HOW THE IRISH SAVED CIVILIZATION

This is a review of Irish civilization from Roman times to the beginning of the Renaissance. Much of the emphasis is on the early to mid-Dark Ages and the activities of Irish monks, scribes and holy men who preserved written records as they were being wiped out in the rest of Europe. The book is thorough, entertaining, informative and lucidly written. As a reader, Donal Donnelly will not be to every listener's taste. Reading in an accented, opinionated, querulous voice, he often sounds ironic or humorous when the text does not match the mood. The topic alone carries this audiobook. D.R.W. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 00]