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The Dublin Saga #1
The Princes of Ireland
Brilliantly weaving impeccable historical research with stirring storytelling, Edward Rutherfurd explores our shared Celtic roots in a magnificent epic of Ireland spanning eleven centuries. While vividly conveying the passions and struggles that shaped particularly the character of Dublin, Rutherfurd portrays the major events in Irish history: the tribal culture of pagan Ireland; the mission of Saint Patrick; the coming of the Vikings; the making of treasures like the Book of Kells; and the tricks of Henry II, which gave England its first foothold in medieval Ireland. Through the interlocking stories of a memorable cast of characters–druids and chieftains, monks and smugglers, noblewomen and farmwives, laborers and orphans, rebels and cowards–Rutherfurd captures the essence of a place and its people in a thrilling story steeped in the tragedy and glory that are Ireland.
778 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2004
About the author
Edward Rutherfurd
39 books5,245 followersFrancis Edward Wintle, best known under his pen name Edward Rutherfurd, was born in the cathedral city of Salisbury. Educated locally, and at the universities of Cambridge, and Stanford, California, he worked in political research, bookselling and publishing. After numerous attempts to write books and plays, he finally abandoned his career in the book trade in 1983, and returned to his childhood home to write SARUM, a historical novel with a ten-thousand year story, set in the area around the ancient monument of Stonehenge, and Salisbury. Four years later, when the book was published, it became an instant international bestseller, remaining 23 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List. Since then he has written five more bestsellers: RUSSKA, a novel of Russia; LONDON; THE FOREST, set in England's New Forest which lies close by Sarum, and two novels which cover the story of Ireland from the time just before Saint Patrick to the twentieth century. His books have been translated into twenty languages.
Edward has lived in London, New York, New Hampshire and Ireland. He currently divides his time between New England and Europe. He has two children.
Edward Rutherfurd is a Life Member of the Friends of Salisbury Cathedral, the Salisbury Civic Society, and the Friends of Chawton House, which is located in Jane Austen's village and dedicated to the study of women writers. He is also a Patron of the National Theatre of Ireland (the Abbey Theatre) in Dublin.
In 2005, the City of Salisbury commemorated his services to the city by naming one of the streets leading off its medieval market place 'Rutherfurd Walk'.
Edward has lived in London, New York, New Hampshire and Ireland. He currently divides his time between New England and Europe. He has two children.
Edward Rutherfurd is a Life Member of the Friends of Salisbury Cathedral, the Salisbury Civic Society, and the Friends of Chawton House, which is located in Jane Austen's village and dedicated to the study of women writers. He is also a Patron of the National Theatre of Ireland (the Abbey Theatre) in Dublin.
In 2005, the City of Salisbury commemorated his services to the city by naming one of the streets leading off its medieval market place 'Rutherfurd Walk'.
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June 9, 2018
From Edward Rutherfurd’s website:
Q. You have said in interviews in the past that you refuse to cheat on history. What do you mean by that?
A. My fictional characters are free to follow their personal destinies; but I never alter the historical record just to suit my convenience, or my prejudices. Novelists and movie-makers are sometimes tempted to do that and maybe they believe it doesn't matter. I think it does matter.
Q. Why?
A. Because so much bad feeling - and so much political propaganda - is based upon the falsification of history. An extreme example would be the medieval blood myth told against the Jews - that they kidnapped and sacrificed Christian children. Absurd, but widely believed for a long time. A small example would be the movie The Patriot. The bad guy English officer burns an American congregation alive in their church. This was pure fabrication. A deliberate lie. No such thing happened. Fortunately, many critics and journalists pointed out the error. If they hadn't done so, millions of people would have believed it, and no doubt many people still do. It seems to me that those of us in the business of storytelling, in books, plays or movies, have an ethical obligation not to mislead our audiences over the historical record, especially when subjects may be emotive and affect our attitudes to others. The bigger the audience, the greater our responsibility; and I don't think we can evade that responsibility, whether we like it or not.
This novel is one of several historical novels that Edward Rutherfurd has written, beginning with Sarum (1987). I opened this review with an excerpt from an interview posted on Mr. Rutherfurd’s website because I, too, believe that there is an ethical responsibility for those writing in the genre (in any genre, really) to utilize documented history as it has been researched for decades – or centuries, in some cases – and that any deviations be given full disclosure. As always with Edward Rutherfurd’s novels, this characteristic remains one of the main reasons I have loved his books from my first read. If there is even the smallest shift in dates or historical incidents written to further the plotline, he discloses it fully in an “Afterword”.
These discrepancies or embellishments have always been minor and minimal in Mr. Rutherfurd’s novels, and this story, taking place from AD 430 through to the later 1500’s is no exception. This book is also part one of two books focused largely on Dublin and I will be reading part two next. Dubh Linn (with the approx. pronunciation doov lin) was the name given to it by the ancients, when it was a tiny settlement near the ford across the river. The ancient Fergus clan were charged with the upkeep of the crossing and to offer refreshment and shelter to those who broke their journey there. Dubh Linn itself translated into “blackpool” as there was a large area of black water where the current swept around a bend.
The goddess Eriu was one of the most revered of the gods and goddesses worshipped at the time and most likely eventually gave her name to the Island. The Celts who lived there called themselves “the people of Eriu”. The Tuatha De Danaan had mostly already left to live “under the hills”, but Brehon Law was gradually being established and the Druids were still a strong influence on the many Kings of the area, including the High King himself.
I was smitten with this novel from the very beginning. In time, we traveled through the sojourn of the simple English Priest, Patrick, who had been a slave in Ireland at one time and returned to bring word of a gentler, kinder God than the harsh and demanding gods of the time. Celtic nature and custom were able to blend their beliefs with Saint Patrick’s teachings and even many Druids were converted and began to set up their little monasteries as monks.
Meeting the various families whose descendants would populate this novel throughout its travels through time, was fascinating. The history of the names and how they evolved (in some cases there were even practical and crucial reasons for the names changing) was intriguing. As various conquerors came to the Western isle, I was mesmerized by how each conquering culture became absorbed into the culture already there. While some of the conquering people’s traditions were also embraced by the Irish, the people of Ireland themselves influenced their conquerors beyond all recognition of their own roots.
The Romans brought changes briefly, although it was the coming of the Vikings (largely Norwegians and Danish with some of the other Scandinavian countries also represented) that had the largest and most long-term influence. Aside from the English, that is.
This could have been an idyllic and completely peaceful place to live forever had it not been for the in-fighting between the Irish Kings and their clans. The years between 999 and 1013 were the time of Brian Boru. Some of the Irish believed that his mission was to unite all of Ireland under one leader, and saw this as a good thing. Others, particularly the other Kings and their clans, were determined to use this time to not only hold on to what they had, but to expand it into weaker Kings’ areas if possible. So the problems came down to three things that are still problems to this day – and not by any means only in Ireland. Money, politics, and power.
Maybe because Ireland is such a small and concentrated area, the downfalls and the mistakes are more easily identified. In other words, it is easier to diagnose a problem with a tree by looking at one leaf through a microscope than by trying to see the whole tree through a magnifying glass.
Unfortunately, after Brian Boru’s death, the Kings and the clans continued to fight among themselves over the next century, leaving the field wide open for an English takeover via Strongbow. Until then (1167), English Kings were not much interested in that little Island “over there”. When some of the Irish Kings and their clans began to appeal to England for help in vanquishing their traditional enemies, it drew attention to the fact that here was an entire little world sitting there waiting to be plundered.
