Traditional Irish Laws

Traditional Irish Laws by Mary Dowling Daley and illustrated by Ian McCullough provides an interesting and at times humorous look into the laws and culture of the ancient Irish. For example, one of the reasons why the Irish so revere their poets is because in ancient times, "It was taboo to put the laws into writing and Irish poets were required to study for almost twenty years to memorise [sic]them." Another interesting note is the value the Irish place upon honor. "Even to the ancient Greeks, the Celts were known as jealous of their honour. Vulnerability to ridicule and satire, even self-inflicted shame, could raise a blush, a blotch or a blister on an ancient Irish face." The book is only 79 pages in length, beautifully illustrated, and in addition to an interesting read, would serve well as a small coffee table book or a book for a lawyer's end table.