The Pope's Children: The Irish Economic Triumph and the Rise of Ireland's New Elite [Hardcover]

David McWilliams (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470226412 | ISBN-13: 978-0470226414 | Publication Date: February 15, 2008 | Edition: 1

Named for the ironic coincidence of the Irish baby boom of the 1970s, which peaked nine months to the day after Pope John Paul II s historic visit to Dublin, The Pope s Children is both a celebration and bitingly funny portrait of the first generation of the Celtic Tiger the beneficiaries of the economic miracle that propelled Ireland from centuries of deprivation into a nation that now enjoys one of the highest living standards in the world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"brilliant, eminently readable...indispensable for those who want to understand how Ireland went from being one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the richest..." (The Boston Globe, March 17, 2008)

"brilliant, eminently readable...indispensable for those who want to understand how Ireland went from being one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the richest..." --Boston Globe

"brilliant, eminently readable...indispensable for those who want to understand how Ireland went from being one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the richest..." (The Boston Globe, March 17, 2008)

"brilliant, eminently readable...indispensable for those who want to understand how Ireland went from being one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the richest..." --Boston Globe

"brilliant, eminently readable...indispensable for those who want to understand how Ireland went from being one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the richest..." (The Boston Globe, March 17, 2008) "brilliant, eminently readable...indispensable for those who want to understand how Ireland went from being one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the richest..." --Boston Globe

From the Inside Flap

The Pope's Children is botha celebration and bitingly funny portrait of the first generation of the Celtic Tiger—the beneficiaries of the economic miracle that propelled Ireland from centuries of deprivation into a nation that now enjoys one of the highest living standards in the world.

Named for the ironic coincidence of the Irish baby boom of the 1970s, which peaked nine months to the day after Pope John Paul II's historic visit to Dublin, the Pope's Children are overflowing with money, ambition and optimism—but they are also the most hedonistic, status-conscious and decadent Irish generation ever. They have abandoned the Old Irish Dream of Catholicism, nationalism and limited expectations in exchange for the New Irish Dream of instant gratification, material possessions and endless possibility.

A noted Irish economist, broadcaster and bestselling author, David McWilliams cleverly dissects and describes contemporary Ireland. He tells how "Wonderbra Economics" is raising living standards and pushing the social classes closer together. He describes how prosperity has given rise to two distinct social classes: the Decklanders, so named because of their obsession with backyard decks and rank materialism; and the HiCos, who are trying to fuse their Irish heritage with their newfound cosmopolitan values—sometimes with hilarious results.

A brilliant writer, McWilliams blends words into new and unexpected forms. You'll learn about "the Expectocracy," "Property Porn," the "Carrot Juice Contrarians," "RoboPaddy" and "Speed Bump Moms." Vividly and powerfully, McWilliams brings contemporary Ireland to life.

Witty, intelligent and irreverent, The Pope's Children tells the real story of Ireland's amazing economic and social transformation and the special generation that is changing the country forever.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 331 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (February 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470226412
• ISBN-13: 978-0470226414
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #313,152 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and informative, March 25, 2008

By 

Lancer (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pope's Children: The Irish Economic Triumph and the Rise of Ireland's New Elite (Hardcover)

David McWilliams may be an economist, but that shouldn't stop anyone from reading this rollicking good overview of modern Ireland. Using first hand observations, data, and a dry Irish wit, he shows us the Ireland that has leapt into the 21st Century as a fully formed economic powerhouse. If you've been to Ireland in the past decade or so, you will recognize the changes. If you are looking for an example of economic development, both the good and the bad, here it is. Through it all, The Pope's Children will entertain as it educates.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book !, February 21, 2008

By 

Brian J. Wall (Arizona, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Pope's Children: The Irish Economic Triumph and the Rise of Ireland's New Elite (Hardcover)

A very funny and entertaining writer. I went to Ireland and realized how much the book captures the soul of the current culture and mentality. This book is a must for anyone with half a brain and is interested in the Irish way of life for the new millenium. If you like thought provoking writing with entertainment and humor, read this book.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A digest of weekly opinion pieces, June 4, 2009

By 

Sean O Nuallain (Berkeley, USA and Dublin, Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pope's Children: The Irish Economic Triumph and the Rise of Ireland's New Elite (Hardcover)

In contrast to Garvin's oeuvre, practically every single economic thesis in this book has been revealed as solid by the recent economic crash and its disproportionate effect on Ireland's sandcastle economy. That is the good news; the bad news include the frequent exaggerations (eg about sex habits and drinking), the vulgarity, and the fact that it is not really a book, but a digest of weekly opinion pieces.

I review this book at much greater length in my forthcoming "Ireland: A colony once again?".

Seán O Nualláin Ph.D. 4u Meitheamh (san tSin 35 Bealtaine) 2009