It was done easily and simply. To many of the seaports in Ireland, it was no different than past dealings with other traders from other countries. And, indeed, many of the English who went over to “conquer” the Island became part of the Irish culture through their offspring. It appears simple enough in this book as we cover over 1000 years of Irish history, but it is in reading the stories of representative peoples of the time that we can fully appreciate the tragedies, triumphs, and the joys and sorrows that all people of the time experienced.
There is so much more to this novel but it would take a novella of its own to fully review this amazing book. I am happy that some of the key families will also be picking up the story in the second volume. And, I will also happily recommend this book to everyone who might be interested in these family’s stories against the backdrop of historical, magical Ireland. Their stories are truly amazing and beautifully written, with never a dull moment to be found.
Q. You have said in interviews in the past that you refuse to cheat on history. What do you mean by that?
A. My fictional characters are free to follow their personal destinies; but I never alter the historical record just to suit my convenience, or my prejudices. Novelists and movie-makers are sometimes tempted to do that and maybe they believe it doesn't matter. I think it does matter.
Q. Why?
A. Because so much bad feeling - and so much political propaganda - is based upon the falsification of history. An extreme example would be the medieval blood myth told against the Jews - that they kidnapped and sacrificed Christian children. Absurd, but widely believed for a long time. A small example would be the movie The Patriot. The bad guy English officer burns an American congregation alive in their church. This was pure fabrication. A deliberate lie. No such thing happened. Fortunately, many critics and journalists pointed out the error. If they hadn't done so, millions of people would have believed it, and no doubt many people still do. It seems to me that those of us in the business of storytelling, in books, plays or movies, have an ethical obligation not to mislead our audiences over the historical record, especially when subjects may be emotive and affect our attitudes to others. The bigger the audience, the greater our responsibility; and I don't think we can evade that responsibility, whether we like it or not.
This novel is one of several historical novels that Edward Rutherfurd has written, beginning with Sarum (1987). I opened this review with an excerpt from an interview posted on Mr. Rutherfurd’s website because I, too, believe that there is an ethical responsibility for those writing in the genre (in any genre, really) to utilize documented history as it has been researched for decades – or centuries, in some cases – and that any deviations be given full disclosure. As always with Edward Rutherfurd’s novels, this characteristic remains one of the main reasons I have loved his books from my first read. If there is even the smallest shift in dates or historical incidents written to further the plotline, he discloses it fully in an “Afterword”.
These discrepancies or embellishments have always been minor and minimal in Mr. Rutherfurd’s novels, and this story, taking place from AD 430 through to the later 1500’s is no exception. This book is also part one of two books focused largely on Dublin and I will be reading part two next. Dubh Linn (with the approx. pronunciation doov lin) was the name given to it by the ancients, when it was a tiny settlement near the ford across the river. The ancient Fergus clan were charged with the upkeep of the crossing and to offer refreshment and shelter to those who broke their journey there. Dubh Linn itself translated into “blackpool” as there was a large area of black water where the current swept around a bend.
The goddess Eriu was one of the most revered of the gods and goddesses worshipped at the time and most likely eventually gave her name to the Island. The Celts who lived there called themselves “the people of Eriu”. The Tuatha De Danaan had mostly already left to live “under the hills”, but Brehon Law was gradually being established and the Druids were still a strong influence on the many Kings of the area, including the High King himself.
I was smitten with this novel from the very beginning. In time, we traveled through the sojourn of the simple English Priest, Patrick, who had been a slave in Ireland at one time and returned to bring word of a gentler, kinder God than the harsh and demanding gods of the time. Celtic nature and custom were able to blend their beliefs with Saint Patrick’s teachings and even many Druids were converted and began to set up their little monasteries as monks.
Meeting the various families whose descendants would populate this novel throughout its travels through time, was fascinating. The history of the names and how they evolved (in some cases there were even practical and crucial reasons for the names changing) was intriguing. As various conquerors came to the Western isle, I was mesmerized by how each conquering culture became absorbed into the culture already there. While some of the conquering people’s traditions were also embraced by the Irish, the people of Ireland themselves influenced their conquerors beyond all recognition of their own roots.
The Romans brought changes briefly, although it was the coming of the Vikings (largely Norwegians and Danish with some of the other Scandinavian countries also represented) that had the largest and most long-term influence. Aside from the English, that is.
This could have been an idyllic and completely peaceful place to live forever had it not been for the in-fighting between the Irish Kings and their clans. The years between 999 and 1013 were the time of Brian Boru. Some of the Irish believed that his mission was to unite all of Ireland under one leader, and saw this as a good thing. Others, particularly the other Kings and their clans, were determined to use this time to not only hold on to what they had, but to expand it into weaker Kings’ areas if possible. So the problems came down to three things that are still problems to this day – and not by any means only in Ireland. Money, politics, and power.
Maybe because Ireland is such a small and concentrated area, the downfalls and the mistakes are more easily identified. In other words, it is easier to diagnose a problem with a tree by looking at one leaf through a microscope than by trying to see the whole tree through a magnifying glass.
Unfortunately, after Brian Boru’s death, the Kings and the clans continued to fight among themselves over the next century, leaving the field wide open for an English takeover via Strongbow. Until then (1167), English Kings were not much interested in that little Island “over there”. When some of the Irish Kings and their clans began to appeal to England for help in vanquishing their traditional enemies, it drew attention to the fact that here was an entire little world sitting there waiting to be plundered.
It was done easily and simply. To many of the seaports in Ireland, it was no different than past dealings with other traders from other countries. And, indeed, many of the English who went over to “conquer” the Island became part of the Irish culture through their offspring. It appears simple enough in this book as we cover over 1000 years of Irish history, but it is in reading the stories of representative peoples of the time that we can fully appreciate the tragedies, triumphs, and the joys and sorrows that all people of the time experienced.
There is so much more to this novel but it would take a novella of its own to fully review this amazing book. I am happy that some of the key families will also be picking up the story in the second volume. And, I will also happily recommend this book to everyone who might be interested in these family’s stories against the backdrop of historical, magical Ireland. Their stories are truly amazing and beautifully written, with never a dull moment to be found.
June 19, 2007
Ok, so I have to preface this review by admiting that I did my studies in Irish history so I'm bound to be a bit biased. Having said that, reading this book was like reviewing years worth of notes but compressed in an extremely enjoyable one thousand pages (ok, maybe compressed isn't the right word).
Reaching back to Celtic times, Rutherford traces the beginnings of familys that exist today, weaving his stories from generation to generation. As he moves from one family to another, his characters share connections that either flourish or are lost through the years. The characters are placed inside actual clans and historical events, giving us a vivid and colorful description of life before ours.
I was blown away by Rutherford's extensive research. Not only did he set his story against every major historical event on the island, but his description of the nuances of daily life allowed me a glimpse into each generations' work, play and home.
After turning the last page I saw the advertisement for the second in the series, "The Rebels of Ireland." If anything says how I felt about this book, I went out and bought the second the next day.
Reaching back to Celtic times, Rutherford traces the beginnings of familys that exist today, weaving his stories from generation to generation. As he moves from one family to another, his characters share connections that either flourish or are lost through the years. The characters are placed inside actual clans and historical events, giving us a vivid and colorful description of life before ours.
I was blown away by Rutherford's extensive research. Not only did he set his story against every major historical event on the island, but his description of the nuances of daily life allowed me a glimpse into each generations' work, play and home.
After turning the last page I saw the advertisement for the second in the series, "The Rebels of Ireland." If anything says how I felt about this book, I went out and bought the second the next day.
January 23, 2019
Edward Rutherford has proved with such novels as Russka , Sarum , London and The Forest , that he is a great historical novelist in the mould of James Michener.
