From the internationally bestselling author of London and Sarum -- a magnificent epic about love and war, family life and political intrigue in Ireland over the course of seventeen centuries. Like the novels of James Michener, The Princes of Ireland brilliantly interweaves engrossing fiction and well-researched fact to capture the essence of a place. Edward Rutherfurd has introduced millions of readers to the human dramas that are the lifeblood of history. From his first bestseller, Sarum, to the #1 bestseller London, he ...
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From the internationally bestselling author of London and Sarum -- a magnificent epic about love and war, family life and political intrigue in Ireland over the course of seventeen centuries. Like the novels of James Michener, The Princes of Ireland brilliantly interweaves engrossing fiction and well-researched fact to capture the essence of a place. Edward Rutherfurd has introduced millions of readers to the human dramas that are the lifeblood of history. From his first bestseller, Sarum, to the #1 bestseller London, he has captivated audiences with gripping narratives that follow the fortunes of several fictional families down through the ages. The Princes of Ireland, a sweeping panorama steeped in the tragedy and glory that is Ireland, epitomizes the power and richness of Rutherfurd's storytelling magic. The saga begins in pre-Christian Ireland with a clever refashioning of the legend of Cuchulainn, and culminates in the dramatic founding of the Free Irish State in 1922. Through the interlocking stories of a wonderfully imagined cast of characters -- monks and noblemen, soldiers and rebels, craftswomen and writers -- Rutherfurd vividly conveys the personal passions and shared dreams that shaped the character of the country. He takes readers inside all the major events in Irish history: the reign of the fierce and mighty kings of Tara; the mission of Saint Patrick; the Viking invasion and the founding of Dublin; the trickery of Henry II, which gave England its foothold on the island in 1167; the plantations of the Tudors and the savagery of Cromwell; the flight of the "Wild Geese"; the failed rebellion of 1798; the Great Famine and the Easter Rebellion. With Rutherfurd's well-crafted storytelling, readers witness the rise of the Fenians in the late nineteenth century, the splendours of the Irish cultural renaissance, and the bloody battles for Irish independence, as though experiencing their momentous impact firsthand. Tens of millions of North Americans claim Irish descent. Generations of people have been enchanted by Irish literature, and visitors flock to Dublin and its environs year after year. The Princes of Ireland will appeal to all of them -- and to anyone who relishes epic entertainment spun by a master. "From the Hardcover edition."
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Fair. Cocked Spine. Creases on Cover and/or Spine. Worn Corners and/or Page Edges (Possibly Bent). Discoloration, Tanning or Foxing on Cover and/or Pages. Soiled Cover and/or Pages. Reading Copy. May have damage to cover, notes, underlining, highlighting, but all text legible. Bent Book, Does Not Lay Flat. Purchasing this item from Goodwill provides vocational opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment.
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Book is in good condition and may contain underlining or highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include library labels. May not contain miscellaneous items (toys, dvds, etc). We offer 100% money back guarantee and fast customer support.
First volume of the founding and development of Dublin, Ireland (* the 2nd book is "The Rebels of Ireland".).
I bought this book because I enjoyed one his first books " Sarum".
Ruherfurd likes to write epic novels covering long streches of time. This is one. Covers from 430 A.D. to the 1500's . (from St. Patrick to Henry the VIII)
He builds his characters throughout the continuing stories by injecting them in actual events. He brings us through the centuries by relating later characters to their ancestors using family names,physical traits, and/or personalities.
The book does well for the most part to keep you interested but you do have pay attentiion since the spelling and pronouciation of the names of persons & places change over time. (* author even includes a pronouciation guide in back of book). The maps and family trees in front of book help also!
Some parts of book do lag, but Rutherfurd tries to keep things as accurate as possible. This is an interesting way to learn Ireland's history, as you read a good novel.
I am giving this 4 stars because I'm 2/3rds of the way through the "Rebels of Ireland" and find it more enjoyable! Perhaps because I am more familiar with the history of these times. Plus the causes of national rebellion are fascinating!
Reading this 1st book is not a prerequisite to enjoy the 2nd... but I think it does help!
But I am a Edward Rutherfurd fan. And being of Irish descent this particular saga was of greater interest to me.
Hope you enjoy it too!
FaithBookluvr
Jan 3, 2010
Never Developed for me
I feel bad because I really wanted to enjoy this book but it never truly grabbed me. In the very beginning I was intrigued by some of the characters but they never truly developed before he jumped to a new time with new characters. I was never really able to get comfortable in a time period before I was thrusted into a new one. I forced myself to finish this book although I had to re-read pieces several times because I found myself zoning out. I gave it too stars because although I didn't like it, I didn't hate it either. Some pieces were intriguing and interesting but all in all it was like reading a history book. I was hoping it would be more like Pillars of the Earth with it's writing but it is no where near it - in my eyes.
Kalee
Jan 29, 2009
Good historical novel
I did enjoy this book. My ancesters came from Ireland. That makes it especially interesting to me.
svanahgirl
Jul 19, 2008
Lots of history
This book is a little slow and a lot of information is packed into it. I have enjoyed it and bought the second book "The Rebels of Ireland." Being of Scots-Irish-English decent, it is fascinating to see how history played out. The book is broken up into time frames following the same families as time goes forward. We see the same decendents of traditional Irish Royalty as well as English families who intermarry and how the battle between the Protestants and the Catholics started. The facts of how Ireland is invaded by the various factions long before the English came and how the Irish lost their lands and are pushed out of their country is explained. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to see how the history of this great country was written. It makes me want to go there and see all the places they talk about, though the most of it is centered in Dublin.
