PATRICK
The Pilgrim Apostle of Ireland
M_ire B. de Paor
With all the talk about the teachings of St. Patrick that flies about the place at this time of year, it would be fitting indeed to look deeper into the thoughts and writings of Ireland’s patron saint, Patrick. He did teach and he did write his views down, most especially in two works, the Confessio and the Epistola. De Paor, known widely as Sister Declan, is an Irish Presentation nun, a Waterford native and author of three previous books on Gaelic Christianity. Regan Books, a division of HarperCollins. 310 pp. $27.95.
BEHIND EVERY LIFE
Eamon O’Tuama
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Irish born, New York-based Eamon O’Tuama has been compared to David Gray, Luka Bloom and even Bruce Springsteen. Well, you can judge for yourself with this newly released CD featuring O’Tuama and his band. The O’Tuama Band has been based in New York since 1997 and released their first CD, “Down with a Smile,” the following year. The new CD will be launched March 12 with a live webcast from Paddy Reilly’s Bar in Manhattan. Available from major retailers and at www.CDBaby.com. Details also from EOTmusic@aol.com.
THE IRISH STORYTELLER
Georges Denis Zimmerman
Everyone likes a good yarn. But where does a good yarn come from? The Irish tradition of storytelling goes so far back in time that the story of the tradition’s emergence and evolution requires some telling in itself. Zimmermann sets about the task in this detailed study of the storied traditional Irish weaver of tales. International Specialized Book Services, Portland, OR ([503]-287-3093, www.isbs.com). 633 pp. $65.
THE FAIRY GLEN
Declan Carville
and Belinda Larmour
The Fairy Glen does exist. It is at the foot of the Mourne Mountains near Rostrevor, Co. Down. Carville and Larmour use this setting for this imaginative children’s book that features verse and illustration to depict the lives of the Glen’s magical inhabitants. Irish Books and Media, 1433 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404-2135 ([800] 229-3505). 24 pp. $7.95.
CONSUMED IN FREEDOM’S FLAME
Cathal Liam
The paperback edition of this previously released hardcover novel is set against the backdrop of the 1916 rising and is now available from Cincinnati-based St. Padraic Press. The Irish historian and author T. Ryle Dwyer has described Liam’s debut novel as being a meticulously researched work. Liam brings a great passion to his work that is evident from first page until last. Available online from www.seanchaibooks.com or St. Padraic Press, P.O. Box 43351, Cincinnati, OH 45243-0351. 448 pp. $14.