In this wseeping saga of Ireland , we are taken from the eloping and flight of the striking Deirdre and her lover , Conall in 430 to the destruction of Ireland's ancient monastic heirlooms , during the Reformation , in 1537.
Rutherford traces the fortunes and interactions of several Irish families down the centuries-the O 'Byrnes , the Harolds , the MCGowans , Doyles , Walshes and Tidys.
Through the sweep of Irish history which Rutherford covers , it is also rich in human interaction and empathy as we get to know the wonderful men and women of Ireland through the ages , as the families and traditions of the nation are moulded.
Enough to get you hooked on history.
In this wseeping saga of Ireland , we are taken from the eloping and flight of the striking Deirdre and her lover , Conall in 430 to the destruction of Ireland's ancient monastic heirlooms , during the Reformation , in 1537.
Rutherford traces the fortunes and interactions of several Irish families down the centuries-the O 'Byrnes , the Harolds , the MCGowans , Doyles , Walshes and Tidys.
Through the sweep of Irish history which Rutherford covers , it is also rich in human interaction and empathy as we get to know the wonderful men and women of Ireland through the ages , as the families and traditions of the nation are moulded.
Enough to get you hooked on history.
March 12, 2019
”Long ago. Long before Saint Patrick came. Before the coming of the Celtic tribes. Before the Gaelic language was spoken. At the time of Irish gods who have not even left their names.
“So little can be said with certainly; yet facts can be established. In and upon the earth, evidence of their presence remains. And, as people have done since tales were told, we may imagine.
“In those ancient times, on a certain winter’s morning, a small event occurred. This we know. It must have happened many times: year after year, we may suppose; century after century.
“Dawn. The midwinter sky was already a clear, pale azure. Very soon, the sun would arise from the sea. Already, seen from the island’s eastern coast, there was a golden shimmering along the horizon.
“It was the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. If, in that ancient time on the island, the year was designated by a date, the system of designation is not known.”
Eleven hundred years of the early days of Ireland, her history, are covered in these page, which I began with some trepidation, knowing how many pages this contains, I was also glad that I was reading this on my kindle, since the sheer weight of 800 pages would have cut down my reading time.
The Princes of Ireland is a weighty tome, heavy in weight and also in covering significant, and not always pleasant, years in Ireland’s early years. This was my first of Mr. Rutherfurd’s novels.
Beginning in AD 430, with Dierdre, who is the daughter of Fergus the Chieftain, great-granddaughter of Fergus the Warrior, is betrothed to the elderly High King of Ireland – who is already married, and whose wife threatens her life if she goes through with the marriage. Dierdre is also secretly in love with Connall, a young man who aspires to be a Druid priest, despite his feelings for Dierdre.
But this doesn’t stay in AD 430 for long, it eventually brought me up through the later 1500s, and while there are more love stories, this is largely a love story of Ireland and its people, the beginnings of the stories passed on down through the years, some recorded during those times, perhaps, some passed on through generations.
This shows the changing of the country, the names of the places changing along with the times, from Dubh Linn (Doov Lin) to Dyflin (DIF lin) to Dublin, for example, the changing of the ancient ways, the Druids, religion(s) changing along with the times, especially after the arrival of Patrick.
Where this really shone for me was in the lovely descriptive writing Rutherfurd chose throughout, perhaps from the first pages when describing the winter solstice at Newgrange, a truly magical site on this lovely island, in the prologue. I was smitten from there on.
”Who built these monuments above the quiet, swan-glided waters of the river? We cannot be sure. And for what had they constructed them? As resting places for their princes: that is known. But what princes lay within and whether their spirits were benign of threatening can only be guessed. There they lay, however ancient ancestors of the island’s people, spirits in waiting.
“As well as tombs, however, these great mounds were also sanctuaries which, at certain times, were to receive the divine and mysterious forces of the universe which brought cosmic life to the land. And it was for this reason, during the night which had just ended, that the door to the sanctuary had been opened.
“For in the centre of the flashing quartz façade there was a narrow entrance, flanked by monumental stones, behind which a thin, somewhat uneven but straight passageway, lined with standing stones, led into the heart of the great mound, ending in a trefoil inner chamber. Within the passage and chamber, as outside, many of the stones were inscribed with patterns, including the strange set of three swirling spirals. And the narrow passage was oriented so that precisely on the dawn of the winter solstice, the face of the rising sun as it broke over the horizon would penetrate directly through the top of the doorway and send its warm rays along the dark passage into the centre.
“Up in the sky now, the sunbeams flashed over the bay, over the island’s coastline, across the winter forests and little clearings which, as the sunbeams passed, were suddenly bathed in the gleam of the sun’s face as it emerged from the watery horizon. Over the river valley the sunbeams flew, towards the mound whose flashing quartz, picking up a reflected light from the green landscape all around, seemed itself to be on fire, shining like an emerald sun.
“Was there something cold and fearful in that greenish glare, as the sun’s rays burst through the portals into the dark passage of the mound? Perhaps.
“But now a wonderful thing occurred. For such was the cunning construction of the passage that, as the sun gradually rose, the sun’s beams, as though abandoning their wonted speed entirely, slowly and softly stole along the passage, no faster than a creeping child, foot by foot, bringing a gentle glow to the stones as they went, until they reached the triple chamber of the heart. And there, gathering speed once more, they flashed off the stones, dancing this way and that, bringing light and warmth and life to the midwinter tomb.”
Many thanks to Jaline, whose lovely review prompted my reading this!
Jaline’s review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
“So little can be said with certainly; yet facts can be established. In and upon the earth, evidence of their presence remains. And, as people have done since tales were told, we may imagine.
“In those ancient times, on a certain winter’s morning, a small event occurred. This we know. It must have happened many times: year after year, we may suppose; century after century.
“Dawn. The midwinter sky was already a clear, pale azure. Very soon, the sun would arise from the sea. Already, seen from the island’s eastern coast, there was a golden shimmering along the horizon.
“It was the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. If, in that ancient time on the island, the year was designated by a date, the system of designation is not known.”
Eleven hundred years of the early days of Ireland, her history, are covered in these page, which I began with some trepidation, knowing how many pages this contains, I was also glad that I was reading this on my kindle, since the sheer weight of 800 pages would have cut down my reading time.
The Princes of Ireland is a weighty tome, heavy in weight and also in covering significant, and not always pleasant, years in Ireland’s early years. This was my first of Mr. Rutherfurd’s novels.
Beginning in AD 430, with Dierdre, who is the daughter of Fergus the Chieftain, great-granddaughter of Fergus the Warrior, is betrothed to the elderly High King of Ireland – who is already married, and whose wife threatens her life if she goes through with the marriage. Dierdre is also secretly in love with Connall, a young man who aspires to be a Druid priest, despite his feelings for Dierdre.
But this doesn’t stay in AD 430 for long, it eventually brought me up through the later 1500s, and while there are more love stories, this is largely a love story of Ireland and its people, the beginnings of the stories passed on down through the years, some recorded during those times, perhaps, some passed on through generations.
This shows the changing of the country, the names of the places changing along with the times, from Dubh Linn (Doov Lin) to Dyflin (DIF lin) to Dublin, for example, the changing of the ancient ways, the Druids, religion(s) changing along with the times, especially after the arrival of Patrick.
Where this really shone for me was in the lovely descriptive writing Rutherfurd chose throughout, perhaps from the first pages when describing the winter solstice at Newgrange, a truly magical site on this lovely island, in the prologue. I was smitten from there on.
