18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Photos on tap, March 8, 2006
This review is from: The Parting Glass : A Toast to the Traditional Pubs of Ireland (Irish Pubs) (Hardcover)
When I'm in Ireland -- which isn't nearly enough -- I try to avoid the trendy new pubs and stick to the joints where the local people go, where you're still likely to find a session in the corner, where the food is simple but hearty, and where the Guinness is pulled with pride.
Eric Roth, a Boston-based photographer, pays tribute to the "real" Irish pubs of Ireland in "The Parting Glass." Of course, there are thousands upon thousands of pubs to choose from, and the book had limited space, so after exhaustive research (read: going to lots of pubs) he picked 43 representative establishments to capture on film. Eileen McNamara, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe columnist, went along for the trip and provided the text to support Roth's images.
Of course, I have my own favorite spots in Ireland, and sadly, they're not included here. And yet, of the 43 pictured, I've been to only a handful, and they ALL look a delight!
The book includes numerous large, colorful photos of pub facades and pub interiors. Too, you'll find distinctive pub signs and unique pub decor. Better yet, you'll see people manning taps and hoisting pints, people who make up Ireland's traditional pub scene as much as the Guinness-stained tables, peat fires, live music and pleasant conversation.
There are city pubs and country pubs, ornate pubs and plain, crowded and empty. Roth's photos are gorgeous, rich in color, detail and personality. McNamara's narrative is equally colorful, informative and evocative of the pub experience. Combined, they create a desire to dive through the pages, take a seat and order a pint.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A book that is truly timeless in its Imagery and words., December 7, 2005
This review is from: The Parting Glass : A Toast to the Traditional Pubs of Ireland (Irish Pubs) (Hardcover)
From the first image to the last this book shows the true warmth and beauty of the traditional pubs of Ireland. Eric Roth and Eileen McNamara have created a timeless masterpiece with this book. Eric's warm inviting painterly pictures make me want to be sitting at one of these pubs enjoying a nice pint of Guinness. Eileen's eloquence with descriptions exemplifies the feeling of the inviting people that surround these watering holes. I will cherish this book and pass it on to my family as a tradition much like the families in Ireland did with the Traditional Pubs that that they have grown to love.
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Anyone who loves Ireland, travel or art photographs should buy this book!!!!, December 14, 2005
This review is from: The Parting Glass : A Toast to the Traditional Pubs of Ireland (Irish Pubs) (Hardcover)
Wow.....what amazing patina and texture these photos have! Eric Roth captured the essence of community and tradition in the Irish pub. Who would have thought the local watering hole could have been such a wonderful subject. The people and the locations are colorful and layered with warmth.
Anyone planning a trip to Ireland would be wise to buy 'The Parting Glass.' It would be fun to bring it along and meet some of the people pictured. I bet you could get free enough free rounds to easily pay for the price of the book and then some!!!!!
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