Ireland in Mind: An Anthology: Three Centuries of Irish, English, and American Writers in Search of the Real Ireland

by Alice Leccese Powers (Editor)

From Oscar Wilde to James Joyce, from Virginia Woolf to Frank three centuries of Irish, English, and American writers in search of the real Ireland.

From the editor of the outstandingly popular Italy in Mind comes another superb three centuries of fiction, poems, and essays, from both Irish expatriates and non-Irish visitors.

From the comic terror of Frank McCourt's First Communion to the raucous pagan festival Muriel Rukeyser attended in County Kerry in the 1930s; from John Betjeman's lyrical evocation of a ruined abbey in the mist to Eric Newby's hilariously disastrous bicycle trip through Ireland; from William Trevor's gentle Irish clergyman encountering the long angry reach of his country's past tragedies to Brian Moore's wistful return from a life spent in exile, this anthology offers a kaleidoscope of this mysterious, elusive country. For travelers of all kinds, for those who have long been fascinated by Ireland and those who are feeling its lure for the first time, Ireland in Mind will provide a rich and rewarding imaginative journey.

Contributors also Samuel Beckett, Wallace Stevens, Oliver Goldsmith, Jonathan Swift, Edna O'Brien, Paul Theroux, V.S. Pritchett, Anthony Trollope, George Bernard Shaw, T.H. White

Genres: Travel, Short Stories, Ireland, Literature, Fiction, Poetry

353 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2000

Reviews

[Ellen]

The only thing these pieces have in common is some connection to Ireland. But I can give it no rating as the subject matter and authors change every few pages, as do the quality of the pieces. There is some excellent writing, but also a few pieces I could not understand anyone ever wanting to read again, much less recommend to others. An eclectic collection to say the least.

[Denise Ballentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with all anthologies, some selections are better than others, but don't give up on the tough ones. I found myself falling into a rhythm reading this book. Explore Ireland through the eyes of these various authors, and you will understand this country and its people a little better. I found myself doing some internet research and browsing of pictures. Just go and flow with it. Like a mini-vacation.

[Shawna · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little dull.