History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition

Average customer rating:

A Story of unending heroism, fortitude and leadership
Excellent
beautiful pictures
Excellent!
The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition

The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition
Caroline Alexander
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0375404031
Release Date: 1998-11-03

Amazon.com

Melding superb research and the extraordinary expedition photography of Frank Hurley, The Endurance by Caroline Alexander is a stunning work of history, adventure, and art which chronicles "one of the greatest epics of survival in the annals of exploration." Setting sail as World War I broke out in Europe, the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, led by renowned polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, hoped to become the first to cross the Antarctic continent. But their ship, Endurance, was trapped in the drifting pack ice, eventually to splinter, leaving the expedition stranded on floes--a situation that seemed "not merely desperate but impossible."

Most skillfully Alexander constructs the expedition's character through its personalities--the cast of veteran explorers, scientists, and crew--with aid from many previously unavailable journals and documents. We learn, for instance, that carpenter and shipwright Henry McNish, or "Chippy," was "neither sweet-tempered nor tolerant," and that Mrs. Chippy, his cat, was "full of character." Such firsthand descriptions, paired with 170 of Frank Hurley's intimate photographs, which are comprehensively assembled here for the first time, penetrate the hulls of the Endurance and these tough men. The account successfully reveals the seldom-seen domestic world of expedition life--the singsongs, feasts, lectures, camaraderie--so that when the hardships set in, we know these people beyond the stereotypical guise of mere explorers and long for their safety.

Alexander reveals Shackleton as an inspiring optimist, "a leader who put his men first." Throughout the grueling ordeal, Shackleton and his men show what endurance and greatness are all about. The Endurance is a most intimate portrait of an expedition and of survival. Readers will possess a newfound respect for these daring souls, know better their unthinkable toil and half-forgotten realm of glory. --Byron Ricks

Amazon.com Audiobook Review

Narrators Michael Tezla and Martin Ruben join forces to read Caroline Alexander's extraordinary account of Sir Ernest Shackleton's improbable Antarctic adventure. Tezla narrates the text while Ruben reads diary entries from the ship's crewmembers, employing a variety of native accents. The approach effectively divides the book into listener-friendly chunks, but at times, keeping track of all 27 crewmen requires the fortitude of the explorers themselves. Tezla describes the ice and snow with a haunting beauty but manages maintain the tension throughout, while Ruben injects character and humor into his various vocal interpretations. (Running time: 6 hours, 4 cassettes) --Kimberly Heinrichs

Book Description

In August 1914, days before the outbreak of the First World War, the renowned explorer Ernest Shackleton and a crew of twenty-seven set sail for the South Atlantic in pursuit of the last unclaimed prize in the history of exploration: the first crossing on foot of the Antarctic continent. Weaving a treacherous path through the freezing Weddell Sea, they had come within eighty-five miles of their destination when their ship, Endurance, was trapped fast in the ice pack. Soon the ship was crushed like matchwood, leaving the crew stranded on the floes. Their ordeal would last for twenty months, and they would make two near-fatal attempts to escape by open boat before their final rescue.

Drawing upon previously unavailable sources, Caroline Alexander gives us a riveting account of Shackleton's expedition--one of history's greatest epics of survival. And she presents the astonishing work of Frank Hurley, the Australian photographer whose visual record of the adventure has never before been published comprehensively. Together, text and image re-create the terrible beauty of Antarctica, the awful destruction of the ship, and the crew's heroic daily struggle to stay alive, a miracle achieved largely through Shackleton's inspiring leadership.

The survival of Hurley's remarkable images is scarcely less miraculous: The original glass plate negatives, from which most of the book's illustrations are superbly reproduced, were stored in hermetically sealed cannisters that survived months on the ice floes, a week in an open boat on the polar seas, and several more months buried in the snows of a rocky outcrop called Elephant Island. Finally Hurley was forced to abandon his professional equipment; he captured some of the most unforgettable images of the struggle with a pocket camera and three rolls of Kodak film.

Published in conjunction with the American Museum of Natural History's landmark exhibition on Shackleton's journey, The Endurance thrillingly recounts one of the last great adventures in the Heroic Age of exploration--perhaps the greatest of them all.

Customer Reviews:

A Story of unending heroism, fortitude and leadership.......2007-10-18

My only wish for this world today is that Shackleton could lead us the way he lead the men of the Endurance. Yes, he made mistakes, we all do. But he triumphed over those errors and brought all souls home. He was able to keep his men together emotionally while they were apart physically until they were reunited again. This is a story that I have read numerous times and one that I will return to again and again. Well written and well illustrated with actual photographs from the ship's photographer.

Excellent.......2007-08-30

This book is simply outstanding. A must read for all whould-be-adventurers!
The photos are right up there with Ansel Adams, but with REAL drama.

beautiful pictures.......2007-08-26

There are more complete books out there detailing what Shackleton and his men went through on their Antarctic exploration, and after viewing the haunting, beautiful and often other-worldly photographs presented in this book, I think you will want to further explore this story.

This book is fine in what it offers, giving a good summary of those events, without getting into some of the mind numbing list of stores etc. in the more detailed books, but the photographs are what makes this a special book - one to leave out on the coffee table and pick up on a hot summer day and leaf through and feel the temperature drop eighty degrees.

Excellent!.......2007-06-27

Thank you for a wonderful book in outstanding condition and great price I will keep in mind this dealer!

The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition.......2007-06-26

The book is well writen and easy to read....enjoyable to read!!!! Great pictures and overall a nice solid book...

The Knights Templar: The History and Myths of the Legendary Military Order

Average customer rating:

Excellent overview of the history of the Knights Templar
It's a pamphlet!!!
the legend continues
The Almighty Templars Revealed!
A waste of time and money

The Knights Templar: The History and Myths of the Legendary Military Order
Sean Martin
Manufacturer: Thunder's Mouth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1560256451

Book Description

This book is an essential exploration into the history of a legendary group of Crusaders, which are prominently featured in Dan Brown’s recent best seller, The Da Vinci Code. The Knights Templar rose from humble beginnings to become the most powerful military religious order of the Middle Ages. Formed to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land, they participated in the Crusades and rapidly gained wealth, lands, and influence. Seemingly untouchable for nearly two centuries, they fell from grace spectacularly after the loss of the Holy Land. In the ensuing centuries the Templars have exerted a unique influence over European history; orthodox historians see them as nothing more than soldier-monks whose arrogance was their ultimate undoing, while others see them as occultists of the first order. With clarity and ease, Martin navigates between the orthodox and the speculative, the historical and the myth, to bring alive the story of the Templars. Like those other legends of the Middle Ages—the characters of the Arthurian tales—The Knights Templar holds captive the imagination of all those intrigued by conspiracy and how history and myth intertwine to become the stuff of legend.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent overview of the history of the Knights Templar.......2007-06-25

After reading "The Da Vinci Code" I wanted to know more about the real history behind the book. The Knights Templar turned out to be one of the most difficult subjects to find solid information on. This was practically the only book I could find that had any kind of respectable citations, although they are light even in this book. As I came to learn this was because there was very little hard history about the Templars, most of the stories are anecdotal at best and at worst mostly fiction. Sean Martin covers their history fairly and clearly delineates what is backed by hard evidence and what is purely anecdotal. The book is definitely brief but it covers the subject well and without the sensationalism most of the books on the subject use.

It's a pamphlet!!!.......2007-01-21

Tiny, short, ill-researched. I recommend this to those with more money than sense or whom are OBSESSED with getting anything and everything about the Templars regardless of how shaky the ground on which it stands. Avoid this one.

the legend continues.......2006-09-05

This book is great but too short. It sticks to the point and facts but leaves you wanting more.

The Almighty Templars Revealed! .......2006-08-09

This being my 1st book about this particular topic, "The Knights Templar" was a very easy read, and I think a good start in the field of Templar History. Sean Martin breaks everything out in a very understandable way. He discusses their origin and how The Templars began. He makes note of all the different kings, and various religious orders involved in the Crusades. After viewing the wonderful film, "Kingdom Of Heaven" recently released - you see some great characters come to life again, namely: Saladin, King Guy, King Baldwin the leper, etc).