”Who built these monuments above the quiet, swan-glided waters of the river? We cannot be sure. And for what had they constructed them? As resting places for their princes: that is known. But what princes lay within and whether their spirits were benign of threatening can only be guessed. There they lay, however ancient ancestors of the island’s people, spirits in waiting.
“As well as tombs, however, these great mounds were also sanctuaries which, at certain times, were to receive the divine and mysterious forces of the universe which brought cosmic life to the land. And it was for this reason, during the night which had just ended, that the door to the sanctuary had been opened.
“For in the centre of the flashing quartz façade there was a narrow entrance, flanked by monumental stones, behind which a thin, somewhat uneven but straight passageway, lined with standing stones, led into the heart of the great mound, ending in a trefoil inner chamber. Within the passage and chamber, as outside, many of the stones were inscribed with patterns, including the strange set of three swirling spirals. And the narrow passage was oriented so that precisely on the dawn of the winter solstice, the face of the rising sun as it broke over the horizon would penetrate directly through the top of the doorway and send its warm rays along the dark passage into the centre.
“Up in the sky now, the sunbeams flashed over the bay, over the island’s coastline, across the winter forests and little clearings which, as the sunbeams passed, were suddenly bathed in the gleam of the sun’s face as it emerged from the watery horizon. Over the river valley the sunbeams flew, towards the mound whose flashing quartz, picking up a reflected light from the green landscape all around, seemed itself to be on fire, shining like an emerald sun.
“Was there something cold and fearful in that greenish glare, as the sun’s rays burst through the portals into the dark passage of the mound? Perhaps.
“But now a wonderful thing occurred. For such was the cunning construction of the passage that, as the sun gradually rose, the sun’s beams, as though abandoning their wonted speed entirely, slowly and softly stole along the passage, no faster than a creeping child, foot by foot, bringing a gentle glow to the stones as they went, until they reached the triple chamber of the heart. And there, gathering speed once more, they flashed off the stones, dancing this way and that, bringing light and warmth and life to the midwinter tomb.”
Many thanks to Jaline, whose lovely review prompted my reading this!
Jaline’s review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 1, 2020
Edward Rutherford has proved with such novels as Russka , Sarum , London and The Forest , that he is a great historical novelist in the mould of James Michener.
In this wseeping saga of Ireland , we are taken from the eloping and flight of the striking Deirdre and her lover , Conall in 430 to the destruction of Ireland's ancient monastic heirlooms , during the Reformation , in 1537.
Rutherford traces the fortunes and interactions of several Irish families down the centuries-the O 'Byrnes , the Harolds , the MCGowans , Doyles , Walshes and Tidys.
Through the sweep of Irish history which Rutherford covers , it is also rich in human interaction and empathy as we get to know the wonderful men and women of Ireland through the ages , as the families and traditions of the nation are moulded.
Enough to get you hooked on history.
In this wseeping saga of Ireland , we are taken from the eloping and flight of the striking Deirdre and her lover , Conall in 430 to the destruction of Ireland's ancient monastic heirlooms , during the Reformation , in 1537.
Rutherford traces the fortunes and interactions of several Irish families down the centuries-the O 'Byrnes , the Harolds , the MCGowans , Doyles , Walshes and Tidys.
Through the sweep of Irish history which Rutherford covers , it is also rich in human interaction and empathy as we get to know the wonderful men and women of Ireland through the ages , as the families and traditions of the nation are moulded.
Enough to get you hooked on history.
February 4, 2021
This is a wonderful portrayal of Irish history. It begins in the year 430 with ancient Ireland and all its pagan customs. This tale goes on to the coming of St. Patrick and his mission to convert Ireland to Christianity. Next we encounter the invasion of the Vikings. We learn of the history of the Book of Kells. We meet Henry II and the tutors. This saga continues until the beginning of the 16th century.
This story is weaved from generation to generation. The characters are well developed and very interesting
Ireland’s history is brought to life. It is a very long book filled with vivid descriptions, maps, family tress and pronunciation of words.
It is a compelling tale, not to be missed.
This story is weaved from generation to generation. The characters are well developed and very interesting
Ireland’s history is brought to life. It is a very long book filled with vivid descriptions, maps, family tress and pronunciation of words.
It is a compelling tale, not to be missed.
August 18, 2010
Historical novels can be simply human dramas set in historical times, or they can be human dramas woven into historical events, to bring those events to life. We can learn a great deal from the latter, and I feel like I did with Edward Rutherfurd’s The Princes of Ireland. As an American with 100 percent Irish ancestry (McLaughlin) on my mother’s side, and, probably 100 percent English, or mixed English/Irish ancestry on my father’s side (Clayton), I have often wondered about the long running and mixed up history of the Irish, and their English connections. More than any history I have read, Rutherfurd’s novel has helped me to get a hand hold on that. Now I will go back to some of the history books I have on the subject and hopefully glean much more from them than I did before.
Using the clan histories to lead us through the mists of time, Rutherfurd does not go too deeply into the psyches of his characters. Although I prefer the kind of novels that do, this is, of course, an obvious choice on Rutherfurd’s part, given the breadth of the story he is telling, and that’s understandable. The later chapters do bring the reader closer to their characters as the novel gallops to a conclusion.
I especially enjoyed the writer’s delineation of the subtleties of the English conquest – a devious English king, the shared religion of the English and Irish (Catholicism), a foolish Irish Lord who betrays his people, and the descriptions of the differences between the English royal political system of the time and the Irish tribal system.
The book is a long one, about 775 pages, but a good one, bringing this reader back evening after evening, much like Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth did. And as a writer who is currently trying to sell a 500-page novel (White Seed: The Untold Story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke), when I read somewhere that an agent or editor said that you can’t sell big books like this anymore because people either don’t have the patience or the time to read them, I feel like getting on a plane to NYC, then jumping into a cab, taking the elevator up to the 19th floor, searching out the offender, and hitting him upside the head with my copy of Princes, or Pillars. (Sorry, I had to get that off my chest.) Anyway, don’t let the length put you off.
In the latter portion of the novel, the Joan Doyle/Margaret Walsh feud, the Tidy marriage, the O’Byrnes, and other relationships, are skillfully used by Rutherfurd to enjoyably highlight the complicated life of Ireland, both within and beyond the pale.
To sum up, The Princes of Ireland is a damn good novel, very much in the Michener tradition. I’ve already picked up a copy of Sarum, and will, at a later date, go on to The Rebels of Ireland.
Using the clan histories to lead us through the mists of time, Rutherfurd does not go too deeply into the psyches of his characters. Although I prefer the kind of novels that do, this is, of course, an obvious choice on Rutherfurd’s part, given the breadth of the story he is telling, and that’s understandable. The later chapters do bring the reader closer to their characters as the novel gallops to a conclusion.
I especially enjoyed the writer’s delineation of the subtleties of the English conquest – a devious English king, the shared religion of the English and Irish (Catholicism), a foolish Irish Lord who betrays his people, and the descriptions of the differences between the English royal political system of the time and the Irish tribal system.
The book is a long one, about 775 pages, but a good one, bringing this reader back evening after evening, much like Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth did. And as a writer who is currently trying to sell a 500-page novel (White Seed: The Untold Story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke), when I read somewhere that an agent or editor said that you can’t sell big books like this anymore because people either don’t have the patience or the time to read them, I feel like getting on a plane to NYC, then jumping into a cab, taking the elevator up to the 19th floor, searching out the offender, and hitting him upside the head with my copy of Princes, or Pillars. (Sorry, I had to get that off my chest.) Anyway, don’t let the length put you off.
In the latter portion of the novel, the Joan Doyle/Margaret Walsh feud, the Tidy marriage, the O’Byrnes, and other relationships, are skillfully used by Rutherfurd to enjoyably highlight the complicated life of Ireland, both within and beyond the pale.
