Rating: 
Summary: truth?
Review: Several of my peers repeatedly told me that I should read this book. I've already done some considerable study in Irish literature in my graduate work, so I thought it was about time that I got around to reading this best-seller. Cayhill is a clever word-smith. However, I was sorely disappointed in the book. As a scholar, Cayhill is irresponsible and sloppy. He includes many details -- such as his description of a river running through Jerusalem in Jesus' time (Jerusalem doesn't have a river, only a spring) and his account of the Morrigan -- which are either inaccurate or misleading. His condescending tone and attitudes toward other ethnic groups, namely the Chinese and Mexicans, are also troubling. All of these problems lead me to distrust all his scholarship and writing.
Rating: 
Summary: Repeating Others Warnings
Review: The first half of the book doesn't even concern itself with the book's title subject. Then, the evidence presented is flimsy at best. The Irish monks did play an important role, as demonstrated by the call from Aachen by Charlemegne. This story, though, could have been a chapter in itself. Instead, it's dealt with in half a paragraph. I'm no medieval expert, but the premise of this book is a stretch and just the fact that the author couldn't be bothered to come up with more than 100 pages to support his theory, indicates he knows its a stretch. This book frustrates me on two levels. First; the Irish didn't save civilization on their own; there is way too much speculation, rather than fact presented. And two; the work the Irish did is much more extensive than what is reported here. I give the book 2 stars because some of this interesting and new to me, and I will certainly look for more information on some of the material presented here, since I find it hard to accept at face value from this author. Also, be ready for a heavy dose of condescension and patronizing when you start reading. The author may think the Irish saved civilization, but obviously, he thinks anyone who would read his book is barely literate.
Rating: 
Summary: Good for what it is
Review: As long as the reader remembers that Cahill is more of a journalistic or narrative writer than a historian, this book is a good choice. It is not entirely accurate, and makes the kind of inferrences and assumptions that the historian would never attempt. It is, however, a good read, with a fun and interesting plot. As long as you take it with a grain of salt, I would reccommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: One Star is too many
Review: Cahill is indeed attempting to rewrite history, his appeal can only be to those who have never read a non-fiction account of the past 2000 years. It was, in fact, King Alfred who started the interest in copying the great documents. It was a Welsh man who put together the Lindsifarne Gospel. Has this man even heard of Bede? The Irish were Celts, the Celts were Germanic in origin, they resided throughout Britain, Wales and Ireland. This fictional account has been written for the so-called "Irish-American" contingency trying yet again to legitimise their roots.
Rating: 
Summary: Mallowcups for my man, Mr. Cahill.
Review: Mr. Cahill, I'm not sure you realize what disservice you have done to the history book industry. See, I'm headed to Ireland in June and several months ago purchased your "How the Irish..." and another history book of Ireland of which name I will not mention because I am about to be mean. The Irish history book is a slog fest, a feat not unlike swimming in peanut butter. In comparison, your book was like an entire evening of Nitrous Oxide. While I had to schedule the reading for the other (five pages a day), your book Pied Pipered me into a fascinating history of a people I am humbled and proud to call my own (Murphy.) What delight! I loved it so much, and walked away with something in my pocket. I rejoiced in the way you ended it, with unashamed HOPE. You may not be popular for it, because hope seldom is, but I would share a Mallowcup with you. Thanks for a great book, and please please PLEASE write more history books, will you? I'm not happy to finish the other history book (I prefer the Nitrous) but I know for certain which history I will take to Ireland with me. Thanks, Mr. History Man.
Rating:
Summary: A Glorious Read; An Insightful History!
Review: That Thomas Cahill has succeeded in making history readable and illuminating offends the snobbish, but I loved this book. It brought home to me the Irish character more than any other source.The "Dark Ages" were not so dark after all because of the labor of love rendered by Irish monks. The transformation from bestial paganism to the Christianity of St. Patrick is masterfully rendered. It is a difficult feat indeed to make history come alive. Often, it is seen as the dry accumulation of facts. This book reads well, almost like a novel. It instructs as it entertains. To the reviewer who believes that this book panders to those of Irish descent, I say "Hogwash!" It could hardly have remained on the best seller list so long if only those who had Irish ancestors purchased it. HOW THE IRISH SAVED CIVILIZATION brought tears to my eyes. I hope everyone gets a chance to read it.
Rating:
Summary: More than just history - a work of love.
Review: To read Cahill's account of the the Irish conversion to Christianity and the saving of early manuscripts through the darkest ages of European history is to gain a new understanding of the soul of the Irish people. Inspired by Cahill's writing in How the Irish Saved Civilization, we went on to write The Galway Chronicles which further explores the oppression of the Irish by the English from the protestant conquests of Queen Elizabeth to the massacres of Cromwell and the famines of the 1840s. How tragic that the great Irish intellectuals and spiritual leaders which Cahill writes about could later be reduced to such desperation, ignorance and poverty by the brutal politics of English conquerors. Cahill captures the beauty and intellectual prowess of the Irish as they were when the world beyond was locked in ignorance, brutality and spiritual darkness. How the Irish Saved Civilization is a must for every bookshelf!
Rating: 
Summary: An enjoyable book
Review: How the Irish Saved Civilization is a very well written history for anyone who is not an historian by training. Cahill writes in an easy to read narrative that doesn't leave the reader feeling like he/she has to go back and read several other books simply to understand what Cahill is saying. Although the book is well written, I felt like I hadn't gotten the whole story when I finished. Other than that, I enthusiastically recommend the book to anyone who has an interest in that time period.
Rating:
Summary: Worth Reading
Review: Cahill is a very skilled writer and many will find this a fascinating read. He is also a skillful researcher. Unfortunately Cahill seems to be unable to see characters outside of his twenty first-century context. He essentially ignores any evidence to the contrary (Historian John Bury for one) and describes Patrick as a devil may care schismatic. Then with the same myopic twist proceeds to paint Saint Augustine as a bitter representative of a dying religion. He bemoans the fact the Church has followed Saint Augustine, gleefully reports an instance of ceremonial bestiality, for some reason which only he is aware of, inserts gratuitous profanity, and insanely credits Irish piety as a chance to out "Victorian" the English. Still all in all the pluses out weigh the minuses and this book is worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: What a book, what a voice
Review: Let me preface with this; I've read the hardcover edtion as well as listened to the abridged audiobook. The abridged version is mostly intact - I estimate that it contains about 75 to 80 percent of the original content; however, the selling point for the abridged version is Liam Neeson's reading. Mr. Neeson's reading is outstanding; his voice engages the listener. When he reads the text, it flows beautifully. He pauses at logical points in the text, his style is restrained (which allows the the text to speak for itself) and he doesn't act the text - he "tells" it, as a story teller would. I do not normally purchase audio books, but a took a chance on this. I haven't regretted my decision at all.
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