I like the way Sean Martin explains the mysteries in the last section of the book. He goes into detail about the myths surrounding this unbelievable organization. Also, towards the end of the book, we see the decline of The Templars. It goes to show that when someone/some organization gets too powerful, the government will do whatever is necessary to rid the world of their existence. The same practice is still present in today's society! Nevertheless, it's still hard to believe that anyone had the ability to take The Templars down (being as rich, powerful, and influential as they were). *They had received papal bulls from Pope Innocent II (and a few popes to follow) which granted them unprecedented power without having to answer to anyone, kings included - simply amazing! The Templars had "divine power" (answering solely to the pope) and they used that leverage to their advantage for any endeavor they pursued. We'll never see that kind of institution again!

I will definitely have to read this book again to get more acquainted with the times, important figures, events and so on. For a small paperback, there is a lot of information to take in which makes this book a great little treasure to have! However, it will be a pleasure to read this book another time, and furthermore, I will use "The Knights Templar" as my guide to pursuing more books of the same interest. I hope to expand my knowledge about The Templars, and the power they held like no one else in history!

A waste of time and money.......2006-07-21

I bought this book mainly on the recommendations of other reviewers. That was a mistake. The book is a dull gleaning from unacknowledged secondary sources. Lots of more or less accurate names and dates, but no depth analysis at all. Style? Try this: "The feeling that the arrests were a criminal act of unapralleled dimensions were felt at the time."

If you still want the book, don't buy it. Let me know and I'll give you my copy.

Average customer rating:

One of my favorite books about Cuchullain...
strands of the Ulster cycle woven together seamlessly
Ever wonder why your Irish Wife loves to fight?
Many Problems With Interesting Moments
The Hound of Ulster Rocks!

Red Branch
Morgan Llywelyn
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0688069460

Book Description

"Powerful . . . A lusty, poetic and legendary world based on Ireland's mythical warrior-hero Cuchulain." The New York Times Book Review
In a land ruled by war and love and strange enchantments, Cuchulain -- torn between gentleness and violence, haunted by the croakings of a sinister raven -- fights for his honor and his homeland and discovers too late the trap that the gods have set for him in the fatal beauty of Deirdre and the brutal jealousy of King Conor.

Customer Reviews:

One of my favorite books about Cuchullain..........2007-02-27

Red Branch is absorbing. After a visit to Ireland years ago I discovered this work and Morgan Llywelyn's others, but this one is my favorite. Thomas Kinsella's Tain Bo Cuallaige was a great translation, but this book blows it away with detail and fluidity. I wish they'd convert this one into a movie. Two thumbs way way up.

strands of the Ulster cycle woven together seamlessly.......2006-01-08

This book weaves together the many stories that comprise the life of Cuchulain and the other warriors of the Red Branch. Llywelyn, as usual, shows great skill in telling this story, as well as injecting the book with a feel of what Ireland was like during this long ago time.

Ever wonder why your Irish Wife loves to fight?.......2005-02-07

I love this book, I read it as a beginning of a diversity search... We have all this diverse cultural stuff thrown at us in the workplace in this age of political correctness, so I read some of Llywelyn's novels, to see where my family comes from. Boy did I get a better understanding of my wife! All that aside, this is a fascinating telling of one of Celtic Mythologies most exciting tales.

Many Problems With Interesting Moments.......2004-12-16

This is the second Llywelyn book i've read, I read 'Druids' several years ago. I enjoyed Druids very much, so I was excited to start reading Red Branch. Unfortunately my excitement dwindled quickly.

I'm not saying that it's a bad book. For me it has many problems. Her writting style is simplistic, in between moments of attempted flash and bold description that leaves me cringing. It took me almost the first half of the book to warm up to the main character, Cuchulain, and I couldn't help but thinking he was such a 'Mary Sue' character; although this is a book that retells mythic heroic deeds, so that's not such a bad thing ultimately. It was still difficult for me to get over just how perfect he was.

Llywelyn was also incapable of making me believe in the depth of the world. The world in which she set her characters was trite. Again, I know this is a fantasy based novel retelling well known cultural myth, but at no time during reading this book did I feel immersed in its universe.

I also found myself reeling when from one paragraph to the next, quickly and without warning, she changed the time and sometimes place of the story. Most authors let their readers know when hours lapse between paragraphs in a pleasant way rather than just shoving it down your throat.

