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Vanishing Ireland
A unique collection of portraits and interviews introduce the people and customs that shaped the cultural identity of the Irish nation
Taking readers back to an Ireland virtually unrecognizable to today's generation, this collection of stunning photographs and evocative interviews documents the dying ways and traditions of Irish life. Through their own words and memories, 64 men and women transport readers to a time when people lived off the land and the sea, music and storytelling were essential parts of life, and a person was defined by their trade. Divided into five parts—Children of the Field, Children of the Music, Children of the Horse, Children of the Trade, and Children of the Water—this collection brings together the stories of those who lived through Ireland’s formative years. We hear of children harassed by the Black and Tans, céilís in kitchens, the rigors of working in the fields, the wonder of electricity, and the devastation of emigration. From coalminers to saddlers, farmers to fishermen, along with horse dealers, publicans, housemaids, and musicians, these remarkably poignant interviews and photographs, in their simplicity and honesty, will make readers laugh and cry but, above all, will provide a valuable chronicle that connects the 21st century Irish to a rapidly disappearing world.
Taking readers back to an Ireland virtually unrecognizable to today's generation, this collection of stunning photographs and evocative interviews documents the dying ways and traditions of Irish life. Through their own words and memories, 64 men and women transport readers to a time when people lived off the land and the sea, music and storytelling were essential parts of life, and a person was defined by their trade. Divided into five parts—Children of the Field, Children of the Music, Children of the Horse, Children of the Trade, and Children of the Water—this collection brings together the stories of those who lived through Ireland’s formative years. We hear of children harassed by the Black and Tans, céilís in kitchens, the rigors of working in the fields, the wonder of electricity, and the devastation of emigration. From coalminers to saddlers, farmers to fishermen, along with horse dealers, publicans, housemaids, and musicians, these remarkably poignant interviews and photographs, in their simplicity and honesty, will make readers laugh and cry but, above all, will provide a valuable chronicle that connects the 21st century Irish to a rapidly disappearing world.
180 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 30, 2018
Vanishing Ireland is an achingly beautiful book overflowing with tragedies and triumphs, complemented by gorgeous photography. In our materialistic culture, it's far too easy to forget what truly brings us happiness. Even though the lives of the people depicted in this book were difficult and oftentimes filled with sorrow, they always managed to find joy. Joy in a dance hosted by neighbors, in the reaping of a good harvest, in sharing laughter with loved ones. Maybe these wonderful people didn't have a college degree, television, social media, or the internet (the list goes on), and yet after reading this book, I can't help but know that they're the wisest among us. These Irish men and women didn't just exist. They LIVED.
October 15, 2023
This was wonderful. The photography heartwarming and the text so natural I could hear the voices of these modest elders! All born early last century, they told of a way of life long gone. Sadly, some had died not long after their interview and a couple not long after the book was published in 2006, however, the things they knew and the changes they’d lived through were fun times, sad times and important times to be remembered and retold. I got a strong sense of personalities reading their individual reflections. Stories about The Troubles and The Black and Tans of 1920-22 were poignant and hard to read but mostly the tales were of happy hard working times. I left it too late to ask my grandparents their stories and now they’re lost to me forever. I’m sad about that.
February 21, 2022
Wonderful book!
Stories and photos of 64 Irish men and women. Published in 2005, the people are in their 80s, 90s and even centenarians. Simple stories of their lives , Ireland as it was, some funny, some poignant most interesting. The stories (Turtle Dunberry is writer) are accompanied by photos - James Fennel has captured the people in AMAZING photographs. They are powerful and moving.
Stories and photos of 64 Irish men and women. Published in 2005, the people are in their 80s, 90s and even centenarians. Simple stories of their lives , Ireland as it was, some funny, some poignant most interesting. The stories (Turtle Dunberry is writer) are accompanied by photos - James Fennel has captured the people in AMAZING photographs. They are powerful and moving.
June 15, 2017
Incredibly beautiful as the elderly of Ireland reflect on life and what has passed from Irish society. In many ways, it is sad to see what we have lost and are losing. Time is a strange thing, change is inevitable. Accompanied by beautiful pictures.
January 16, 2018
Special - heartwarming writing and wonderful photography. Dream team.
September 7, 2021
A nicely presented volume. Some great images and the characters portrayed are given space to talk and give some stories of their lives. It's a great book for flicking through. A very apt title.
December 30, 2007
Elderly Irish men and women talk about their lives in the past of a more simple Ireland. It's sad to see what the world has lost and once had.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews