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Saturday, February 25, 2006

Read Ireland

Read Ireland Book News – Issue 334 ---------------------------------- Sinn Fein: 1905-2005 – In the Shadow of Gunmen by Kevin Rafter (Hardback; 25.00 Euro / 30.00 USD / 20.00 UK; 270 pages) Today one political party stands on the verge of governing in both parts of Ireland. That party is Sinn Fein - the long-time political wing of the Irish Republican Army, which waged war against British rule in Northern Ireland for over thirty years. Led by Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein is now the dominant nationalist party in Northern Ireland and recent successes in the Irish Republic mean it is now only a question of when Sinn Fein enters Government Buildings in Dublin. But what are the events, which have pushed this once anti-system organisation near to the corridors of power? In this new book, Kevin Rafter investigates the emergence of Sinn Fein as a political force on the island of Ireland. He examines the concessions and compromises - sponsored by Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness - which have aided Sinn Fein's recent political advance. He delves into the history of a party founded a century ago and charts how the political brand that is the name Sinn Fein has been used and abused over the last hundred years. He explores Sinn Fein's policy positions, its funding sources and its electoral prospects. The author highlights the pragmatism that drives modern Sinn Fein and which has become its defining characteristic, replacing the rigid idealism so firmly associated with the party for most of its history. He accesses the scale of the u-turns - sponsored by the Adams leadership and accepted by party membership - that are pushing Sinn Fein into the political mainstream and positioning it to challenge the political establishment on the island of Ireland. ---------------------------------- Policing in Northern Ireland: Conflict, Legitimacy and Reform by Aogan Mulcahy (Paperback; 28.00 Euro / 35.00 USD / 18.00 UK; 228 pages) This book provides an account and analysis of policing in Northern Ireland, providing an account and analysis of the RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary) from the start of 'the troubles' in the 1960s to the early 1990s, through the uneasy peace that followed the 1994 paramilitary ceasefires (1994 - 1998), and then its transformation into the Police Service of Northern Ireland following the 1999 Patten Report. A major concern is with the reform process, and the way that the RUC has faced and sought to remedy a situation where it faced a chronic legitimacy deficit. Policing Northern Ireland focuses on three key aspects of the police legitimation process: reform measures which are implemented to redress a legitimacy crisis; representational strategies which are invoked to offer positive images of policing; and public responses to these various strategies. Several key questions are asked about the ways in which the RUC has sought to improve its standing amongst nationalists: first, what strategies of reform has the RUC implemented? second, what forms of representation has the RUC employed to promote and portray itself in the positive terms that might secure public support? third, how have n The theoretical framework and analysis developed in the book also highlights general issues relating to the implications of police legitimacy and illegitimacy for social conflict and divisions, and their management and/or resolution, in relation to transitional societies in particular. In doing so it makes a powerful contribution to wider current debates about police legitimacy, police-community relations, community resistance, and conflict resolution. ------------------------------------------ The Pope’s Children: Ireland’s New Elite by David McWilliams (Hardback; 23.00 Euro / 28.00 USD / 18.00 UK; 280 pages) An intriguing and provocative look at the Irish generation born in the early 1980s in the wake of the Pope's visit. Now about twenty-five years old, they are about to inherit the new Ireland. Who are they? What makes them tick? Where are they taking us? ---------------------------------- An Illustrated History of the Gaelic Athletic Association by Eoghan Corry (Large Hardback; 30.00 Euro / 37.00 USD / 24.00 UK; 250 pages, with full colour illustrations throughout) The GAA is the largest amateur sports body in the world and the most successful voluntary association in the history of modern Ireland. Its games are played in every parish, village and townland of Ireland; its influence on Irish public life is immeasurable. Drawing on the resources of the GAA Museum in Croke Park plus many private and public sources, Eoghan Corry surveys the development of Gaelic games through their various eras. Among