The History Book Club discussion

This is a thread which can be used as a general discussion about "THE EMERALD ISLE - READ IRELAND" challenge.

We will focus on Ireland , the various locations within Ireland, its people, its places, its events, its conflicts and its cultural icons.

Link to the I Like to Learn Quiz on Europe - lots of fun and learn the locations of all of the countries in this area:

http://www.ilike2learn.com/ilike2lear...

I am planning to read the Dubliners.

Dubliners

by James Joyce

Synopsis:

The publication of James Joyce's Dubliners in 1914 was the result of ten years battling with publishers, resisting their demands to remove swear words, real place names and much else.

Although only twenty-four when he signed his first publishing contract for the book, Joyce already knew its worth: to alter it in any way would "retard the course of civilization in Ireland."

Joyce's aim was to tell the truth-- to create a work of art that would reflect life in Ireland at the turn of the last century and by rejecting euphemism, to reveal to the Irish their unromantic reality, which would lead to the spiritual liberation of the country.

Each of the fifteen stories offers glimpses into the lives of ordinary Dubliners-- a death, an encounter, an opportunity not taken, a memory rekindled - and collectively they paint a portrait of a nation.

I joined the challenge.

This will be a good excuse to finally read Thomas Cahill which as been on my bookshelf for long time.

I just joined the challenge. I may start out with a couple of re-reads. Books that I haven't read in years.

by Thomas Cahill

Synopsis:
From the fall of Rome to the rise of Charlemagne - the "dark ages" - learning, scholarship, and culture disappeared from the European continent. The great heritage of western civilization - from the Greek and Roman classics to Jewish and Christian works - would have been utterly lost were it not for the holy men and women of unconquered Ireland.

In this delightful and illuminating look into a crucial but little-known "hinge" of history, Thomas Cahill takes us to the "island of saints and scholars, " the Ireland of St. Patrick and the Book of Kells. Here, far from the barbarian despoliation of the continent, monks and scribes laboriously, lovingly, even playfully preserved the west's written treasures. With the return of stability in Europe, these Irish scholars were instrumental in spreading learning. Thus the Irish not only were conservators of civilization, but became shapers of the medieval mind, putting their unique stamp on western culture.

and, If I feel like it: by James Joyce

Synopsis

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man represents the transitional stage between the realism of Joyce's Dubliners and the symbolism of Ulysses, and is essential to the understanding of the later work.
The novel is a highly autobiographical account of the adolescence and youth of Stephen Dedalus, who reappears in Ulysses, and who comes to realize that before he can become a true artist, he must rid himself of the stultifying effects of the religion, politics and essential bigotry of his background in late 19th century Ireland.
Written with a light touch, this is perhaps the most accessible of Joyce's works

Those are both great ones and I could use a reread of the second one too - it has been a long time.

These are the counties of Ireland:

Ireland was divided up into counties by the English crown around 400 years ago. Since then, the counties have remained largely unchanged.

In Northern Ireland they survive merely as curiosities - not having any actual purpose any more. In the Republic of Ireland, however, these historic divisions are still used as the basis of local government.

The map below shows the 32 counties in the island of Ireland (26 in the Republic of Ireland and 6 in Northern Ireland) as well as some of the major towns (in italics).

This is my first time doing this so I hope I do this correctly. The shelf I created is called "Ireland Challenge." I am going to start off with by Thomas Cahill to cover some ancient/medieval Irish history.

Good for you Brett - you got it right. But it is easier to type your message and just put the citation at the bottom of the comment box.

Hello, I've also joined this challenge, because Ireland is one of my favorite countries of the world. I still have to browse a bit to decide which books to read.

These are the provinces of Ireland:

The Four Provinces

In ancient times, Ireland was divided into provinces, each ruled by a King. These provinces were dynamic and their borders changed all the time. Today, when Irish talk about the provinces of Ireland, they mean Leinster, Ulster, Munster and Connaught. However, historically there were more than 4 provinces: others included Breifne [between Ulster and Connaught], Oriel [around county Armagh] and Meath [the northern half of Leinster]. The map below shows the 4 provinces of Ireland as they currently exist. The borders of these provinces coincide exactly with the county boundaries.

Detailed Map showing Cities of Ireland:

Just joined. I think my first read will be The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis:

by C.S. Lewis

Hi Bentley! Thanks again for the challenge.

I am planning on reading Trinity by Leon Uris. This is a re-read of a book I enjoyed many years ago.

Very good Chris - you don't have to add the title after the book cover - just place the citation at the bottom of the comment b ox.

by Leon Uris

Michael wrote: "Just joined. I think my first read will be The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis:

byC.S. Lewis"

Very good Michael - let us know how you like it

I'm still deciding whether to re-read James Joyce or go with something new. I will then create my shelf as soon as I make up my mind, which as you know seems to take forever!!!! :0)

James Joyce

No problem Jill (smile)

I am actually starting out this challenge with this book:

Irish Myths and Legends
by Lady Augusta Gregory

Synopsis

Combining Gregory's works GODS AND FIGHTING MEN and CUCHULAIN OF MUIRTHEMNE. Gregory retells the myths and legends of the ancient Celts and reveals the roots of Ireland's literary tradition. Contains an index of characters and a pronunciation key to Gaelic names and locations.

Found it in the library and have always wanted to read it, so now is a good time. Lady Augusta Gregory did her translating work in the early 1900's. This edition has a preface worth reading as it was written by William Bulter Yates! Just started the book.

Love that one, Michele. :)

Me and my phone ;) I didn't know about this challenge but I had already planned on reading Angela's Ashes this month. I would also like to read a book by Colm Toibin. Any suggestions?

I'm starting off with:

The Lion and The Cross

by Joan Lesley Hamilton (no photo)

A novel about St. Patrick

Haven't contemplated which books to read yet. Some of the ones people have mentioned on this thread look interesting. I read a great one back in 2013 which I offer as a choice to anyone. If you like golf and even if you don't, this is a great book:

A Course Called Ireland.
by Tom Coyne (no photo)

I would like to read Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín. Also yesterday I have discovered that Jonathan Dunne who wrote Hide the Elephant is Irish!

by Colm Tóibín
by Jonathan Dunne

Great timing! I have been reading a lot about medieval England and that has led me to an interest in Irish history, so this challenge is spot-on! Don't know what I will start with - looks like a reason to buy more books!

Tomi and Michelle- is there a good Colm Toibin book that you recommend?

Brina wrote: "Tomi and Michelle- is there a good Colm Toibin book that you recommend?"

I haven't read any of his - would be interested in recommendations as well.

I haven't read either but I saw the film Brooklyn and I loved it. If you like historical fiction you could try The Master of course by Colm Toibin. Another on my TBR list is The Heather Blazing by Colm Toibin if I am not mistaken based in Ireland. Happy reading!

by Colm Tóibín
by Colm Tóibín

Michele........on your book citations....if there is a book cover, it is not necessary to put the book link. Additionally, the authors picture goes before the author link. (see example below) And please place them at the end of your post for easier reading.

Thanks so much for the great recommendations too!!!

by Colm Tóibín

Ok thanks and sorry it was my first time I used citations.

Count me in! I have quite a few books by Irish authors on my TBR shelf. I've started with
by C.S. Lewis

Then I think I will go on to:
translated by Seamus Heaney

by Oscar Wilde

by Edmund Burke

by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

Teri wrote: "Dubliners is an excellent choice, Bentley. I'll be re-reading it for the challenge. I've also got some Maeve Binchy to pull off my bookshelves, particularly To Light a Penny Candle and Irish Girls ..."

I enjoyed Light a Penny Candle some years ago after Circle of Friends, which touched off a major Maeve Binchy binge. She has a real talent for storytelling, especially stories about ordinary people and relationships.

by Maeve Binchy
by Maeve Binchy

Michael wrote: "Just joined. I think my first read will be The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis:

byC.S. Lewis"

Definitely one of my favorites by C.S. Lewis!

I don't know where to post this, but I plan to read 10 books for this challenge. I have set up Nita's Ireland Challenge shelf.