As I said it's not all negative, though. Being a heroic, mythic adventure tale the characters and situations were often very interesting. I enjoyed reading about these legends of which I had no previous experience. I kept threatening to stop reading it, but it held enough fun and interesting moments to keep me reading. I'm not sure this book deserved the almost 500 paperback pages it is made up of. It seems better suited as a series of character events told throgh a series of short stories, rather than a novel.

The Hound of Ulster Rocks!.......2004-10-25

I absolutely loved this book. Before picking it up I knew absolutely nothing about the story of Cuchulain, the legendary Hound of Ulster. I found myself enthralled by the story, the characters, the myth, and the setting of this novel from page one. This was the second of Ms. Llywelyn's novels that I'd read -- Lion of Ireland being the first -- and I think it's ranks as one of her best. By the end of the novel, even though you know that it cannot end well, you've become invested in the characters and it's sad when it finally ends. The novel has a lot to say about love and war, what motivates men (and women), and a curious historical tie-in to the modern troubles of Ireland. A great read for anyone interested in ancient Ireland's legendary past.

Average customer rating:

Nice small edition of Synge's plays

The Complete Plays of John M. Synge
John M. Synge
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 039470178X
Release Date: 1960-08-12

Book Description

This volume includes the complete texts of all the plays by J.M. Synge. Produced at the Abbey Theater which Synge founded. Represents one of the major dramatic achievements of the 20th century.

Customer Reviews:

Nice small edition of Synge's plays.......2004-05-11

If you got here, chances are you already know that Synge is a great playwrite, so I won't go on about that. As far as this edition (the Vintage Mass Market paperback edition), there are no notes or introductions to be seen, but the plays are all here - and Yeats' short poem about Synge's masterpiece, "The Playboy of the Western World," is printed on the back cover to boot! All in all, a nice cheap copy of the complete plays of one of the best of the Irish dramatists. Definitely can't go wrong here.

Average customer rating:

The Hound of Cullen takes on All Comers
A Classic in the Field
A great book about the Legendary Irish hero Cuchulain

Cuchulain of Muirthemne
Lady Gregory
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486417174

Book Description

Enthralling accounts of the legendary Cuchulain, the greatest of ancient Ireland's Knights of the Red Branch, tell of his birth and boyhood deeds, exploits in love and war, and premature death, all in the same beautifully simple style Lady Gregory first heard them as a child. Preface by W. B. Yeats.

Customer Reviews:

The Hound of Cullen takes on All Comers.......2005-08-31

To qualify, I would have given this book 4-and-a-half stars, if possible, because it's a great book, but the material is definitely overrated in precedence in this reviewer's mind. Although a great read, this is not the mythology of Ireland, but rather the regional mythology of Ulster. I'll explain...

I was fortunate enough to stumble upon Lady Gregory's Complete Irish Mythology several years ago, which contained Gods and Fighting Men, and this book, Cuchulain of Muirthemne, in one tome. If you're lucky enough to find a copy of Complete Irish Mythology, buy it.

If not, try to land a copy of Gods and Fighting Men. Gods and Fighting Men contains the Mythological Cycle (the legendary invasions of Ireland up to the coming of the Gael) which contains many stories of the Tuatha De Danaan, or the Great Fae, and the Fenian Cycle, which are the tales of Finn Mac Cumhail (pronounced MacCool) and his warband/policing force.

The Mythological Cycle is the essential root of Irish mythology, and our early introduction to the Gods, Goddesses and Divine Heroes (and Heras), some of whom make guest cameos in Cuchulain of Muirthemne.

The Fenian Cycle is known throughout Ireland and in the Highlands of Scotland. Finn wanders throughout Ireland righting wrongs and providing security against would-be invaders. Magic is alive and well and the Gods walk among the mortal men and women. People are much more interactive with Nature than the (possibly) later Ulster Cycle.

Cuchulain of Muirthemne is the star of the Ulster Cycle. In his youth he was known as Setanta and was born with a radiance on his brow (this ties in with Lugh, who he claims as his father, and also reminds one of the Biblical Nephilim, children born of angels and mortal women). Later on, Setanta arrived late for a supper at the blacksmith's house and fought a life-or-death battle with the blacksmith's dog, the biggest, meanest hound in all of Ireland. When Setanta wins this contest, the blacksmith is very upset. Showing a high degree of Irish honour, Setanta becomes known as Cuchulain (Hound of Cullen) until a new mastiff can be raised and trained to take his place.

