The Complete Idiot's Guide to Irish History and Culture

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Summary: Easy, interesting read
Review: I found this to be a very interesting book. I couldnt find another History book on Irish culture like it. One of my major in studies is World Cultures, although I found some misrepresentations, the majority of facts seemed accurate, from what I have studied. I am not Irish nor do I have any special study in Irish Culture. This is, as another reviewer noted, a history book you actually want to keep reading. Nice reading, but I would use this book as a beginner book on Irish Culture/History and follow up with another book. (just to compare notes)A great book for anyone with Irish blood to pick up, and discover why they should be proud of their roots, and get a feel for who their ancestors were.

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Summary: Only a complete idiot would take this seriously
Review: I really enjoyed this book. Other reviews state that it is somewhat biased, but Ms. Massie IS Irish so you'll have that. I believe that the Irish were the good guys, simply because I know how the British treated the earlier Americans. However, I have no understanding of the present situation, so I am reserving judgement. I am exactly half Irish, so I was excited to read about my roots. This wasn't dry like other history books, and it has made me want to dig deeper. I loved this easy to read intro to Irish History!

Rating:
Summary: Fun Read!
Review: I really enjoyed this book. Other reviews state that it is somewhat biased, but Ms. Massie IS Irish so you'll have that. I believe that the Irish were the good guys, simply because I know how the British treated the earlier Americans. However, I have no understanding of the present situation, so I am reserving judgement. I am exactly half Irish, so I was excited to read about my roots. This wasn't dry like other history books, and it has made me want to dig deeper. I loved this easy to read intro to Irish History!

Rating:
Summary: The Most Interesting History Book I Have Ever Read
Review: Most history books are very dry, full of facts but no indication of the character and soul of the lives lived. Ms. Massie writes her book with much warmth and love for the Irish people, their culture and their history. In addition to the straightfoward historical facts, the author adds sidebar information which reflects little extras of humor, language, and Irish life. There is even a recipe for soda bread included! All of these combined kept me reading smoothly way past my bedtime! The only complaint I have is that Ms. Massie aims her book toward people of Irish descent, with the impression that one is only interested in reading about Irish history and culture if one has a little Irish in them. I don't, but have always been interested in Irish history and culture anyway. I'm not Irish, but wish I was. Does that count, Ms. Massie?

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Summary: Fascinating Look at Ireland
Review: Reading this book at times I felt like I had been transported to this magic island and at times I was shocked to read of its bloody history throughout the centuries. While I will acknowledge this is a general history, it does touch upon a number of milestones in the history of Eire..at first the land of the Celts, then the Roman invasion, then invasions by the Vikings, then the Normans, it seems Ireland has known more than its fair share of war and oppression. It also gave me a better understanding of how Northern Ireland came to be and why there's still strife to this day.

And also too the book touches upon the customs and people of Ireland, who are lively and a fiercely proud people. And some of their stories, of the Celts, of St Patrick, of druids, the "Good People," and fierce warriors. There's even a chapter about what to expect if you decide to visit the Enchanted Isle. I want to visit Ireland and this book has brought me a bit closer to that goal.

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Summary: Only a complete idiot would take this seriously
Review: This book is well titled. It is not to be taken seriously as a history book as it is full of clichés and superficial readings of Irish history. The author did not consult with any of the contemporary scholarship on Irish history because if she did she would not have written as she did on the 'Celtic' issue, St. Patrick and other aspects. This is a tourists' or 'pub' version of Ireland - not dealing with what is actually a complex history. This book actually highlights one of the problems with Irish history - valuable, informed sources are hard to find for a general reader.

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Summary: EXCELLENT READ FOR ANYONE WANTING TO LEARN ABOUT IRELAND!
Review: This is a great book! I am not Irish (but I wish I was heehee!) but I got it for the fact that I am writing a book and the first part takes place in Ireland as well as the the last part. This book is filled with all sorts of information. I especially enjoyed the "speak plain Irish" on the side of most pages and the cute quotes or poems. I think Irish quotes, poems, and how they talk is so cute! This book was VERY helpful in this area. I love how it told what some of what they means like if a guy asks to knock you up at 10am, not to slap him, he is just asking to call you or come over for a visit at 10am (or some other time cant recall exactly!). :) I am now more informed about Irish history and the culture. And thanx to this book I learned about the very cool Claddagh ring. With more information from the internet and some cyber friends I was able to find out that not only would I LOVE to own one of them but I am going to use it as a gift from the second character to her best friend the main character in my book! I dont think I would have ever found out about this ring had I not found the information in this book! I truly believe this is one of the best Irish culture books I have been able to get my hands on. So if you want to look up Irish history, culture or find out where your roots are at BUY THIS BOOK! It will be well worth your money and time. And you won't be able to put it down till the very end, and wish for more ;) Hope this helps you out!