The Complete Idiot's Guide to Irish History and Culture

Don't worry... you're not an idiot if you decide to read this book. It's just in more of a text book format. I'm half-Irish and in the month of March I decided to check out this great book. It's full of great stories and interesting facts. Who needs a course on Irish history when you can get this textbook-style book for a lot cheaper? From the geography of the Emerald Isle to the food and family, this book covers everything Ireland. Whether you're Irish yourself or just intersted in learning about the fascinating culture of Ireland, you'll love this book.

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.

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!

I'll keep it brief. I don't know how accurate the facts are in this book (addressing reviews above). What I do know is that I could not put this book down. Not only did I learn about Irish history and culture, I actually found my family's name and from which part of Ireland we came from. I recommend this book as a fun and interesting introduction to the subject.

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?