The Ulster Cycle is much more urban than the Fenian. The warriors ride to battle in war chariots and spend most of their time in inhabited areas. Magic is much less common, and the Gods no longer walk in this world; rather, they make rare appearances to special individuals.

Although an integral body of lore within the larger corpus of Irish mythology, the Ulster Cycle seems to receive almost exclusive attention from scholars, possibly because of its greater compatibility with written history. Unfortunately, most books with titles like "Early Irish Mythology" almost exclusively detail the Ulster Cycle while largely ignoring the Mythological and Fenian Cycles. This is a misnomer, because, again, the Ulster Cycle is the lore of one region in Ireland and is largely unknown in oral tradition outside of it.

I would list Cuchulain of Muirthemne as required reading AFTER one has been acquainted with the Mythological and Fenian Cycles. This is fascinating supplemental lore of a regional nature, not quite foundational Irish mythology (in this reviewer's mind, anyway). I really did enjoy the lore of Cuchulain of Muirthemne and, with the qualifiers above, would recommend this work to all.

A Classic in the Field.......2000-03-30

Lady Gregory's book is one of the jumping-off points and first fruits of the Irish Renaissance in literature. This translation is one of the classics of modern Irish scholarship. It's fairly readable, especially if you like epic stories, and it does an excellent job of introducing you to mythic Ireland. This is one of Lady Gregory's two finest works, in my opinion.

A great book about the Legendary Irish hero Cuchulain.......1998-06-26

This book is a translation of many myths, legends, and folk lore of Ireland that make up the Ulster Cycle. The focus of the book is upon Cuchulain, The Hound of Ulster and champion of The Red Branch of Ulster, his life, and his death. A great book for any fan of Celtic myths and legends as well as any lover of fantasy.

Finn McCoul: The Legendary Irish Folk Hero (Rabbit Ears Books)

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Finn McCoul: The Legendary Irish Folk Hero (Rabbit Ears Books)
Brian Gleeson
Manufacturer: Rabbit Ears
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

ASIN: 0689802013

The Irish Spirit: Recipes Inspired by the Legendary Drinks of Ireland

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The Irish Spirit: Recipes Inspired by the Legendary Drinks of Ireland
Margaret M. Johnson
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0811850420

Book Description

The Irish Spirit combines the Emerald Isle's favorite recipes with a touch of ale, stout, cider, or whiskey, creating terrific new flavor combinations. Whether scallops and shrimp are poached in single-malt whiskey, tender brisket is simmered in ale and topped with a golden cheese cobbler, or old-time pineapple upside-down cake is updated with a buttery, toffee liqueur topping, each recipe is enhanced by Ireland's famous spirits. In addition to the terrific recipes is the fascinating history of Irish whiskey, stories of classic events like Belfast's popular Pub Crawl, and the origins of the infamous "black and tan," making this spirited cookbook a delight for all with a touch of the Irish.

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Amazing
a special atmosphere
Magnificent
Un happy Reader!
Enchanting!

Bright Sword of Ireland
Juilene Osborne-McKnight
Manufacturer: Forge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0765306980

Book Description

Third of Osborne-McKnight's vibrant tales of Celtic myths right Sword of Ireland is the third of Juilene Osborne-McKnight's wonderful retelling of cherished Irish folktales. A dedicated researcher into the origins of Celtic myth and legend, Osborne-McKnight infuses her stories with passion and romance and really makes her characters come alive. Here, she weaves the story of one who lived in the shadows of the great warrior queen Medb and the fabled hero Cuchulain. Sometimes the biggest part of a tale comes not from the biggest players on the stage. What happens to those who have grown up in the shadow of greatness? Young Finnabair is the daughter of the mighty queen. Not a beauty. Not a warrior. And one who is seen as a pawn for her mother to use as she will. But Finnabair rebels when she sees that her part in her mother's schemes for power have caused pain and shame to her people. And in doing so, Finnabair embarks on a journey that will change two kingdoms....and bring her love and loss so great as to break the hearts of the gods.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......2006-06-13