the themes covered are the consistent domination of the football championship by Kerry in every decade; the emergence of Ulster teams, first in the 60s and more decisively in the 1990s; the up and down fortunes of Dublin's footballers; the emergence of Kilkenny as a major power in hurling immediately before the first World War; the Kilkenny-Cork rivalry of the 1930s; the dominance of Tipperary immediately after the second World War and in the 1960s; and the brilliant revival of hurling, spearheaded by Clare, in the 1990s. In addition, Eoghan Corry pays due attention to camogie, handball and the social side of the GAA. ------------------------------------ A History of Hurling 2nd edition by Seamus King (Paperback; 23.00 Euro / 28.00 USD / 18.00 UK; 430 pages, with three 8-page black-and-white photo inserts) As well as re-visiting and revising the existing text, Seamus King brings the History of Hurling up-to-date, including the 2005 Championship. The last ten years has seen the tumultuous rise of Clare as a major hurling power, followed by their recent decline, the first Wexford championship success in a generation, the rising power of Waterford in Munster and the continued, if fragile, vitality of Offaly hurling. The last few years have, of course, been dominated by the revival of the Big Three. Between them, Cork, Kilkenny and Tipperary have won every All-Ireland since 2000, re-establishing the dominant historic pattern in the game ------------------------------------- Power Sharing: New Challenges for Divided Societies edited by Ian O’Flynn and David Russell (Paperback; 30.00 Euro / 36.00 USD / 20.00 UK; 228 pages) It is widely assumed that internal power-sharing is a viable democratic means of managing inter-communal conflict in divided societies. In principle, this form of government enables communities that have conflicting identities to remedy longstanding patterns of discrimination and to co-exist peacefully. Key arguments in support of this view can be found in the highly influential works of Arend Lijphart and Donald Horowitz. "New Challenges for Power-Sharing" seeks to explore the unintended consequences of power-sharing for the communities themselves, their individual members, and for others in society. More specifically, it is distinctive in questioning explicitly whether power sharing: perpetuates inter-communal conflict by institutionalising difference at the political level; inhibits conflict resolution by encouraging extremism; stifles internal diversity; and fails to leave sufficient space for individual autonomy. This book not only provides a theoretical exploration and critique of these questions, but comprehensively examines specific test cases where power-sharing institutions have been established, including in Northern Ireland, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia and Lebanon. It also explores such issues as the role of political leaders, human rights instruments, the position of women, and the prospects for reconciliation within such societies. Furthermore, it provides a detailed set of policy recommendations to meet the challenges of transition in deeply-divided societies. -------------------------- New from Colourpoint Books: -------------------------- The Great Northern Railway (Ireland) in colour by Norman Johnston (Hardback; 30.00 Euro / 36.00 USD / 20.00 UK; 112 pages, with full colour illustrations throughout) The Great Northern Railway was one of the best loved of Irish railways and is still fondly remembered by its staff and passengers. No doubt, this was partly to do with the way the GNR held on to its independence, even after most of the other railways in Ireland had been taken over by either CIE or the UTA. For British enthusiasts it preserved something of the character and charm of the 'pre-grouping railway scene (i.e. before 1923). Its independence officially ended in 1953 when it was bought out by the two governments in Ireland and administered by the Great Northern Railway Board - the first 'Cross-Border Body'. Even then this made little real difference to day-to-day running and it continued as the GNR until 1958 when the Northern Ireland Government forced its division between the UTA and CIE. Even after 1958 the gradual appearance of the liveries of the new companies did little to erode the culture and ethos of the old GNR. Men in UTA uniform at Strabane still regarded their CIE counterparts at nearby St Johnston as their real colleagues, rather than the UTA men on the ex-NCC lines. It was really only with the creation of NIR in 1967 that the old loyalties began to disappear. ---------------------------------------- Railways in Ulster’s Lakelands by Anthony Burges (Paperback; 15.00 Euro / 17.50 USD / 9.00 UK; 64 pages with black-and-white photos throughout) The Great Northern and Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties railways were fascinating places for enthusiasts in the 1950s, with mainline expresses, branch line services and goods trains all commonplace. The railways running in the border counties hold a special place in many people's affections and this album takes a look at the stations, people and trains serving the communities in Counties Cavan, Monaghan, Fermanagh, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal. The journey begins at Belturbet station, now restored as a community facility with a small railway museum and calls at, amongst others, Cavan, Clones, Enniskillen, Bundoran Junction and Manorhamilton. ----------------------------------- Chasing the Flying Snail by Anthony Burges (Paperback; 15.00 Euro / 17.50 USD / 9.00 UK; 64 pages with black-and-white photos throughout) In the 1950s, the railways operated by Coras Iompair Eireann (CIE) were more like a working museum rather than a state-owned railway. The vintage coaches and life-expired locomotives were part of the charm of the Irish system and attracted numerous railway enthusiasts. Tony Burges visited many parts of the network during trips in 1953 and 1957, and captured CIE operations at locations such as Rosslare, Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Tralee, Dromod, Portarlington and Dublin. He not only photographed the rolling stock but also the stations, many of which have long since disappeared or been converted to other uses. This book, the first in the new series, contains 54 high-quality black and white photographs, all reproduced at 8 inches (200mm) wide. ---------------------------------------- Far From the Green Fields of Erin: Ulster Emigrants and Their Stories by David Hume (Large Paperback; 22.00 Euro / 27.00 USD / 15.00 UK; 128 pages, with black-and-white photos throughout) Whilst not intended to be an exhaustive account of the many who emigrated from the Province of Ulster, this work by David Hume reflects the many and varied experiences of the men, women and children who made long journeys to other parts of the world. Many of the emigrants came from an Ulster Scots/Scotch Irish background and, importantly whilst recognising the contribution that those individuals made to the development of the areas in which they settled, particularly North America, Australia and New Zealand, David Hume hasn't overlooked those from other backgrounds who also left these shores and contributed to developments in many areas. --------------- Available Again: --------------- Teach Yourself Irish Grammar by Eamonn O Donaill (Paperback; 14.00 Euro / 17.00 USD / 9.00 UK; 275 pages) Teach Yourself Irish Grammar" is the first up-to-date, accessible grammar written in English for students working independently or via formal courses at school, evening classes or further education. The book helps students become both functionally and formally fluent in the language. The examples used in the book reflect everyday usage and use up-to-the-minute vocabulary, and there are lively, varied exercises with an answer key. -------------------------- New in Paperback This Week: -------------------------- A Dictionary of Hiberno-English compiled and edited by Terence Patrick Nolan (13.00 Euro / 16.00 USD / 10.00 UK; 278 pages) Drawing on the resources of a recently-established Hiberno-English website hosted by UCD, this new edition of "A Dictionary of Hiberno-English" has been extensively revised and updated. Tom Paulin, "The Guardian" - "Terry Dolan's "A Dictionary of Hiberno-English"...is a pioneering work of scholarship, which ascertains the nature of English as it is spoken and written in Ireland. I see it as one of the foundation stones of a new civic culture in the island." Owen Kelly, "Irish News" - "...Professor Dolan's excellent dictionary, where you find such gems as "hallion" and "at the heel of the hunt" sitting comfortably with the Irish and English origins of much of our speech, is a significant contribution." ---------------------------------- Highlights from the Previous Issue: ---------------------------------- The Irish Times Book of the Year 2005 edited by Peter Murtagh (Hardback; 28.00 Euro / 35.00 USD / 20.00 UK; 260 pages, with full colour photos throughout) This is the sixth edition of this highly successful gift book. A compendium of the most engaging, informed and witty writing in the newspaper from the period of September 2004 to September 2005, accompanied by stunning colour photography. -------------------------------------- Magnum Ireland edited by Brigitte Lardinois and Val Williams (Oblong Hardback; 40.00 Euro / 48.00 USD / 32.00 UK; full colour photographs throughout) From Ireland's first attempts to forge a modern identity in the 1950s to the confident country of the twenty-first century, here is a stunning