To sum up, The Princes of Ireland is a damn good novel, very much in the Michener tradition. I’ve already picked up a copy of Sarum, and will, at a later date, go on to The Rebels of Ireland.
April 6, 2015
5 STARS
This was a wonderful fictional representation of early Irish history. It begins in early pre-Christian Celtic Ireland during the time of the fierce High Kings of Tara with their Druid gods to the mid 1500's and the time of Henry the VIII. It has been described as
"A magnificent epic about love and war, family life and political intrigue in Ireland over the course of seventeen centuries. The Princes of Ireland brilliantly interweaves engrossing fiction and well-researched fact to capture the essence of a place."
This was an epic and all engrossing story. It was told in segments involving multiple generations. It involved fictional characters along with actual historical figures all intermingled with historic families and specific events of the time. It told stories of love and betrayal, piety and treachery, jealousy and hatred.
And as long as the book was... I didn't want it to end. There is a sequel which I will take on soon... The Rebels of Ireland.
This was a wonderful fictional representation of early Irish history. It begins in early pre-Christian Celtic Ireland during the time of the fierce High Kings of Tara with their Druid gods to the mid 1500's and the time of Henry the VIII. It has been described as
"A magnificent epic about love and war, family life and political intrigue in Ireland over the course of seventeen centuries. The Princes of Ireland brilliantly interweaves engrossing fiction and well-researched fact to capture the essence of a place."
This was an epic and all engrossing story. It was told in segments involving multiple generations. It involved fictional characters along with actual historical figures all intermingled with historic families and specific events of the time. It told stories of love and betrayal, piety and treachery, jealousy and hatred.
And as long as the book was... I didn't want it to end. There is a sequel which I will take on soon... The Rebels of Ireland.
March 24, 2008
After posting a poll about whether I should finish the book, I thought about the pros and ons of each side. TThe advice I got was very similar to what I was thinking. The first half of it had interested and engaged me--maybe I would get interested again. I don't like to spend $15 on a book and then not finish it. At the same time, though, I'd struggled through 100 pages and was hopelessly bored. I didn't think I'd want to pick up the book again, not later, not no how.
Since I did read almost all of the book I thought I would write about it anyway. Edwsard Rutherfurd's been called this age's James Michener. That's not necessarily a good thing as Michener's books can drag on and be excessively wordy. Another problem is when you want to cover centuries in a book, you lose a lot of the characterization.
Early on, I found Rutherford's characters interesting and engaging. I think he spent more time fleshing them out and it probably would have been better if his Dublin Saga had been split into 2 or 3 books to give equal time to everyone. The story starts in mythic Ireland, covering a tale I'd become somewhat familiar with: Deirdre escaping with the nephew of the king and incurring the king's wrath, the great cattle raid of Cú Chulainn. Rutherford moved smoothly from mythology to the arrival of St. Patrick and Catholicism with many characters carrying over from one age to the next. The sections about the Vikings and Brian Boru were also fascinating although by then new characters were introduced. I began to get bored during the Strongbow section and struggled at the end. I struggled for 100 pages and then tried skpping around. It didn't work.
By this time, the characters weren't so rich or interesting anymore. They just seemed like incarnations of people already introduced. I lost interest, did the poll, put the book down and moved on to something else. I'm glad I did!
Since I did read almost all of the book I thought I would write about it anyway. Edwsard Rutherfurd's been called this age's James Michener. That's not necessarily a good thing as Michener's books can drag on and be excessively wordy. Another problem is when you want to cover centuries in a book, you lose a lot of the characterization.
Early on, I found Rutherford's characters interesting and engaging. I think he spent more time fleshing them out and it probably would have been better if his Dublin Saga had been split into 2 or 3 books to give equal time to everyone. The story starts in mythic Ireland, covering a tale I'd become somewhat familiar with: Deirdre escaping with the nephew of the king and incurring the king's wrath, the great cattle raid of Cú Chulainn. Rutherford moved smoothly from mythology to the arrival of St. Patrick and Catholicism with many characters carrying over from one age to the next. The sections about the Vikings and Brian Boru were also fascinating although by then new characters were introduced. I began to get bored during the Strongbow section and struggled at the end. I struggled for 100 pages and then tried skpping around. It didn't work.
By this time, the characters weren't so rich or interesting anymore. They just seemed like incarnations of people already introduced. I lost interest, did the poll, put the book down and moved on to something else. I'm glad I did!
June 12, 2007
Let me just start off with saying that you need to be awake and alert when reading this book. There are many times that the story is full of action and plot, thus making it very engaging. But there are just as equal an amount of times when it dives into ancient politics and slows to a crawl where you begin to struggle to keep your eyes open. The book is still very enjoyable though.
It does get confusing, because while there are times when Rutherfurd realizes the reader may not be familiar with the ancient rules and regulations of Ireland, he also sometimes gives you the benefit of the doubt that you will understand everything he's talking about. Also sometimes it seems he has difficulty describing scenes and pictures in a way that allows the reader to see what he's talking about. Not all the time, but sometimes I just couldn't see it.
One thing that was a plus was that Rutherfurd really seemed to capture the spirit of the people he was writing about. Ireland no longer became a land mass but a living and breathing entity. Made so by her princes and princesses. I was delighted to learn about the role women played in Ireland, a stronger, smarter and more noble one. You also grow attached to the characters, at least the ones you get to know, others have just been placed in the story in a way that's hard to follow.
At first it irked me that we started losing connection to the characters from the very beginning of the book. I understood they were dead and we wouldn't be seeing them, but I meant in refrences and descendants. Then I began to realize that it was Rutherfurd's way of showing how ancient Ireland began to be discarded and forgotten as the Vikings and English came. It was a way the reader could relate to the native Irish as they began to be forgotten.
Overall the book was entertaining, filled with both fact and fiction. It can be a quite wordy and long read so prepare yourself. At times it can read kind of like a history book, and you often find yourself flipping to the front of the book where a sort of family tree has been assembled, that still doesn't help you keep track of all the characters. I'm excited to pick up the next book, The Rebels of Ireland, and see what that has in store for me.
It does get confusing, because while there are times when Rutherfurd realizes the reader may not be familiar with the ancient rules and regulations of Ireland, he also sometimes gives you the benefit of the doubt that you will understand everything he's talking about. Also sometimes it seems he has difficulty describing scenes and pictures in a way that allows the reader to see what he's talking about. Not all the time, but sometimes I just couldn't see it.
One thing that was a plus was that Rutherfurd really seemed to capture the spirit of the people he was writing about. Ireland no longer became a land mass but a living and breathing entity. Made so by her princes and princesses. I was delighted to learn about the role women played in Ireland, a stronger, smarter and more noble one. You also grow attached to the characters, at least the ones you get to know, others have just been placed in the story in a way that's hard to follow.
At first it irked me that we started losing connection to the characters from the very beginning of the book. I understood they were dead and we wouldn't be seeing them, but I meant in refrences and descendants. Then I began to realize that it was Rutherfurd's way of showing how ancient Ireland began to be discarded and forgotten as the Vikings and English came. It was a way the reader could relate to the native Irish as they began to be forgotten.
Overall the book was entertaining, filled with both fact and fiction. It can be a quite wordy and long read so prepare yourself. At times it can read kind of like a history book, and you often find yourself flipping to the front of the book where a sort of family tree has been assembled, that still doesn't help you keep track of all the characters. I'm excited to pick up the next book, The Rebels of Ireland, and see what that has in store for me.