This is a wonderfully written book (as are all of the books I have read by this author). In addition to putting her own spin on old irish tales, she puts so much emotion into her characters that they come alive. Each one grows and evolves in such a natural way that you are sucked into their lives and feel joy inside when they are joyful and sometimes even weep when they weep. I have to say, this is one of my new all time favorite books that I could read over and over again, which I cannot say for most.

a special atmosphere.......2004-03-03

This third book shows once again this author's skill in creating a special atmosphere with an enchanting mix of the otherworldly and the everyday in an ancient setting. I particularly like her light touch with the fledgeling Christian faith as it appears alongside the myths and magic of the Irish people. In contrast to some reviewers here, and especially to the person who appears to be abusing Amazon's site by posting multiple negative reviews and thus adversely affecting the rating, I liked Finnabhair very much. She grows in strength and confidence through the book; her relationship with her husband becomes one of equals in which he needs her as much as she needs him; and she is by the end a powerful and influential character. Besides, it takes the most strength of all to put aside one's pride, and forgive.

Magnificent.......2004-03-01

I found this third publishing of the author to be both exciting and interesting. Although I'm not very knowledgeable on the Celtic Myths I still feel that it was a magnificent story. I strongly recommend this to anyone in search of a wonderfully adventurous novel.

Un happy Reader!.......2004-02-27

I felt like that there was something missing with this book. I felt robbed of a good story. I wanted to read about Medb story not her daughters. I was always intrigued with the story of Medb and her passion to find the white bull, and I found this story did a dis-service to a myth that I love so much. The sad part is the author did know her mythology and the story did have a potential to be good. I didn't like Finnabair, I felt that she was very selfish, mean spirited, holier than thou, and annoying. No you don't need to like the main character to read a story, but it takes away from the enjoyment of it. I found no redeeming characteristic in her. I wasn't going to post this, but the reader from Oklahoma chastised the person that didn't like it, and I wanted to say I didn't like this book for a different reason. If you need to read this book, take it out from the library -- I wish I did.

Enchanting!.......2004-02-27

I found Bright Sword of Ireland a source of never ending delight. I love Finnabair?s bird sight, her growth, her seeking of wisdom and grace as she travels her difficult path.

Book Description

Queen Maeve has declared war upon the province of Ulster in an effort to take possession of the Brown Bull of Cooley. Ultimately, this is an attempt to match the wealth of her husband, King Ailill of Connacht, who owns a magnificent white bull. Only Cuchulainn, a boy warrior, stands between Ulster and certain annihilation. Supported by the Morrigan, the goddess of war, he begins a reign of terror upon the Connacht warriors. In his heroic stand, the reader discovers the genesis of the determination of the Irish people, their will to stand alone against oppression.

Customer Reviews:

The Cattle Raid of Cooley!.......2007-05-20

Eickhoff's works are all very well done. This work is no exception. He has taken the Celtic epic the Tain and dissected the work, giving it a proper and detailed treatment in telling the tales of Cuchullain, the Hound of Ulster, the single most important hero in Irish myth/history. I recommend getting all these books in the Ulster Cycle in hardback form because you will want to keep these and display them, then reread them again in a few years. Excellent work.

One of the great epics of the world.......2006-01-08

This wonderful book deserves to be on everyone's shelf. The story of the Cattle Raid of Cooley is translated and retold here in novelistic form to great effect. This story ranks up there with The Iliad and Beowulf as one of the great epics of the world.

Eh, ok.......2004-10-14

This is much better than some of the author's other translations. His attempt at poetry are extremely poor however. Because of the author's tendancy to put in literary filler, this book, while more enjoyable than many other translations, should be read with an other more literal translation so the author's stereotypes and oversexed inserts can be easily picked out from the original. For example, in the original King Allil doesn't have much character development but it's clear from what is said that he's a great warrior, good king, etc., but this author makes him out to be a coward with ulcers, in spite of the fact that he is still called a great warrior and all.

A solid novelization.......1998-09-25

Eickhoff manages to transform one of the great epic poems in Western literature into a solidly-written novel. What it loses in poetic form it makes up for in immediacy. Not for the delicate of sensibilities, but a good introduction to the piece for those who have a hard time dealing with poetry in translation.

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