FROM OUR EDITORS

The wonder, beauty, liveliness, and intriguing past of Ireland comes alive in this big, colorful book, packed with beautiful four-color photography and detailed, informative text. Part One surveys the geography and geology of the island's four provinces, from the hexagonal basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway in the north, to the delightfully named highlands of Macgillycuddy's Reeds in the south. Part Two reviews Ireland's history, starting with the earliest Stone Age, through the megalith builders, to the Celts; continuing through the ages of the Vikings, the Romans, and the Normans; and into following centuries, with the stories of the Great Famine, political strife, and into the modern age. Part Three explores Ireland's lively cultural heritage -- the Celtic legacy; the influence of religion; samples of Ireland's magical stories and great literature; Irish music and dance; and finally, a taste of Ireland's culinary delights with recipes for such traditional fare as Soda Bread and Irish Stew. Includes a chronology of Irish history. 9 1/4" x 12".

FROM THE PUBLISHER