The Book of Tara

by Michael Slavin

Very Good Hardcover Very Good Hardcover Near Very Good Dust Jacket Intact 173 pp. Signed and inscribed to "Helen" by the author. (My guess it is Helen Fulton Scholar) Color and b/w Illus. Some discoloration at extreme top at the edge of book Not visible on the pages themselves or boards. No writing in pages. See our Scans. NOT a library copy Published in Ireland. Large quarto hardcover. Excellent bargain overall study and perspective of the hill of Tara. See our Three Geese in Flight Celtic Book Scans

Genres: History, Ireland, Nonfiction

173 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

My parents traveled to Ireland in August and picked up this book as a Christmas gift for me. It provides an excellent, detailed history behind the Hill of Tara and some background for my name.

Tara (or Teamhair) was the seat of the high kings in ancient Ireland. It is believed some 142 kings ruled from this site. According to some legends, Tara was a link to the gods and another world and the site St. Patrick visited to confront the ancient religion. Tara also hosts the King's Seat and the coronation stone Lia Fail, or Stone of Destiny. (Sweet name!) Some thought the stone was brought to Tara by the godlike people known as the Tuatha Dé Danann. And according to legend, the stone would roar when touched by the true king, thus confirming his right to rule.

Tara's history is visible, written plainly on the earth -- and this book provides excellent photos.

Overall, I thought the author did an excellent job detailing the history of Tara through text, photos, poems, and more. Thanks Mom & Dad for the signed copy!

[Leanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's definitely not a novel, but it has all kinds of facts and explains a lot of the legends and myths that surround the Hill of Tara in Ireland. If you find that kind of stuff fascinating like I do, then you'll enjoy this one, too.