Focail na mBan: Women's Words

by Manchán Magan, Annmarie Ní Churreáin (Contributor), Tadhg Mac Eoghain (Contributor)

Focail na mBan is a gathering of Irish words for vaginas, vulvas, clitorises and periods, each one illustrated with striking and vivid art.
It is meant as a catalyst for those willing to seek out further terms and insights from older lore-keepers in the Gaeltacht. In no way is it a comprehensive collection of such words, but rather a humble first step; a gesture of encouragement for others who may wish to dive deeper into this rich realm of linguistic insight.

It is illustrated with the works of 29 artists who responded to the words. They are: Sandra Adams, Emily Robyn Archer, Chloe Austin, Aideen Barry, Aurélie Beatley, Emma Brennan, Eabha Cleary, Rachel-Marie Cleary, Amanda Coogan, Serena Viola Corson, Dorothy Cross, Arisleyda Dilone, Millie Egan, Bebhinn Eilish, Rachel Fallon, Ursula Foley, Sharon Greene, Lisa Harris, Joya Hatchett, Hammond Journeaux, Toma McCullim, Yvonne McGuinness, Eimear McGuire, Dee Mulrooney, Emily Ann Ní Dhriscoll De Marco, Kiki na Art/Ciarna Pham, Aisling Rogerson, Maria Simonds-Gooding and Carmel Winters.

This is a gender inclusive book, with a few modern words to describe the wider spectrum beyond the dualistic confines of male and female, illustrated by artists who identify as trans, intersex and non-binary.

Also included are articles by poet Annmarie Ní Churreáin and writer Tadhg Mac Eoghain, and some poetry by Dairena Ní Chinnéide.

Genres: Irish Literature, Nonfiction, Language, History

123 pages, Hardcover

Published December 1, 2023

About the author

Manchán Magan was a writer, traveller and television presenter. He grew up in Donnybrook, Dublin 4 and was the great-grandnephew of Mícheál Seosamh Ó Rathaille (aka: The O'Rahilly) He has made over 30 travel documentaries focusing on issues of world culture and globalization, 12 of them packaged under the Global Nomad series with his brother Ruán Magan. He presented No Béarla, a documentary series about traveling around Ireland speaking only Irish. He wrote a travel column for the Irish Times and his show The Big Adventure, on RTÉ Radio One explored adventure holidays. He has written two books in Irish, 'Baba-ji agus TnaG' (Coiscéim 2005) and 'Manchán ar Seachrán' (Coiscéím 1998), and his English travel books include ‘Angels & Rabies: a journey through the Americas’ (Brandon, 2006), ‘Manchán’s Travels: a journey through India’ (Brandon, 2007) and ‘Truck Fever: a journey through Africa’ (Brandon, 2008).



http://irishmedia.blogspot.com/2007/1...

Irish Times profile, 2007 by Róisín Ingle.

Reviews

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

my copy of this is possibly my most prized possession

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection. No notes.

[Milo Krawiec · Rating 5 out of 5]

portach draíochta (euphemism)

Vagina. Magic bog.

[Sarah M · Rating 4 out of 5]

An-suimiúil!

[Laura Nugent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful read with evocative illustrations.