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An Irish History of Civilization, Vol. 2

Exploring Ireland's rich cultural and historical landscape

Donald Harman Akenson author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:McGill-Queen's University Press

Published:11th Feb '05

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An Irish History of Civilization, Vol. 2 cover

This volume explores the intertwining of fiction and history, offering insights into Ireland's rich cultural and historical landscape in An Irish History of Civilization, Vol. 2.

In An Irish History of Civilization, Vol. 2, readers are invited to explore the intricate tapestry of Ireland's past, where fiction and history intertwine seamlessly. This volume delves into the rich cultural heritage and historical events that have shaped the Irish identity over centuries. Through engaging narratives, the author brings to life the struggles, triumphs, and everyday experiences of the Irish people, enriching the reader's understanding of their civilization.

The book emphasizes the significance of storytelling in preserving history, illustrating how fiction can illuminate the truths of the past. Each chapter presents a blend of historical facts and literary artistry, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the events and figures that have defined Ireland's journey. From ancient myths to modern struggles, An Irish History of Civilization, Vol. 2 captures the essence of a nation through its stories.

As the narrative unfolds, the author encourages readers to reflect on the impact of historical events on contemporary society. By weaving together various perspectives and voices, this volume not only educates but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Irish civilization. Ultimately, An Irish History of Civilization, Vol. 2 serves as both a historical account and a tribute to the enduring power of storytelling.

"Don Akenson has a lengthy track-record in new approaches to history. He has already written extensively and seminally on everything that is touched upon in this book, so he has the pedigree and the intellect to withstand the criticism which will invariably come. The approach is probably too quirky for the po-faced, but will thrill most readers. It is great fun, terrifically written and down to earth: scholarship and the Irish diaspora as you have never seen them before." Marianne Elliott The Irish Times "If James Joyce had studied the Talmud as assiduously as the Odyssey and been as enamoured of Saint Paul and Saint Patrick as he was of Nora Barnacle, he might have produced as overwhelmingly mordant a work as An Irish History of Civilization - but only if he'd had Conor Cruise O'Brien and Roddy Doyle as re-write men. Don Akenson has one-upped Joyce and forged the consciousness of a race." T.F. Rigelhof, Contributing Reviewer, The Globe and Mail "Akenson's astonishing series of vignettes, mini-biographies and running jokes features Irish pirates, missionaries, colonial governors, slaves and slave owners... it mingles history and fiction, the horrifying and the hilarious... This is a very odd book, but a genuinely brilliant achievement." Stephen Howe, The Independent "Stand by to be ticker-taped by scholarship; by dazzle, wit, and amplitude of knowledge as rare as it's painless and provocative". Tom Adair, The Scotsman "There is a novel here. In fact, there are thousands... (an) inimitable bricolage of reflection, jokes and mordant ironies. It might not be every historian's cup of tea, but I relished every word." Roy Foster, The Scotsman "Historian Don Akenson's monumental work begins with Paul in 16 BC and ends with the Presidential Prayer Breakfast in Washington in 1970: Billy Graham and Richard Nixon. What's between requires four books in two volumes, divided into chapters on particular places and periods, themselves divided into numerous brief stories, each with its own point. Iconoclastic, original and eclectic, Akenson has produced a unique opus that is absorbing and entertaining, sometimes exhilarating and occasionally exhausting. The sheer vitality and mulitiplicity of these thousand and one stories produces a cumulative richness of imagery and narrative unmatched in much conventional fiction. It is an extraordinary feat of writing." Peter Hart The Globe & Mail "An Irish History of Civilization is a book like no other." Michael Enright, The Sunday Edition, CBC "While the breadth of An Irish History of Civilization is impressive, its depth is more so. Each portion deserves to be lingered over, savoured slowly, and allowed to reveal itself before fully moving on to the next." Robert J. Wiersema Quill & Quire "The stories are so absorbing that it was dangerous to begin reading the book late at night. The next thing I knew, it was close to morning and I began to develop what is known as Akenson-lag. I suspect that many other readers will have a similar experience. " David Wilson, author of Ireland, a Bicycle, and a Tin Whistle and professor of Celtic studies, St Michael's College, University of Toronto "Deliciously fresh and imaginative and a truly wondrous accomplishment from a unique and profound mind that is too lively and too quick to be bound by the limits of history or fiction." Peter Ward, professor of history, University of British Columbia

ISBN: 9780773528918

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 1300g

704 pages