Ireland's Treasures: 5000 Years of Artistic Expression [Hardcover]

Peter Harbison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2004

The treasures of Ireland are legendary. The physical beauty of the land itself is well documented, and the creations of its inhabitants are extraordinary. This lavish book focuses on Irish cultural history as expressed through her artists and artisans - everything from ancient portal dolmens to the Book of Kells, from stone towers to medieval high crosses and soaring monasteries. Fortresses and castles and other architectural splendors are explored, along with early gold creations, masterful paintings, and stunning stained glass windows. In a variety of media including stonework, metalwork, handwork, architecture, and painting, Ireland's artists and craftspeople tell a provocative story of a land deeply rooted in tradition. This coffee-table book tours Ireland's rich cultural history with memorable stops at every imaginable venue.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A range of media from prehistoric to modern times, making Ireland's Treasures one of the most expansive coverages in print. -- Library Bookwatch, July 2004

About the Author

Dr. Peter Harbison is author of many books about Ireland, including Guide to National and Historic Monuments of Ireland, The Archeology of Ireland, Pre-Christian Ireland (winner of the British Archeological Book Award in 1988), Beranger's Views of Ireland, the three-volume High Crosses of Ireland, and Pilgrimage in Ireland (finalist for the 1992 British Archeological Award). He edited The Shell Guide to Ireland and co-authored Irish Art and Architecture. He is former editor of Ireland of the Welcomes, an internationally acclaimed magazine devoted to aspects of Irish culture published by Bord Failte in Dublin. He has now written two books for Hugh Lauter Levin Associates, Spectacular Ireland and Ireland's Treasures.

He is one of Ireland's most distinguished archeologists and was with the Irish Tourist Board in Dublin from 1966 to 1984, and, Chairman of the National Monuments Advisory Council from 1986 to 1990. Now he is Honorary Academic Editor of the Royal Irish Academy, of which he has also been Vice President.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Hugh Lauter Levin Associates (February 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0883638304
• ISBN-13: 978-0883638309
• Product Dimensions: 14.6 x 11.2 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,167,195 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "The Sea Connects more than it Divides.", February 22, 2006

By 

J. Guild (Toronto,Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ireland's Treasures: 5000 Years of Artistic Expression (Hardcover)

There is no better word to describe this book than that word the Irish use when something even exceeds excellent,fantastic ,wonderful, terrific or other superlatives.That word is "brilliant" and so is this book.There have been many books over the years that have attempted to capture the story of Ireland's Art Treasures.This book certainly does that,but at the same time shows how this art fits in with the history of Ireland.It has often been said that while Ireland has seen a continual invasion by countries and cultures;it has never succumbed to it; but rather absorbed it, and made it part of what Ireland has become.
This book covers Ireland from over 5,000 years ago to the present times.It is clear that you cannot talk about Ireland's Treasures without talking about its History.
It's pointless for me to describe all that is in this book. All I can say is ,if you have any interest in Irish Art,Treasures and History ;you simply must get this book.Personlly,I have about 500 'Irish' books,many of them about these subjects;but this book is now one of the finest in my collection.
Everything about this book is of a quality that will impress you.The paper is of heavy stock,the layout is excellent,the photography,over 250 pictures,is stunning,with many being full page and even double page.The color rendition and printing just couldn't be better.The binding and construction is also outstanding.It is a very large book,11"X14" and 1 1/2" thick.It has 320 pages,and to give you an idea of the quality ,it weighs 7 1/2 pounds.
To pull it all together and publish such a fine book,is nothing less than brilliant.You might even say this book is also an Irish Treasure.Since I can't own a real Irish Treasure,at least I can have this.When you consider the price of bestseller novels,with their cheap paper and bindings, and not even illustrations,this book is a real bargain.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hefty tome, detailed photos, informative text, February 10, 2005

By 

John L Murphy "Fionnchú" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ireland's Treasures: 5000 Years of Artistic Expression (Hardcover)

This massive compendium of artifacts from all of Ireland's periods of artistic development offers a handy, if weighty, one-volume overview. Harbison's chapters are well-written, summarizing the highlights yet largely free of jargon or arcana. It not only would grace a table or suit as a marvelous gift, but should be in libraries (where I found it) as a resource for those who cannot travel to the places or see up-close the intricate craft that a large-format book with excellent photographs offers. You can examine the filigree on the Ardagh chalice better here than in person at the National Museum, for example! Such often overlooked subjects as late medieval friaries gain sufficient attention here as well to stimulate the reader to more study or visits.

My only criticism is very minor, but the vexed question of the extent of the Celtic incursions artistically and demographically into Ireland appears to be muddled in Harbison's account. A clearer explanation of the academic debate over this issue would have clarified for the general reader the latest thought on this topic. Overall, however, a handsome and carefully organized book, from Newgrange to Harry Clarke, again, stunning illustrations capture the allure of millennia of art and culture.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great overview, June 21, 2011

By 

Scholar "18th century student" (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ireland's Treasures: 5000 Years of Artistic Expression (Hardcover)

A great book that has art, metalwork, paintings, buildings, etc., from prehistoric times all the way to the present. The author's prose is very easy to follow (although photo captions are written poorly) and the book has lavish illustrations.