Classic Irish Proverbs: In English and Irish - Hardcover

O'Donnell, James

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0811819736 ISBN 13: 9780811819732

Publisher: Chronicle Books, 1998

Synopsis

With sales in excess of seventy-five thousand copies, Irish Proverbs is one of the most beloved Little Irish books. This season we are pleased to announce an all-new collection of proverbs in an enticing new format. Beautifully illustrated, this delightful presentation of over one hundred proverbs captures the whimsy, charm, and genius of Ireland.

About this title

Review:

The sayings contained in this compact, green-bound volume--some bawdy, some knowing, and some filled with quiet wisdom--demonstrate the rich oral heritage of the Emerald Isle. Presented in both English and Irish, these traditional adages deal with subjects ranging from love and marriage to power and war. While some are familiar in their English translation ("Time and tide wait for no man"), others are original, striking, and fresh: "Don't let your tongue cut your throat." "He who gets a name for rising early can stay in bed until noon." "Every dog is brave on his own doorstep." Even more interesting (to a student of Irish culture, at least) are those expressions that don't translate well or are unclear in meaning: "There is hope from the sea but there is no hope from the land"; "Reverence ceases once blood is spilt." Brian Fitzgerald's whimsical, Chagall-esque color illustrations provide a handsome accompaniment.

About the Author:

James O'Donnell teaches Irish in Belfast.

Brian Fitzgerald attended the National College of Art and Design in Dublin.

About this edition

• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0811819736
• ISBN 13: 9780811819732
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 80
• Illustrator: Fitzgerald Brian