Classic Irish Proverbs: In English and Irish [Hardcover]

James O'Donnell (Author), Brian Fitzgerald (Illustrator)

Book Description

With sales in excess of seventy-five thousand copies, Irish Proverbs is one of the most beloved Little Irish books. This season we are pleased to announce an all-new collection of proverbs in an enticing new format. Beautifully illustrated, this delightful presentation of over one hundred proverbs captures the whimsy, charm, and genius of Ireland.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The sayings contained in this compact, green-bound volume--some bawdy, some knowing, and some filled with quiet wisdom--demonstrate the rich oral heritage of the Emerald Isle. Presented in both English and Irish, these traditional adages deal with subjects ranging from love and marriage to power and war. While some are familiar in their English translation ("Time and tide wait for no man"), others are original, striking, and fresh: "Don't let your tongue cut your throat." "He who gets a name for rising early can stay in bed until noon." "Every dog is brave on his own doorstep." Even more interesting (to a student of Irish culture, at least) are those expressions that don't translate well or are unclear in meaning: "There is hope from the sea but there is no hope from the land"; "Reverence ceases once blood is spilt." Brian Fitzgerald's whimsical, Chagall-esque color illustrations provide a handsome accompaniment.

About the Author

James O'Donnell teaches Irish in Belfast.

Brian Fitzgerald attended the National College of Art and Design in Dublin.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811819736
• ISBN-13: 978-0811819732
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,393,837 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)