survey of a beautiful and complex place and people, as seen by the unrivalled talents of Magnum photographers. The photographs include the extraordinary insights of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Elliot Erwitt, Joseph Koudelka, Inge Morath, Erich Lessing, Eve Arnold, Martine Franck, Martin Parr, Ian Berry, Donovan Wylie, Stuart Franklin and many others. Comment and commentary is provided by six of the most notable Irish writers of our time – Anthony Cronin, Nuala O'Faolain, Eamonn McCann, Fintan O'Toole, Colm Tóibin and Anne Enright. Organized decade by decade, the images show the lingering influence of rural life in the 1950s; the hidden stories of ordinary Irish men and women – as well as the sectarian conflict – during the troubled 1960s and 70s; and the country's renewed confidence and prosperity over the past three decades, right up to the present day. John Banville, author of the introduction to 'Magnum Ireland', is the winner of the 2005 Man Booker Prize. ---------------------------------------- Irish Literature: The Eighteenth Century an Annotated Anthology edited by A. Norman Jeffares and Peter van de Kamp (Trade Paperback; 30.00 Euro / 38.00 USD / 21.00 UK; 400 pages) "Irish Literature in the Eighteenth Century" illustrates not only the impressive achievement of the great writers - Swift, Berkeley, Burke, Goldsmith and Sheridan - but also shows the varied accomplishment of others, providing unexpected, entertaining examples from the pens of the less well known. Here are examples of the witty comic dramas so successfully written by Susannah Centlivre, Congreve, Steele, Farquhar and Macklin. There are serious and humorous essayists represented, including Steele, Lord Orrery, Thomas Sheridan and Richard Lovell Edgeworth. Beginning with Gulliver's Travels, fiction includes John Amory's strange imaginings, Sterne's stream of consciousness, Frances Sheridan's insights, Henry Brooke's sentimentalities and Goldsmith's charm. Poetry ranges from the classical to the innovative. Graceful lyrics, anonymous jeux d'esprit, descriptive pieces, savage satires and personal poems are written by very different poets, among them learned witty women, clergymen and drunken ne'er-do-wells. Politicians, notably Grattan and Curran, produced eloquent speeches; effective essays and pamphlets accompanied political activity. Personal letters and diaries - such as the exuberant Dorothea Herbert's Recollections - convey the changing ethos of this century's literature, based on the classics and moving to an increasing interest in the translation of Irish literature. This book conveys its fascinating liveliness and rich variety. -------------------------------------- Irish Literature in the Nineteenth Century volume 1 An Annotated Anthology edited by A. Norman Jeffares and Peter van de Kamp (Trade Paperback; 30.00 Euro / 38.00 USD / 21.00 UK; 400 pages) This, the first of three volumes, spans the first third of the nineteenth century. It documents Ireland's significant literary contribution to an age of invention, with Thomas Moore's romantic Melodies, Maria Edgeworth's regional fiction, and Charles Maturin's voyeuristic Gothic stories. It witnesses the rise of a quest for authenticity - mapping and transmuting the Gaelic past (in Hardiman's "Irish Minstrelsy", Petrie's essay on the round towers, and O'Curry's research into Irish manuscripts) and faithfully depicting the real Ireland (in the first-hand accounts of Mary Leadbeater, William Hamilton Maxwell, Asenath Nicholson, the peasant fiction of William Carleton and the Catholic fiction of the Banim brothers). In Jonah Barrington's "Sketches" it records the demise of the rollicking squirearchy, while in the stories of Lover it portrays the rise of the stage Irishman. But it also offers a selection from political documents and speeches, and from popular writings which were imprinted on the Irish consciousness. These are contextualised by historical documents, and by Irish forays into European Romanticism. ---------------------------------------- Impressions of Ireland by Einar Olafur Sveinsson (Paperback; 20.00 Euro / 25.00 USD / 14.00 UK; 124 pages) In 1947 Professor Einar Olafur Sveinsson from Iceland, accompanied by Hermann Palsson, a research student, and James Hamilton Delargy, Directory of the Irish Folklore Commission, visited Teelin, Glencolumbkille and the Bluestacks. Back in Iceland Professor Sveinsson wrote an article in which he paints a vivid picture of folklife in Donegal. In this article, he emphasises the links between Iceland and Ireland and recalls the ancient legends of the ‘papar’, the early Christian monks who went from Teelin to Iceland. Translations into Irish and English are given together with the original Icelandic text. ------------------------------------ Conversations: Snapshots of Modern Irish Life by Darrach MacIntyre (Hardback; 25.00 Euro / 30.00 USD / 20.00 UK; 377 pages) "Conversations" offers the reader a unique insight into life in Ireland at the beginning of the twenty-first century. The author talks with people from all over the island about their everyday lives, and the reasons - both inspirational and purely practical - which compel them to live as they do. We gain an intimate insight into what fascinates us most about other people - how they live, what makes them tick, what makes them get up in the morning...Inspired by the work of the pioneering American oral historian Studs Terkel, MacIntyre allows his forty-nine subjects to relate in their own words the stories of their lives. Typically, these are voices that are heard only rarely, but their distinct and compelling individuality resonates far beyond the final page. MacIntyre has selected his subjects with the reporter's instinct for what makes a good story and the filmmaker's feel for what is fascinating about the everyday. Shaped by their experiences, hopes and fears, "Conversations" captures something of the heart and soul of modern Ireland. ------------------------------------------- Achievers: Visionary Irish Leaders Who Achieved Their Dream by Ivor Kenny (Hardback; 35.00 Euro / 42.00 USD / 28.00 UK; 288 pages) In his latest book, Ivor Kenny speaks with a broad range of Irish visionary leaders - not all from the business world - including: Denis Brosnan, Dermot Desmond, Moya Doherty, Niall Fitzgerald, Sean Fitzpatrick, Edward Haughey, Chris Horn, Philip Lynch, Michael McCormack, Tony O'Reilly, Tom Roche, Jimmy Sheehan, Michael Smurfit, Brody Sweeney, Ed Walsh, and Ken Whitaker. An essential and interesting read. --------------------------------------- The GAA Book of Lists by Eoghan Corry (Paperback; 10.00 Euro / 13.00 USD / 7.00 UK; 436 pages) Did you know that Micheal Cusack nearly chose cricket as the national sport? Can you name the ten phrases only used by GAA writers? Or ten GAA competitions that no longer exist? How about ten GAA players that have been to the Olympics? Do you know who plays at Micheal Fay Park? Or which ground is most northerly? Can you name the great hurlers who never won an All-Ireland ? Or the two counties that have never won anything in football? In "The GAA Book of Lists", Eoghan Corry trawls the archives to find the bizarre, amazing and the ridiculous, bringing together the things you never knew about Ireland's national sports. Using lists and facts and giving all the details, this is a must for all GAA fans. ----------------------------------------- Green Days: Cricket in Ireland 1792-2005 by Gerard Siggins (Paperback; 19.00 Euro / 23.00 USD / 12.00 UK; 128 pages with black-and-white photos throughout) While Ireland’s qualification for the 2007 World Cup might have surprised many inside and outside the country, it is merely the latest stage on a journey that began in the Phoenix Park more than two centuries ago. Ireland’s cricket history is an extraordinarily colourful one, peopled by writers such as Joyce, Shaw and Beckett, statesmen such as the Duke of Wellington, John Hume, Charles Stuart Parnell and John Redmond, and personalities such as Lady Gregory, Thomas Andrews and Colin Farrell. With a fascinating collection of vintage photographs, and stunning action shots from the modern era, Gerard Siggins tells the story of cricket in Ireland from the earliest days up to the ICC Trophy final in July 2005. It is the story of a sport buffeted by the enormous social and political changes of the last 200 years, with war, famine, revolution, independence, and economic boom and bust all impacting on Irish cricket. Now, with recent victories over West Indies, Zimbabwe and Surrey, the Irish team is well placed to have a successful World Cup. Cricket in Ireland 1792-2005 tells the stories of Irish cricket’s darkest days and finest hours – and looks forward to many more to come. ------------------------------------------- On the Beat: A Woman’s Life in the Garda Siochana by Mary O’Connor (Paperback; 11.00 Euro / 13.50 USD / 8.00 UK; 200 pages, with a 16-page photo insert) It became obvious that this woman was not going to break for these men. Even when they showed her pictures of her child, with his head swollen the size of a football, she blank-walled them. She ignored the allegations that she had anything to do with his injuries, as if they weren't talking to her. All the while her little child was lying on a surgeon's table fighting for his life. Apparently the surgeon had said it was the worst case of child abuse he had witnessed in his entire 25 years dealing with children. 