Mythic Ireland (Paperback)

by Michael Dames (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Michael Dames, distinguished archaeologist and art historian, has reached into each other Ireland's parishes for stories, legends, architecture and art to write a beautiful book. What he writes is not the usual tourist information or a geographical summary. Region by region, historical period by period, a mosaic of Irish life and customs creates a mythic whole. From mysterious runes to the Book of Kells, word pictures and photographic material create a well-defined Ireland. -- Acts and Activities, January 1999

Product Description
Michael Dames surveys Ireland from a fifth province, "Mide" or "center", where the entire island is seen to be held in a web of prehistoric sites aligned with solar-lunar events.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500278725
• ISBN-13: 978-0500278727
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #940,995 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite Irish books!, February 23, 1999

By A Customer

Whether you're a tourist, a researcher, or just interested in Ireland's mythic and ancient sites, this is THE book to own. Dames includes documented history and archaeology, as well as rich anecdotes that make each site come alive on the page. I read and discard many books about Ireland and its history. This one is at the top of my list, to keep and re-read often.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely a Terrific Book!, April 30, 2000

By	[e-mail] "[e-mail]" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

I found this book to be fascinating, scholarly and helpful. It was one of two books I brought to Ireland as a pseudo-guide book. From it, I got a great tour of Lough Gur. For those interested in Celtic Ireland, it is a must read!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quite a fascinating book, February 8, 2003

By	Kurt A. Johnson (Marseilles, Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Michael Dames, a student of geography, archaeology and art, wrote this book as his own introduction (or perhaps explanation) of Ireland. Divided into five sections (one for each province of ancient Ireland), the book looks at the beliefs of Ireland, and its magical locations - those both ancient, and modern. As a treatise on Irish mythology this book is rather lacking, and as a travel book it is a complete disaster. But, as a book that combines the two, it is nothing short of a tour de force. It gives the reader ideas on how he or she can travel Ireland, touching the magic of its history, and the history of its magic. This is quite a fascinating book.