What’s New: Irish books and music reviewed by the Irish Echo

THE OXFORD COMPANION

TO IRISH HISTORY

Edited by S. J. Connolly

Claiming to be “the definitive compact reference source to every aspect of the Irish past,” this volume quickly disappoints: missing from it is any reference to any living persons involved in Ireland’s recent past. The editor fails to justify in the introduction, why the most recent reference is the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985. So much has happened since then that illuminates more distant Irish historical events that it is unfortunate that the line was drawn then, and not in, say, 1994, with the first IRA cease-fire. Few important players in the recent past are mentioned — for example, Ian Paisley or Bobby Sands. Still, for events in the more distant past, this volume is a welcome reference.

Oxford University Press. 624 pp. $60.

STANDISH O’GRADY,

‘ AND YEATS

Michael McAteer

This book sheds light on the influence of the lesser-known Standish O’Grady on later giants of Irish literature such as W. B. Yeats. O’Grady was a complex 19th century writer and historian who proclaimed the primacy of Irish culture yet opposed Irish independence. He saw Ireland’s salvation lying in with the Irish landlords, who, he believed, could “save” Ireland if only they would immerse themselves fully in the culture of the island. He rejected objective readings of history, wherein, claims author Michael McAteer, lies his greatest influence on Yeats. Irish Academic Press. 200 pp. $49.50.

IRISH GANGS AND

STICK-FIGHTING

John W. Hurley

This book puts forward a unique theory, that there existed in the 19th century a form of Irish martial arts that was used by Irishmen in the rough world of the streets of towns and cities for self-defense. Sticks were wielded in ways that conformed to a fighting code, and this method was described extensively in the works of 19th century writer William Carleton, himself an accomplished stick fighter. The book strikes a blow against the stereotype of the Irish brawler, and instead presents a picture of a sophisticated picture of what author John Hurley calls the “Shillelagh Law” of the streets. Xlibris. 314 pp. $19.54.

THE YEAR OF ICE

Brian Malloy

It is 1978 and 18-year-old Kevin Doyle is a student in Minneapolis on the margins of his peer group. Keg parties, football and rock ‘n roll dominate his life but leave him unfulfilled in his secret love for classmate Jon Thompson. Kevin’s gay desire must be strictly hidden in this aggressive young male world, even though he is constantly courted by his female classmates. His mother’s mysterious death and his distant father provide an intriguing tale of familial discontent, an Irish coming-of-age story by this first-time novelist. St Martin’s Press. 272 pp. $22.95.