Strangest Genius: The Stained Glass of Harry Clarke

by Lucy Costigan, Michael Cullen

Harry Clarke (1889–1931) was undoubtedly Ireland's greatest stained glass artist. During his short life Harry created stained glass windows for churches, private dwellings, and commercial venues throughout Ireland and England, as well as in the United States and Australia. Also an illustrator of books for Harrap and Co. in London, Harry illustrated five books that show his undoubted genius in the area of graphic art. In total 174 windows and a small number of panels were created by Harry Clarke. This book contains the entire stained glass collection of Harry Clarke, including those windows now in art galleries. This collection has never before been photographed or published in its entirety, and will give those who are unfamiliar with the brilliance and originality of Clarke’s marvelous stained glass windows the opportunity to view images of his greatest creations.

Genres: Art

320 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2010

About the author

Lucy Costigan is an Irish author. ‘Strangest Genius: The Stained Glass of Harry Clarke’, (with photographer Michael Cullen), was shortlisted for Best Irish-Published Book in 2010 by the Irish Book Awards, and for Book of the Decade by Dublin Book Festival in 2016.

In 2012, Lucy's biography, ‘Glenveagh Mystery’ about the Harvard professor, Arthur Kingsley Porter, who mysteriously disappeared from Co. Donegal in 1933, became a national bestseller.

Lucy’s working life has been quite eclectic and includes careers in technical writing, counselling and social care. She holds Master’s Degrees in Research and Equality Studies.

Lucy's most recent book is 'Bouquet of White Roses: Quest for truth about Aunt Sue and Me', published by Enlighten Publishing, 2020 (www.enlightenpublishing.com).

Lucy lives in Wexford Town with her partner, Tony, and their border collie, Ivan.

Reviews

[Celeste]

was a little disappointed the biography section was only like 15 pages but it's fine. beautiful photos of beautiful stained glass! if €40 were in my book budget and i had a coffee table i would buy this to put there but alas ive just checked it out from the library and read it cover to cover instead because im just a normal amount of obsessed with harry clarke at the moment... <- not rating bc a coffee table book is just basically a big picture book

[Bernie Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A coffee table book looking at the life of Harry Clarke, a leading designer of stained glass in the early part of the 20th century. It is thorough and informative. I try and visit his windows when I am travelling near where they are installed - and the book it very useful because it documents where they are, so I can plan visits into my trips.

[John Roland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent catalogue of Clarke's stained glass works. Large format, comprehensive, packed with almost entirely full-color reproductions of the windows, from full frames to beautiful detail shots. If you're a fan of Harry Clarke or simply of Gothic art, this is not to be missed.

[Tony Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This continues to be the best selling art book in Ireland. It doesn't surprise me as each page brings a new exploration and insight into the beautiful stain glass creations of Harry Clarke. I highly recommend this book.

[theresa cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book here about a true stained-glass and artistic genius from Dublin, Ireland. Beautiful images and lovely descriptions of his windows. I really love this book.

[Rosc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning photos of the creative genius of the stained glass windows of Harry Clarke
The narrative highlights the hidden details.
Gorgeous book.

[Bart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful catalog of the works of an artist who died for the colors he got out of his craft. It is especially recommended for anyone planning a trip to Ireland. To see the country through the eyes of Harry Clarke is a capital idea indeed.

[Leonora Buskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible catalog that features photographs of Harry Clark's gorgeous stained glass windows and a description/analysis for each one.