Ireland: In a Glass of Its Own

by Peter Biddlecombe

Peter Biddlecombe has dragged his beleaguered expense account around no fewer than 170 countries, which puts him, literally, miles ahead of every other travel writer. In his latest book—in many ways the perfect marriage of author and subject—Biddlecombe argues that Ireland’s 32 counties can be said to represent the constituent parts of a pint of the black stuff. This is Biddlecombe’s hilarious take on Ireland—not just the coastal areas beloved of normal travel writers, but the bits in between.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

514 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2005

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok, I'm halfway through it and this book is full of cliches and stereotypes and misinformation about the history and people of Ireland. I have always finished a book even if I detest it. This is pure fantasy that was probably written in the author's cushy home in England without stepping foot on the island. This book belongs in the GARBAGE. I was looking forward to a true account of every county in Ireland but it is a waste of a tree to print it.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could hardly get past the introduction; I got 2 pages into the first chapter, flipped around a bit further in, and then gave up. It seems to be over 500 pages of some Englishman aping around pretending he knows Ireland and using some sort of horrible stereotype of Ireland's English, and doing it so poorly that it just comes across as offensive and demeaning.

[Martha☀ · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is another example where I would like to be able to award half a star.