August 5, 2018
This is Historical Fiction. I enjoyed that aspect of this book. The info was well researched. Ireland's history was a perfect clean slate for this saga. Now, the main problem I have with sweeping sagas in general is that I tend to like some of the generations and its characters a little more than other generations in the same book. And that was true with this one.
The characters were wonderfully drawn. I liked the dialogue and the setting, but 3 stars is all I can give this.
The characters were wonderfully drawn. I liked the dialogue and the setting, but 3 stars is all I can give this.
November 14, 2018
This is a second book I’ve read by this author and now I’m on track to read all of his books. For those who like historical fiction with lots of historical background intertwined with interesting characters this is a great choice. It comes with stimulating characters. “It was Cecily’s opinion that Holy Church was sacred (…) she had heard of Luther and the so-called Protestant reformers (…) if sound Catholic monarch like King Henry VIII of England wanted to burn them, she had no objection.”
The story starts with Celtic Ireland, a world mired in the druids’s spiritual darkness, where kings defend ancient traditions to death. It further explores the rivalry between ancient tribes and chiefs, the story of St. Patrick, conversion from paganism to Christianity, and its lose ending the existence, only in Ireland, of divorce. It explores many invasions including Vikings, feudalism, and ends with failure of Silken Thomas’ revolt, Irish rebellion against British.
The Irish Saga begins in AD 430 at undisturbed territory of Dubh Linn and with its chieftain Fergus. He takes his daughter Deirdre to Lughnasa festival, high summer harvest offerings. At the ceremonies she notices an attractive athlete, Conall, son of Morna, and the nephew of the High King. At the same time her father arranges a marriage for her with a man from Ulster…
20 yeas later with Bishop Patrick people of Ireland start converting from paganism to Christianity. First Fergus gets baptized by Bishop Patrick himself.
400 years later Vikings rule the North Seas penetrating through the ports of Ireland and Britain. The story of Fergus family tree continues with Osgar. He sees his calling as a monk. At Glendalough, he develops his talents in calligraphy and illustrations.
In the 12th century, “the island of Ireland continues to be split between ancient tribal lands and rival chiefs.” The family tree of Fergus continues with a priest Gilpatrick – meaning the Servant of Patrick – as his ancestor was baptized by St Patrick himself.
The story is intertwined with intricate characters of other families’ generations and continues until the first part of the 16th century. It is well-written and holds well until the last page of 765.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
The story starts with Celtic Ireland, a world mired in the druids’s spiritual darkness, where kings defend ancient traditions to death. It further explores the rivalry between ancient tribes and chiefs, the story of St. Patrick, conversion from paganism to Christianity, and its lose ending the existence, only in Ireland, of divorce. It explores many invasions including Vikings, feudalism, and ends with failure of Silken Thomas’ revolt, Irish rebellion against British.
The Irish Saga begins in AD 430 at undisturbed territory of Dubh Linn and with its chieftain Fergus. He takes his daughter Deirdre to Lughnasa festival, high summer harvest offerings. At the ceremonies she notices an attractive athlete, Conall, son of Morna, and the nephew of the High King. At the same time her father arranges a marriage for her with a man from Ulster…
20 yeas later with Bishop Patrick people of Ireland start converting from paganism to Christianity. First Fergus gets baptized by Bishop Patrick himself.
400 years later Vikings rule the North Seas penetrating through the ports of Ireland and Britain. The story of Fergus family tree continues with Osgar. He sees his calling as a monk. At Glendalough, he develops his talents in calligraphy and illustrations.
In the 12th century, “the island of Ireland continues to be split between ancient tribal lands and rival chiefs.” The family tree of Fergus continues with a priest Gilpatrick – meaning the Servant of Patrick – as his ancestor was baptized by St Patrick himself.
The story is intertwined with intricate characters of other families’ generations and continues until the first part of the 16th century. It is well-written and holds well until the last page of 765.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
February 8, 2021
Edward Rutherford's book reminds me quite a bit of Ken Follet's "Pillars of the Earth" series. While that focused on England and charted the development of a cathedral as a vehicle for the telling of the historical development of England. This book is very similar. It is imminently readable and the structure is rather similar.
This time the focus is on Dublin. The city serves as the vehicle for the telling of the story of Ireland. Witnessed through several generations of different families, the story of Dublin, in many ways, is the story of Ireland.
Rutherford starts out in prehistoric times and wends his way from 450 AD all the way through 1534, following the development of the city and the various conflicts among several families that he follows through the ages. From the rise of the Celtic High Kings to the coming of the Vikings and the eventual English invasion- the story is told as various individuals, who will sow the seeds for the future generations, that span both sides of the conflict (native Irish vs interlopers).
Along the way, the reader is not only entertained but gets a rough idea of the historical development of Ireland. It is a very entertaining story and one that is easy to read. A small note- while, for the most part, this is historically accurate- the rigor of the historical research is a bit more on the fictional side- from Vikings wearing honred helmets -Um no..that didn't happen. The popular image of the strapping Viking in a horned helmet dates back to the 1800s, when Scandinavian artists like Sweden’s Gustav Malmström included the headgear in their portrayals of the raiders. When Wagner staged his “Der Ring des Nibelungen�� opera cycle in the 1870s, costume designer Carl Emil Doepler created horned helmets for the Viking characters, and an enduring stereotype was born. Also.. horns on a helmet don't DO anything. It may, in fact, get in the way of you swinging your own weapons. But it does SOUND good.
The other thing was Henry saying "Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?", Rutherford channel's his internal Shakespeare since Henry II never said those words. He said, "What miserable drones and traitors have I nourished and brought up in my household, who let their lord be treated with such shameful contempt by a low-born cleric?"
But having pointed that out- bear in mind, one shouldn't read historical fiction to learn history. This is a very entertaining book and a great story. I shall certainly find more of his works to read. The Princes of Ireland will please anyone with an interest in Ireland and anyone who enjoys a good historical fiction.
This time the focus is on Dublin. The city serves as the vehicle for the telling of the story of Ireland. Witnessed through several generations of different families, the story of Dublin, in many ways, is the story of Ireland.
Rutherford starts out in prehistoric times and wends his way from 450 AD all the way through 1534, following the development of the city and the various conflicts among several families that he follows through the ages. From the rise of the Celtic High Kings to the coming of the Vikings and the eventual English invasion- the story is told as various individuals, who will sow the seeds for the future generations, that span both sides of the conflict (native Irish vs interlopers).
Along the way, the reader is not only entertained but gets a rough idea of the historical development of Ireland. It is a very entertaining story and one that is easy to read. A small note- while, for the most part, this is historically accurate- the rigor of the historical research is a bit more on the fictional side- from Vikings wearing honred helmets -Um no..that didn't happen. The popular image of the strapping Viking in a horned helmet dates back to the 1800s, when Scandinavian artists like Sweden’s Gustav Malmström included the headgear in their portrayals of the raiders. When Wagner staged his “Der Ring des Nibelungen�� opera cycle in the 1870s, costume designer Carl Emil Doepler created horned helmets for the Viking characters, and an enduring stereotype was born. Also.. horns on a helmet don't DO anything. It may, in fact, get in the way of you swinging your own weapons. But it does SOUND good.
The other thing was Henry saying "Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?", Rutherford channel's his internal Shakespeare since Henry II never said those words. He said, "What miserable drones and traitors have I nourished and brought up in my household, who let their lord be treated with such shameful contempt by a low-born cleric?"
But having pointed that out- bear in mind, one shouldn't read historical fiction to learn history. This is a very entertaining book and a great story. I shall certainly find more of his works to read. The Princes of Ireland will please anyone with an interest in Ireland and anyone who enjoys a good historical fiction.