I finished How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill. It was a nice, quick read.
I think I'm going to move on to Dissidents: Irish Republican Women 1923-1941 by Ann Matthews next.

by Thomas Cahill

by Ann Matthews (no picture of author)

So many interesting books to choose from. Thanks, everyone! :)

Second Samanta's sentiments, I like the sound of those books and have some great ideas now.

So as I am reading by Lady Augusta Gregory

I ran into a myth about the "King of the world" invading Ireland and got to wondering. I wondered if that might have been referring to the Romans, So I looked it up. What I found was interesting. I am going to drop it into a spoiler, as its on the long side. This was written with info from several sources, one of them being Wikipeda:

(view spoiler)[ The question of whether the Romans ever landed in Ireland has long been the subject of speculation, but in recent years some theories have emerged.

Roman historian Tacitus mentions that Agricola, while governor of Roman Britain (CE 78 - 84), considered conquering Ireland, believing it could be held with one legion plus auxiliaries . Agricola had with him, an exiled Irish prince, (Tuathal Techtmar) and was thinking to use him as a pretext for a possible invasion of Ireland. Tuathal Techtmar, did later return to conquer Ireland with an army. Excavations at sites linked to the tale of Tuathal have produced Roman material of the late 1st or early 2nd centuries. It would be consistent for Tuathal to have been that Irish chieftain.

It is clear that neither Agricola nor his successors ever conquered Ireland, but in recent years archogicial finds have challenged the belief that the Romans never set foot on the island. Roman and Romano-British artifacts have been found primarily in Leinster, a fortified site on the promontory of Drumanagh, fifteen miles north of Dublin, and burials on the nearby island of Lambay, both close to where Tuathal Techtmar is supposed to have landed, and other sites associated with Túathal such as Tara and Clogher.

Whether these finds are evidence of trade, diplomacy or military activity is a matter of controversy. It is possible that the Romans may have given support to Túathal, or someone like him, to regain his throne in the interests of having a friendly neighbor who could restrain Irish raiding.

In an interesting side note; an early 2nd-century Roman poet Juvenal, who may have served in Britain under Agricola, wrote that "arms had been taken beyond the shores of Iuverna (Hibernia)", and the coincidence of dates is striking. Although Juvenal is not writing history, it is possible that he is referring to a genuine Roman military expedition to Ireland.

It is also speculated that such an invasion may have been the origin of the presence of the Brigantes in Ireland as noted in Ptolemy's 2nd century Geography. The Brigantes were a rebellious British tribe only recently conquered in Agricola's time. The dispossessed nobility may have been ready recruits for Tuathal's invasion force, or the Romans may have found it a convenient way of getting rid of troublesome subjects. Other tribal names associated with the south-east, including the Domnainn, related to the British Dumnonii, and the Menapii, also known from Gaul (Roman France), may also date from such an invasion. (hide spoiler)]

I have joined this challenge and have listed some of books I want to read. I am currently reading How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill. I have read several of his books.
by Thomas Cahill

I will be reading Maeve Binchy's latest book as I have read almost all of her books.

by Maeve Binchy

I also plan on reading Dubliners by James Joyce and The Sea by John Banville.

by James Joyce

by
John Banville

My Irish Mother-in-Law will be so pleased. Exactly why I joined this group, to challenge myself to read books I probably would never consider without challenges like this, here is my list, by no means is it set in stone. I look forward to viewing other member's lists for ideas.

By Oscar Wilde

By James Joyce

by Lady Augusta Gregory

by Tom Peete Cross (no photo)

by Thomas Cahill

Hello, James! We are so glad you are going to be part of your challenge, and with so many great choices.

Can you, please, check your citations? Your author's covers and link are all supposed to be in the same line with the book cover. Also, when there is no author's photo, just put "(no photo)" after the author's link. Like this:

by Tom Peete Cross (no photo)

I noticed on Amazon that a kindle edition of Portrait of the Artist is available for free. Don't know if I trust those free e-books though. Too many typos.

by James Joyce

I finished reading how the Irish saved civilization. I am posting from the app and cannot do the proper format. I have been without internet in TV going for three days now do to $#%^ Frontier having some major issue. To say that I am pissed off is an understatement. I will fix the citation and get a review whenever I get the internet back.

