How the Irish Saved Civilization


Book Description

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A book in the best tradition of popular history—the untold story of Ireland's role in maintaining Western culture while the Dark Ages settled on Europe. • The perfect St. Patrick's Day gift! Every year millions of Americans celebrate St. Patrick's Day, but they may not be aware of how great an influence St. Patrick was on the subsequent history of civilization. Not only did he bring Christianity to Ireland, he instilled a sense of literacy and learning that would create the conditions that allowed Ireland to become "the isle of saints and scholars"—and thus preserve Western culture while Europe was being overrun by barbarians. In this entertaining and compelling narrative, Thomas Cahill tells the story of how Europe evolved from the classical age of Rome to the medieval era. Without Ireland, the transition could not have taken place. Not only did Irish monks and scribes maintain the very record of Western civilization -- copying manuscripts of Greek and Latin writers, both pagan and Christian, while libraries and learning on the continent were forever lost—they brought their uniquely Irish world-view to the task. As Cahill delightfully illustrates, so much of the liveliness we associate with medieval culture has its roots in Ireland. When the seeds of culture were replanted on the European continent, it was from Ireland that they were germinated. In the tradition of Barbara Tuchman's A Distant Mirror, How The Irish Saved Civilization reconstructs an era that few know about but which is central to understanding our past and our cultural heritage. But it conveys its knowledge with a winking wit that aptly captures the sensibility of the unsung Irish who relaunched civilization.




The Irish Annals


Book Description

Collectively the Irish annals represent a substantial and important source for the history and culture of Ireland. These texts provide the primary witness for much of early medieval Irish history, and for many key events and persons up until c.1600. Many of the most important of these texts passed into the possession of 17th-century Anglo-Irish scholars, and it was principally their work which formed the basis for all modern scholarship on them. However, examination of their work shows that a number of the accepted hypotheses rest upon assertions of opinion, and are unsupported by any textual evidence. This book first re-examines the manuscript evidence, commencing with an account of the primary manuscript witnesses for the ten most characteristic annalistic texts. It then reviews the scholarly literature relating to the annalistic corpus and identifies those hypotheses that are not supported by the available evidence. Next, based upon a critical evaluation of both the textual and chronological characteristics of the texts, the book establishes, where possible, the place, author(s), time and salient characteristics of the compilations that have contributed to the development of these ten texts. The penultimate chapter reviews the chronology of these texts and identifies the basis for a synchronised chronology for them all.




The Oxford History of the Irish Book, Volume III


Book Description

The Oxford History of the Irish Book is a major new series that charts the development of the book in Ireland from its origins within an early medieval manuscript culture to its current incarnation alongside the rise of digital media in the twenty-first century. Volume III: The Irish Book in English, 1550-1800 contains a series of groundbreaking essays that seek to explain the fortunes of printed word from the early Renaissance to the end of the eighteenth century. The essays in section one explain the development of print culture in the period, from its first incarnation in the small area of the English Pale around Dublin, dominated by the interests of the English authorities, to the more widespread dispersal of the printing press at the close of the eighteenth century, when provincial presses developed their own character and style either alongside or as a challenge to the dominant intellectual culture. Section two explains the crucial developments in the structure and technical innovation of the print trade; the role played by private and public collections of books; and the evidence of changing reading practices throughout the period. The third and longest section explores the impact of the rise of print. Essays examine the effect that the printed book had on religious and political life in Ireland, providing a case study of the impact of the French Revolution on pamphlets and propaganda in Ireland; the transformations illustrated in the history of historical writing, as well as in literature and the theatre, through the publication of play texts for a wide audience. Others explore the impact that print had on the history of science and the production of foreign language books. The volume concludes with an authoritative bibliographical essay outlining the sources that exist for the study of the book in early modern Ireland. This is an authoritative volume with essays by key scholars that will be the standard guide for many years to come.




Vagrancy in English Culture and Society, 1650-1750


Book Description

CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title 2017 The first social and cultural history of vagrancy between 1650 and 1750, this book combines sources from across England and the Atlantic world to describe the shifting and desperate experiences of the very poorest and most marginalized of people in early modernity; the outcasts, the wandering destitute, the disabled veteran, the aged labourer, the solitary pregnant woman on the road and those referred to as vagabonds and beggars are all explored in this comprehensive account of the subject. Using a rich array of archival and literary sources, Vagrancy in English Culture and Society, 1650-1750 offers a history not only of the experiences of vagrants themselves, but also of how the settled 'better sort' perceived vagrancy, how it was culturally represented in both popular and elite literature as a shadowy underworld of dissembling rogues, gypsies, and pedlars, and how these representations powerfully affected the lives of vagrants themselves. Hitchcock's is an important study for all scholars and students interested in the social and cultural history of early modern England.







The Irish Literary Inquirer


Book Description

"Notes on authors, books and printing in Ireland, biographical and bibliographical.







Regency Romance Novels - Book Set


Book Description

The 'Regency Romance Novels - Book Set' stands as a monumental collection that encapsulates the rich tapestry of early 19th-century society, the nuances of romantic endeavors, and the intricate dynamics of social stratification. This anthology presents an astonishing range of literary styles, from the pioneering realism of Jane Austen's wit to the Gothic romanticism of George MacDonald, and the moral introspection of Leo Tolstoy. Each work, meticulously selected for this collection, underscores the versatility and depth of regency romance as a genre, championing its evolution and enduring appeal. The inclusion of notable pieces such as Pierre Choderlos de Laclos's exploration of manipulation in love and Mary Wollstonecraft's advocacy for women's rights adds a layer of societal critique and feminist thought that enriches the collection. The contributing authors and editors, hailing from diverse geographical and philosophical backgrounds, collectively bring to life the era's zeitgeist, marked by its unique socio-political challenges and cultural shifts. The anthology aligns with major historical and cultural movements of the time, including the Enlightenment's aftermath, the burgeoning of romanticism, and early feminist thought. These varied voices, with their distinct narrative styles and thematic concerns, coalesce to offer a comprehensive overview of the regency period, illuminating its complexities and contradictions. 'Regency Romance Novels - Book Set' is an essential addition to the library of anyone fascinated by the regency period, romance literature, or the evolution of socio-cultural norms through the prism of fiction. This collection offers readers the unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in a world where love, class, and morality are interwoven with historical accuracy and literary brilliance. It invites scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike to explore the multifaceted perspectives encapsulated within, fostering a deeper appreciation for the era and its literary output. Through its comprehensive scope and the dialogue it generates among the diverse works included, this anthology serves as both an educational tool and a treasure trove of literary delight.