cover image Everything Irish: The History, Literature, Art, Music, People, and Places of Ireland from A-Z

Everything Irish: The History, Literature, Art, Music, People, and Places of Ireland from A-Z

. Ballantine Books, $29.95 (480pp) ISBN 978-0-345-46110-0

This first-rate compilation, put together by an impressive list of contributors, includes edifying facts relating to Ireland or anything Irish, from Celtic mythology to Bloody Sunday. Arranged in alphabetical order with photographs distributed throughout, this encyclopedic resource provides detailed coverage of subjects ranging from English writers in Ireland and the Battle of Bogside to Irish agriculture and the Orange Order. Entries include details on important personalities and famous events, as well as lesser-known but intriguing tidbits, such as the rules of Gaelic football and the origin of the limerick. Written for anyone who has an eye directed toward the Emerald Isle, this tome of fact and lore will provide a satisfying resource and should be an excellent holiday and St. Patrick's Day gift.