Description
In 1916, Eamon de Valera arrived on the Irish scene and as a result, so we are told, the fairies left. Such combining of fact and folklore is the essence of this fascinating history which describes the tragedies and poverty of those years, yet brims with cultural, domestic and political detail. Comments by contemporary writers, both famous and obscure, are seamlessly woven into the text, as are direct memories of those who lived through the events described.From the Trade Paperback edition.
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The weaving of fact and folklore is the essence of Peter Somerville-Large's fascinating history of 50 years of Irish life. The book is filled with historical and cultural detail unsullied by proselytism or sentimentality. Throughout, the reader can hear the voices of the Irish—commentary by both contemporary writers and those who lived through the events and crises they describe are seamlessly woven into the text. Peter Somerville-Large has a talent for observation, and his interest in the people he writes about is palpable.
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