Customer Reviews

Ireland's Treasures: 5000 Years of Artistic Expression

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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.

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.

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.