May 20, 2007
Atrocious saga that never allows the reader opportunity to connect with any of the characters before leaping another century to yet another boring epoque, in which the truly adventurous, exciting bits are merely dryly narrated as a history text. If I wanted to read a text book, I would! Give me a thrilling novel, for goodness' sake!
December 28, 2021
Read this book in 2007, and its the 1st volume of a two-part series about Dublin and Ireland.
This book is set as from AD 430 until Ireland stopped being a Kingdom with a High King at Tara.
Several highlights through this history about Ireland and its Princes will be the legend of Cuchulainn, as well as the mission of St Patrick, the Viking invasions, and the trickery of King Henry II that will lead to England's establishment in Ireland.
Lived and seen from the perspectives of ordinary Irish people this history will come alive with all its ups and downs between the Irish Kingdoms themselves, and later on with the involvement of the English, and this is brought to us by the author in a most wonderful fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is a superb first outing of the Irish history, and that's why I like to call this masterpiece: "A Magnificent Princes Of Ireland"!
This book is set as from AD 430 until Ireland stopped being a Kingdom with a High King at Tara.
Several highlights through this history about Ireland and its Princes will be the legend of Cuchulainn, as well as the mission of St Patrick, the Viking invasions, and the trickery of King Henry II that will lead to England's establishment in Ireland.
Lived and seen from the perspectives of ordinary Irish people this history will come alive with all its ups and downs between the Irish Kingdoms themselves, and later on with the involvement of the English, and this is brought to us by the author in a most wonderful fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is a superb first outing of the Irish history, and that's why I like to call this masterpiece: "A Magnificent Princes Of Ireland"!
April 3, 2021
The Princes of Ireland is a novel I read for March because I wanted to read something with an Irish theme and I couldn't decide between fiction and non-fiction so I went with this historical fiction. Irish history up to mid 1500s is covered. There is a sequel I plan to read.
The author is definitely concerned with conveying history. This isn't just a romance or other novel that happens to be set in Ireland; this is a story about Ireland. When I'm reading historical fiction I want to get a sense of the place and time I'm reading about. Rutherfurd did this for me. Others have commented that this (and other novels by him) are a little heavy with the history and this is true--I happen to see it as a plus.
I will read more by him and I did enjoy it but there was never a time when I couldn't put the book down or that the story stayed with me throughout my day or in my dreams like a true 5-star book does.
The author is definitely concerned with conveying history. This isn't just a romance or other novel that happens to be set in Ireland; this is a story about Ireland. When I'm reading historical fiction I want to get a sense of the place and time I'm reading about. Rutherfurd did this for me. Others have commented that this (and other novels by him) are a little heavy with the history and this is true--I happen to see it as a plus.
I will read more by him and I did enjoy it but there was never a time when I couldn't put the book down or that the story stayed with me throughout my day or in my dreams like a true 5-star book does.
November 9, 2020
I attempted to read this historical fiction set in early Ireland years ago when we traveled to the country. Though it is like Rutherfurd's other books as well as like Michener's, in that it follows certain families through the generations, I just could not grasp it. It seemed like too much work.
Early in September I decided to read the biography of WB Yeats I bought last year when I was reading his collected poems. Starting the biography I realized Yeats's life was very much tied up with political events during the years he was writing and though I have read quite a bit of Irish fiction I still have confusions about those conflicts.
I still had The Princes of Ireland on my shelves so I gave it another try. My experience of reading The Thrall's Tale gave me a more determined approach and I found Rutherfurd's book less daunting. He provides maps and family trees. Perhaps I have become a better reader too!
I learned much of what I needed to know. Even though I had pored over maps before our trip there, I got a better idea of the geography. I learned about the early years (400 AD) when the island's people were Celtic, arranged in families, clans and tribes and divided into five kingdoms, each with it own king.
Later came the Vikings, then the English and the French. St Patrick brought Christianity which gradually overtook the ancient religions, gods and spirits. The monks of Ireland are included in the book and some of those characters were the ones who kept the written scriptures from falling away during the Medieval centuries.
By 1533, the English were well ensconced as traders and financial leaders especially in Dublin. The Catholic Church and the Pope were in charge of religion but the Irish people, even those who intermarried with both the Vikings and the English, maintained certain differences and an individualism recalled in their poetry, songs, tales and monuments.
The book ends with a revolt against the English, rather a cliff hanger. There is a volume two in The Dublin Saga, entitled The Rebels of Ireland, which will take me to 1914. Since Yeats was born in 1865, I should be in better shape to understand his life and times.
Early in September I decided to read the biography of WB Yeats I bought last year when I was reading his collected poems. Starting the biography I realized Yeats's life was very much tied up with political events during the years he was writing and though I have read quite a bit of Irish fiction I still have confusions about those conflicts.
I still had The Princes of Ireland on my shelves so I gave it another try. My experience of reading The Thrall's Tale gave me a more determined approach and I found Rutherfurd's book less daunting. He provides maps and family trees. Perhaps I have become a better reader too!
I learned much of what I needed to know. Even though I had pored over maps before our trip there, I got a better idea of the geography. I learned about the early years (400 AD) when the island's people were Celtic, arranged in families, clans and tribes and divided into five kingdoms, each with it own king.
Later came the Vikings, then the English and the French. St Patrick brought Christianity which gradually overtook the ancient religions, gods and spirits. The monks of Ireland are included in the book and some of those characters were the ones who kept the written scriptures from falling away during the Medieval centuries.
By 1533, the English were well ensconced as traders and financial leaders especially in Dublin. The Catholic Church and the Pope were in charge of religion but the Irish people, even those who intermarried with both the Vikings and the English, maintained certain differences and an individualism recalled in their poetry, songs, tales and monuments.
The book ends with a revolt against the English, rather a cliff hanger. There is a volume two in The Dublin Saga, entitled The Rebels of Ireland, which will take me to 1914. Since Yeats was born in 1865, I should be in better shape to understand his life and times.
September 3, 2023
Historical fiction at it’s finest! It is really four separate books on Irish history:
Pagan history, druids
Christianity coming to Ireland
Vikings and Norsemen
The English despoiling and destruction of all things Irish.
Pagan history, druids
Christianity coming to Ireland
Vikings and Norsemen
The English despoiling and destruction of all things Irish.
July 29, 2013
I picked up this book just before heading out on a vacation to Ireland. This book was so good that the trip itself would not have been as fulfilling without it. Everytime a character went to a specific area, our trip took us there the very next day. I was able to have a background for almost every tour we took and every area we visited. Although many of the characters were completely fictional, their interactions with historical events and historical characters allowed me to see what it may have been like to live during each time period.
May 5, 2018
Na Ruthefurdův Dublin jsem se těšil, a zklamaný jsem nebyl. Je to další monumentálně pojatá historická mozaika, začínající téměř jako staroirský epos a pokračující staletími v klasickém autorově stylu - na osudech několika rodin ilustruje historii celého města. Poznáte život Gaelů, Vikingů, Normanů, Angličanů ... z nichž všech se postupně stali dnešní Irové. Je to krásně, plynule napsané, dobře se to čte, navíc se dozvíte spoustu věcí o irské historii.
Oproti Londýnu je zejména druhá polovina knihy trošku natahovaná, ale to může být jen můj osobní pocit. Nenechte se tím odradit :-)
Oproti Londýnu je zejména druhá polovina knihy trošku natahovaná, ale to může být jen můj osobní pocit. Nenechte se tím odradit :-)
February 11, 2009
Very interesting take on Irish history from the viewpoint of a few fictional families through the years. I felt it was a bit slow and drawn out in some places, but the interactions and intertwining between the families we're watching through the years and how they react to what are now major historical people and events are incredibly interesting to read and imagine.
