Iveragh Peninsula: A Cultural Atlas Of The Ring Of Kerry Hardcover

Crowley, John

The Iveragh Peninsula, often referred to as the 'Ring of Kerry', is one of Ireland's most dramatic and beautiful landscapes. This cultural atlas, comprising over fifty individual chapters and case studies, provides the reader with a broad range of perspectives on the peninsula and the human interactions with it since prehistoric times to the present day. Although not a conventional atlas, it contains many historic and newly commissioned maps. It also combines many different approaches towards understanding the distinctive character - both physical and human - of this unique landscape.The opening chapters explore the physical and environmental setting of the peninsula. Subsequent chapters deal with its development over the millennia and the influences that have shaped it. All aspects of Iveragh's past and present are considered, using the evidence of disciplines such as archaeology, art-history, cartography, folklore, geography, geology, history, mythology and zoology. The range of topics that arise from this approach is tremendously wide, and occasionally surprising.Given its status as a peninsula projecting into the Atlantic, the history and culture of the Iveragh Peninsula have been moulded by external influences as well as by regional and national ones. Its story is multi-layered, involving the imprint of mythological as well as historic settlers and invaders. The peninsula has witnessed significant periods of transition, perhaps none more so than in the present era. This book seeks to deepen and illuminate our understanding of its landscape, history and heritage.

9781859184301

English

Cork University Press

30 Sep 2009

508

John Crowley is in the Department of Geography, University College Cork and John Sheehan is in the Department of Archaeology, University College Cork

John Crowley

John Sheehan

This magnificent book is a detailed compendium of the most important cultural aspects of one of Ireland's most stunning landscapes, Kerry's Iveragh peninsula. The variety and depth of the heritage of this distinctive region is impressive in both Irish and European contexts, particularly in terms of landscape, archaeology and folklore as well as for the pivotal role it played in early global telecommunications. This volume is an inspiring example of interdisciplinary scholarship in which the work of academics and local historians is successfully combined with that of poets and artists. The result is an accessible, highly readable and beautifully illustrated volume that succeeds in conveying a true sense of the multifaceted spirit and duchas of the peninsula that is Iveragh. Dr. Patrick F. Wallace, Director National Museum of Ireland This is one of the most beautiful books I've been privileged to experience. I say 'experience' because it turns history, geography and mythology into a stunningly arresting gallery through which I can move in a state of fascinated admiration and delight. Sometimes, moving through that unique gallery, I simply close my eyes and enjoy the beauty of the world created and explored in Kerry by all the gifted people who produced this book. Cork University Press, Editors John Crowley and John Sheehan, Cartographic Editor Mike Murphy, and Consultants Nick Hogan and Helen Bradley can be proud of this massive work of art which will charm, delight and educate generations to come. Brendan Kennelly He was Professor of Modern Literature at Trinity College, Dublin for over 30 years, and retired from that post in 2005. He now teaches part-time in the US and lives in Dublin