I just joined the challenge (I was on vacation, so I didn't see this until now). Earlier this year I read the Dubliners by James Joyce, and I liked it very much. Some stories better than others of course. I had tried to read Joyce before and just could not get into any of his other books. I also read The Master by Colm Toibin, which was fantastic. I think I will start with Northern Ireland for this challenge.

by J.G. Farrell

by James Joyce
by Colm Tóibín

Welcome, Karen! :)

I finished Dissidents by Ann Matthews. I had to have my boyfriend (who is from Ireland) give me some background info as I read this book. For some reason I did not notice that this is the second book of hers about Irish republican women. Oh well. It was still interesting.

by Ann Matthews ( no photo of author)

Got my internet back and am playing catch up:

How the Irish Saved Civilization

by Thomas Cahill

Review: "How the Irish Saved Civilization..." is a kind of written history that feels like it was born in the oral tradition. This is a book not only scholarly in content, but is readable by all. Certainly, it has become a monument to the Irish monks who one can see painstakingly copying the ancient books of the Greeks for posterity. Cahill's recounting of Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, brings this ex-slave's life for people without compromising his holiness.

(ref: post #6)

see message # 20

Irish Myths and Legends

by Lady Augusta Gregory

Review: There seems to be some confusion as this book has a miniature version. I would like to make it clear that I read the full version, in the larger hardcover size. Having said that, I wish I could say I enjoyed this more, but I couldn't. The book is translated into English which at times is blatantly clear and other times the sentence structures and word choices seem odd. There are numerous difficult names, no real substance to the characters, and this made it nearly impossible to follow the action/story appropriately.

I think this will be my next read, I think it counts as it starts in Ireland and ends up in the US.

The Immortal Irishman: The Irish Revolutionary who became an American Hero

by Timothy Egan

Synopsis:

The Irish-American story, with all its twists and triumphs, is told through the improbable life of one man. A dashing young orator during the Great Famine of the 1840s, in which a million of his Irish countrymen died, Thomas Francis Meagher led a failed uprising against British rule, for which he was banished to a Tasmanian prison colony. He escaped and six months later was heralded in the streets of New York — the revolutionary hero, back from the dead, at the dawn of the great Irish immigration to America. Meagher’s rebirth in America included his leading the newly formed Irish Brigade from New York in many of the fiercest battles of the Civil War — Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg. Twice shot from his horse while leading charges, left for dead in the Virginia mud, Meagher’s dream was that Irish-American troops, seasoned by war, would return to Ireland and liberate their homeland from British rule. The hero's last chapter, as territorial governor of Montana, was a romantic quest for a true home in the far frontier. His death has long been a mystery to which Egan brings haunting, colorful new evidence.


Thomas Francis Meagher
photo taken between 1862 and 1865

Thomas Cahill

This is the first book I've read and here is what I thought, (spoiler alerts!)

If you want to read this book and haven't heard anything about it, its premise is that the Irish saved civilization because Irish Monks saved Greco-Roman literature after the barbarians starting overrunning the Roman Empire in the 5th century.

My opinion is I'm glad I read it and will probably skim through it again, but it is a bit esoteric. If you are not up to speed on your Socrates and other philosophers, you may have to read passages a few times. But if you are taking this challenge, I think this is almost a must read. I know much more about Ireland than before I read this book and it is loaded with interesting facts.

You will also learn a lot about the differences between Roman and Irish Christianity, St.Patrick, Irish Poetry, and many other subjects to give context to the Irish World vs the Roman World.

It is a fairly short book, less 300 pages, so even though it wasn't exactly a page turner, in my opinion anyway, it is still well worth the effort and shouldn't take you too long to read. It also achieves the goal of educating the reader about Ireland.

I read this book by Colum McCann because it discusses the North Ireland "Troubles" from the view of a Child.

by Colum McCann

Synopsis
This slight book contains 2 short stories and a novella, None of main characters in the stories are directly affected by the conflicts, but are in a sense collateral damage of the conflicts.

The novella "Hunger" is the most graphic of the stories, because it describes in detail what a body goes through in a hunger strike. The main character in this story is a boy, who is struggling to become a man, identifies with his uncle who is in prison and on a hunger strike, in a very real way.