Tory Islanders: A People Of The Celtic Fringe

by Robin Fox

The Tory Islanders, an established classic of anthropological writing and analysis, is an account of a unique people: a group of Gaelic-speaking islanders located nine miles off the coast of Donegal in the extreme northwest of Ireland. Their roots go back to pre-Christian Ireland, and in their isolation they have maintained ways of life that have disappeared on the mainland and the rest of Europe. Perhaps in no other place is the archaic structure of the peasantry so well preserved - not unchanged, but ingeniously adapted to fit old customs to new uses. The book describes the history, legends, demography, genealogies, kinship, land tenure, boat crews, and household and marriage arrangements (where it was customary for many husbands and wives not to live in the same house.) In addition, Robin Fox conveys the spirit and humor of the islanders, which, he claims, represent a continuing hymn to the human capacity to survive and adapt. The author has written a new preface specially for this edition.

Genres: History, Ireland

244 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 1978

Reviews

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly poetic in places and remarkably tender throughout, this expertly-researched book is also an excellent piece of history, genealogy, and anthropology.