I found most enjoyable. Ireland is a country rich in so many ways. It's beauty and stories I never tire of reading or hearing. Tom Kumpf has created a fabulous book which brings out the magic of this wonderful place.



3. The Irish people thrive in two worlds: the earthly and the divine, folklore and the present. To understand today's Irish, one begins in the past with their rich world of mythology. Ancient stories shaped the landscape, as much as they were wrought from it, and remain integrated into the everyday lives of a people who are unalterably tied to their land and generations. Kumpf retells the old stories, while revealing their modern-day form with superb photographs. Like all good art books, you may open it to any page or absorb it from cover to cover. It's a history lesson, cultural survey, and a bit of a tour book rolled into one.



4. Any fostering an interest in Irish history, culture and peoples will relish the gorgeous blend of color photos and cultural insights to be had from IRELAND: STANDING STONES TO STORMONT. From names and places to Irish legends, mysticism, and peoples, IRELAND captures all this during the author's personal journey through the country, surveying both links to ancient history - architecture, ruins, heritage sites - and modern landscape alike. The author's first-person insights contribute a lovely blend of travelogue and survey. IRELAND could've just as easily been featured in our arts or travel sections, but is reviewed here for its wide-ranging appeal across boundaries, defying categorization.
   
   Diane C. Donovan, Editor
   California Bookwatch

No comments about Discovery of the Hebrides.

No comments about Irish Tinkers.

No comments about 'With A Fine Disregard...': A Portrait of Rugby School.

No comments about A Description of Ukraine (Harvard Series in Ukrainian Studies).

No comments about Family Walks in Scotland.