My own doctor sent me to see him. "You have an illness," he said that day, "that doesn't have a name. Doctor Áthas is very skilled in this sort of thing," he said. "I'm going to send you to him. He's a psychoanalyst." That's how this story begins; if it is a story. The first novel by Liam Mac Cóil, and the first Irish language book to be shortlisted for The Irish Times Literary Awards.
THE SECOND BOOK IN THE 'LÚCÁS Ó BRIAIN' SERIES (An Litir). The Atlantic port of Galway 1612, Lucás, a young student and a gifted swordsman, is entrusted by a shady Jesuit priest with an important letter to be delivered into the hands of Aodh Mór Ó Néill, Earl of Tyrone (leader of the Irish chieftains in Rome seeking the help of Philip of Spain to retake Ireland from the English). Lúcás's mission will take him on a perilous journey across Europe. Following hot on his heels, in the narrow streets of the city, is the enemy's most devious and brutal spy - with orders to stop him, at all costs.
“They saw a thin striped youngster enter, half his sword protruding behind his backside, the water squelching in his shoes, the tips of his ears sticking out of his old cloak....” Thus begins the retelling of a tale written by an anonymous writer 500 years ago, humorously depicting the goings-on that drive chieftains, gallowglasses, harpists, and the nation's rogues to distraction. 'An Ceithearnach Caoilriabhach' ewas written by an anonymous writer circa 1500. In this retelling of the story — with pen, brush, and rabelasian roars of laughter — the writer ands artrist commemorateds an hilarious tour which began 500 years agi, much-loved by Gael since. A fine retelling of the humorous old story, greatly enhanced by fine illustrations. A modern Irish version of an old story, which succeeds in maintaining the vigour, poetry, humour and bawdiness of the original. The illustrations, by the author, underline the humour. The story will appeal to both young and old with a sufficient knowledge of Irish. —Booksunlimited
Conaire Mór is a lively and highly-readable retelling of the Old-Irish epic Togail Bruidne Da Derga — a story that begins with the crowning of Conaire and ends with his brutal slaying on the banks of the Dodder. All the wonders of ancient literature are found in this book, from Conaire’s warrior feats to his ascension to the throne and to the prophesy of doom that cannot be evaded. This is a story that hasn’t been told in a thousand years, but now, Conaire Mór reigns again. The author, Diarmuid Johnson, is a poet.
Shortlisted for the IRISH BOOK AWARDS
One of the greatest epics ever written, now available in Modern Irish This is the story of Cú Chulainn, the Hound of Ulster, and of how he stood his ground, along with his charioteer Lao, against the great host of Ailill and Maeve. Here, we read of his youth, of how he got his name, of his single combat with Ferdia, and of the deadly quarrel between Ailill and Maeve which led to the taking of the Brown Bull of Cooley. Táin Bó Cuailnge was written in the 11th Century and was translated into Modern Irish by Darach Ó Scolaí.
Shortlisted for IRISH BOOK AWARDS
Tuatha Dé Danann is a lively and highly-readable retelling of the Old-Irish epic Cath Maighe Tuiredh — or the Battle of Moytura — an account of the invasion and conquest of Ireland by the Tuatha Dé Danann by the popularly acclaimed prize-winning author of
Conaire Mór. All the wonders of ancient literature are found in this book, from Lugh Lámhfhada's warrior feats to his vanquishing of the Fomorian invaders. This is a story that concerns with the 'Matter of Ireland', essential reading for all who cherish the past.