Spectacular Ireland [Hardcover]

Peter Harbison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 10, 2009

Through words and stunning images, the Emerald Isle is brought to life in Spectacular Ireland, a magnificent collection of 140 color photographs by some of Ireland’s best landscape photographers and elegant text by Peter Harbison, one of Ireland’s most distinguished voices and renowned archaeologists. This handsome volume celebrates Ireland, a small island country of extraordinary beauty, fascinating history, and evocative myths, where old and new thrive together. From ancient standing stones and breathtaking pastoral scenes to energetic cities of architectural sophistication, we take a photographic tour reflecting the soul of this spectacular island. A brief history of Ireland puts the images into historical context: from ancient Celtic dolmens to abbeys and castles, from lush pastures, fields of heather, and seaside cliffs to formal gardens, and from ancient villages to the rush of contemporary Dublin. But Ireland is much more than beautiful landscape. Much of the magic of the country lies in the people themselves; these are a people who cherish their land. It is a rich heritage—of history, magic, and mystery—that makes Ireland a favorite destination for tourists and armchair travelers alike.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Peter Harbison is the author of many books about Ireland, and is a former editor of Ireland of the Welcomes, an internationally acclaimed magazine devoted to aspects of Irish culture published in Dublin. He lives in Dublin with his wife and three children.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 134 pages
• Publisher: Universe (February 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789399679
• ISBN-13: 978-0789399670
• Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 0.7 x 9.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,816 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Travel > Reference & Tips > Pictorial
  • #14 in Books > Travel > Europe > Ireland

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful coffee table book, May 2, 2000

By 

Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Spectacular Ireland (Hardcover)

This is an essential book for anyone of Irish descent or who simply loves and wants to learn more about Ireland. It features brief historical information and many large breathtaking photos on premium glossy stock.

In the Ancient sites section many mysterious tombs with huge rocks are shown. Next, you get a look into Ireland's stone monasteries & abbeys featuring majestic stone crosses. Grand Castles are then explored.

The following sections on Ireland's gardens & landscapes are truly dazzling. The colors are so vibrant they make you feel as if you're there. A few 3-page fold-out panorama's are included.

The cites chapter highlights Ireland's buildings including many impressive photos of doorways, churches, & cityscapes. Lastly, the Irish people are shown playing sports, celebrating holidays, & performing traditional dances & music.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have!, June 8, 2006

By 

F. Krubl "Scarlet Evenstar" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spectacular Ireland (Hardcover)

First of all, please note that this is a coffee table-type book. It is oversized and oddly-shaped. So if that bothers you, steer clear.

BUT the size is very appropriate to the pictures! It's a large-rectangular book that fits the panoramic wide-angle photography inside of it! The photos are intensely colored and the paper used in side the book is a thicker, glossy high-quality paper. Some of the most gorgeous photographs of Irelands landscapes, castles and towns are in this book. It also includes a bit of history.

FYI... the book normally comes with a slip-cover that has the same cover design printed on it that the actual book cover underneath has. Nice touch. A lot of books of this fashion do not have the same cover printed on the actual book itself, but only the slip-cover.

Very nice. If you love photography or Ireland...or both....this is the book for you!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular Ireland, April 21, 2002

By 

"dpt002" (La, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spectacular Ireland (Hardcover)

I recently moved to Ireland, and my wife and I wanted something to base our site seeing. It has been a great help in deciding our weekend trips. The pictures depict Ireland correctly. WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET!