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Rights: World ex North America
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The Ancient Books of Ireland
Michael Slavin
Foreword by Dr Pat Wallace

“The Ancient Books of Ireland will increase appreciation, both at home and abroad, for the treasures of Irish learning, which have been brought out into the light of day through its well researched, beautifully illustrated, pages.”
- Dr Patrick Wallace, Director, National Museum of Ireland

“Mr Slavin’s study encapsulates the drama, tragedy and triumph of the Irish experience.”
- Gerard Lyne, Keeper of Manuscripts, National Library of Ireland

Delve into:
The sixth century An Cathach, the oldest Irish book. It was carried into battle at the head of the O’Donnell armies of Ulster.

The ninth century Book of Armagh which contains the earliest accounts of St. Patrick’s arrival in Ireland. At one time it was pawned for £5 to pay for the work of a British spy.

The eleventh-century Book of the Dun Cow which is the earliest existing copy of Ireland’s most revered sagas and legends. In was not only held for ransom but was the subject of a battle between the Donegal O’Donnells and the O’Connors of Connaught.

For the first time the collective stories and histories of sixteen of these wonderful manuscripts are plucked from the relative obscurity of library and museum vaults and recounted in The Ancient Books of Ireland.

The Ancient Books of Ireland is a unique contribution to the treasure-trove of world literature.

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