'Eight hours it took - eight hours of probing into her own personal life of being abused while growing up, of turning to drugs and living in a daze, of suffering cruelty constantly at the hands of callous men. Her father, her brothers and all her lovers had beaten her throughout her lifetime. That's all she knew. "I understand," I lied. With that, she threw herself down at my knees and cried. "Will my son die? When I came back I found him stuck between the bed and the radiator. It was on full blast," she said. "I was out getting a score. I was gone a long time."' This unsentimental, yet sensitive, account of the work of a Ban Garda is a unique book. ------------------------------------------- It’s Not Me … It’s You: A Girl’s Guide to Dating in Ireland by Anne Marie Scanlon (Paperback; 10.00 Euro / 13.00 USD / 7.00 UK; 275 pages) Well known by readers of the Evening Herald, Anne Marie Scanlon has been dispensing showbiz news, gossip and advice on men in her popular column, The New York Doll. Now, this New York Doll is about to release a reveal all on that life essential topic – DATING a Man. It’s Not Me, It’s You: A Girl’s Guide to Dating is THE bible for every woman. With chapters entitled: A Field Guide to the Male, Who is the right man for you? The distinguishing features, traditional attire and habitat of a host of different males, including: the Feathery Stroker, Bankers & Wankers, the Mad Bastard, the Corporate Climber and the Sports Billy. Complete with illustrations! to Your Questions Answered…… No frills, no punches - answers that you might not always want to hear….but need to know! ---------------------------------------- 75 Years of the University College Cork Law Society (Trade Paperback; 19.00 Euro / 24.00 USD / 13.00 UK) Providing a historical account of how a college society affects the lives of its members and the greater society, this entertaining book details the history of an active and admirable college society. It is of interest to UCC alumni and staff, law graduates, and to people from Cork. --------------------------------------- Dialogue in Fading Light: New and Selected Poems by Philip Casey (Trade Paperback; 13.00 Euro / 16.00 USD / 9.00 UK; 66 pages) In his widely acclaimed novels, Philip Casey has shaped a distinctive vision of the emergent Ireland. Now he returns to poetry, in his first collection in almost fifteen years. Quietly asserting that poetry waits to be discovered - rather than being explained or packaged - he blends re-worked older poems with new reflections on love, death and the times we live in, ranging in tone from the light-hearted to the contemplative. ----------------------------- Down A Road All Rebels Run by Mogue Doyle (Paperback; 10.00 Euro / 13.00 USD / 7.00 UK; 240 pages) This title is set in South Wexford, 1920 with Jim Rowe, the newly appointed captain of a volunteer company, who are fighting the Black and Tans. The Tans are brutal and emotionless and their orders are to crush any notions of Irish independence among the local population. Jim is young, idealistic and committed. Boosted by small successes, he plans an ambitious mission: the ambush of the local Tan garrison as they return to base one evening. But a callous betrayal, from within the volunteer ranks, leads the Tans directly to him. Their reprisal is more vicious and more personal than he could ever have imagined. Ordinary people are faced with unimaginable events in this haunting story of struggle and survival, driven by idealism, love, and a lust for revenge. -------------------------------------------- Thank you for your continued support. It is vital for the continuation of this service! I respectfully request that if you are considering ordering any of these books that you do so through Read Ireland. I very much appreciate your patronage. To order books from the Read Ireland Book Review you can send an email to the order department at: gregcarr@readireland.ie Please be sure to include your full mailing address and credit card details including expiration date. You might like to split this information into 2 or 3 emails for security. You can of course also post your order to: Read Ireland, 392 Clontarf Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3,Ireland. Telephone and Facsimile number is: +353-1-853-2063. Read Ireland Web Site Home Page: www.readireland.ie or www.readireland.com I have added a new feature to the Read Ireland website. It is a page listing ONLY the newest books added to or updated on the website. This new feature page will itself be superseded at least 3 times per month (next update 26 February). Checking this page on the Read Ireland website is an ideal way to keep abreast of what is happening in the world of Irish Interest publishing. Please visit often! If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you very much for your continued support and custom. Sincerely, Gregory Carr @ Read Ireland
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