January 16, 2018
Very enjoyable; a bit long though. Took more effort to complete the last 30% of the book but the first half kept my interest and sped quickly along.
May 19, 2020
I have always been afraid to pick up a Rutherford book, so when I found this one at a used book sale for a buck I decided it was time.
This story begins in the time of St. Patrick in the city of Dublin and continues through the ages, following connected relatives. Seeing Dublin through the eyes of the mighty, the religious, the common man you get a beautiful, yet sometimes brutal portrait of the city and the people who lived there. At over 700 pages, you need to expect it to drag on at times. This is the only reason I could not offer up 5 stars. It appears that true fans of Rutherford find this book not one of their favorites. That alone urges me to continue reading this author. The Dublin Saga is 2 books, so I will move on to that one before venturing further.
This story begins in the time of St. Patrick in the city of Dublin and continues through the ages, following connected relatives. Seeing Dublin through the eyes of the mighty, the religious, the common man you get a beautiful, yet sometimes brutal portrait of the city and the people who lived there. At over 700 pages, you need to expect it to drag on at times. This is the only reason I could not offer up 5 stars. It appears that true fans of Rutherford find this book not one of their favorites. That alone urges me to continue reading this author. The Dublin Saga is 2 books, so I will move on to that one before venturing further.
August 31, 2024
Not a bad book necessarily, but in the end it made me mad. Irish history is used as a backdrop for unrelated melodrama, which is shallow, if not boring, storytelling. Worse is that in the last third of the book, the protagonists are almost all sympathetic to the English. How do you tell a story about Ireland that’s sympathetic to the English?
May 2, 2024
Rereading this remembered how much I love Rutherford"s books
December 17, 2020
Easy to read, I will read the next in the series.
April 12, 2009
I stopped reading this book in Chapter 7 because I just couldn't take it anymore - it was mostly dull stories with some interesting tidbits thrown in every once in a while.
The beginning of this novel was alright. The best parts of the book for me were the descriptions about that time period in general (the Romans leaving Britain, the Christians slowly making their way over, the druids, etc.). I never really cared for any of the characters. They all seemed pretty flat to me.
This is a problem I have with Rutherfurd - the book finally started to get interesting to me, and that's when he decided to move it along 500 years! I was FINALLY looking forward to what the group of characters in chapters 1-3 would do (Deidre, Conall, etc.), and what happens at Chapter 4? New characters, new century! I'm used to Rutherfurd changing time periods and characters every chapter, so when I started this book, I expected that. But once chapter 3 had the same people, I thought maybe the book would progress differently (the genealogy chart isn't showing up well on the Kindle at all so I couldn't get any clues from it - first time I wish I had the actual book). Needless to say, I was slightly frustrated! I knew this was bound to happen with Rutherfurd, but why spend so much time with these people at the beginning of the book? If it would have ended at chapter 2, I would have been fine - certain things happened that seemed like an appropriate ending, so Rutherfurd could have moved on with their descendents a few hundred years later at that point. I don't feel like chapter 3 was a sufficient ending for these characters, and I wish he would have ended it earlier or given them another chapter. (Sorry this review is a little cryptic - I just don't want to post any spoilers!)
I thought chapters 4 and 5 were pretty decent, but I hated the Sigurd character. I didn't hate him because he was a bad guy (although he was) - I hated him because I thought the character was stupid. Due to Rutherfurd's writing style, I realize there isn't going to be as much character development as in other books, but I don't like characters who are all "good" or all "evil", and there just didn't seem to be any redeeming qualities to Sigurd. He was the typical "bad guy", and that just made him predictable and boring to me. (Once again, I'm leaving details out - I wrote more about this in the European Royalty group's discussion threads - http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/2... )
There were some interesting parts to chapter 6, but it's just getting buried under all the political/military stuff, and by chapter 7 I gave up.
The beginning of this novel was alright. The best parts of the book for me were the descriptions about that time period in general (the Romans leaving Britain, the Christians slowly making their way over, the druids, etc.). I never really cared for any of the characters. They all seemed pretty flat to me.
This is a problem I have with Rutherfurd - the book finally started to get interesting to me, and that's when he decided to move it along 500 years! I was FINALLY looking forward to what the group of characters in chapters 1-3 would do (Deidre, Conall, etc.), and what happens at Chapter 4? New characters, new century! I'm used to Rutherfurd changing time periods and characters every chapter, so when I started this book, I expected that. But once chapter 3 had the same people, I thought maybe the book would progress differently (the genealogy chart isn't showing up well on the Kindle at all so I couldn't get any clues from it - first time I wish I had the actual book). Needless to say, I was slightly frustrated! I knew this was bound to happen with Rutherfurd, but why spend so much time with these people at the beginning of the book? If it would have ended at chapter 2, I would have been fine - certain things happened that seemed like an appropriate ending, so Rutherfurd could have moved on with their descendents a few hundred years later at that point. I don't feel like chapter 3 was a sufficient ending for these characters, and I wish he would have ended it earlier or given them another chapter. (Sorry this review is a little cryptic - I just don't want to post any spoilers!)
I thought chapters 4 and 5 were pretty decent, but I hated the Sigurd character. I didn't hate him because he was a bad guy (although he was) - I hated him because I thought the character was stupid. Due to Rutherfurd's writing style, I realize there isn't going to be as much character development as in other books, but I don't like characters who are all "good" or all "evil", and there just didn't seem to be any redeeming qualities to Sigurd. He was the typical "bad guy", and that just made him predictable and boring to me. (Once again, I'm leaving details out - I wrote more about this in the European Royalty group's discussion threads - http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/2... )
There were some interesting parts to chapter 6, but it's just getting buried under all the political/military stuff, and by chapter 7 I gave up.
January 29, 2012
From the internationally bestselling author of London and Sarum -- a magnificent epic about love and war, family life and political intrigue in Ireland over the course of seventeen centuries. Like the novels of James Michener, The Princes of Ireland brilliantly interweaves engrossing fiction and well-researched fact to capture the essence of a place.
Edward Rutherfurd has introduced millions of readers to the human dramas that are the lifeblood of history. From his first bestseller, Sarum, to the #1 bestseller London, he has captivated audiences with gripping narratives that follow the fortunes of several fictional families down through the ages. The Princes of Ireland, a sweeping panorama steeped in the tragedy and glory that is Ireland, epitomizes the power and richness of Rutherfurd's storytelling magic.
The saga begins in pre-Christian Ireland with a clever refashioning of the legend of Cuchulainn, and culminates in the dramatic founding of the Free Irish State in 1922. Through the interlocking stories of a wonderfully imagined cast of characters -- monks and noblemen, soldiers and rebels, craftswomen and writers -- Rutherfurd vividly conveys the personal passions and shared dreams that shaped the character of the country. He takes readers inside all the major events in Irish history: the reign of the fierce and mighty kings of Tara; the mission of Saint Patrick; the Viking invasion and the founding of Dublin; the trickery of Henry II, which gave England its foothold on the island in 1167; the plantations of the Tudors and the savagery of Cromwell; the flight of the "Wild Geese"; the failed rebellion of 1798; the Great Famine and the Easter Rebellion. With Rutherfurd's well-crafted storytelling, readers witness the rise of the Fenians in the late nineteenth century, the splendours of the Irish cultural renaissance, and the bloody battles for Irish independence, as though experiencing their momentous impact firsthand.
Tens of millions of North Americans claim Irish descent. Generations of people have been enchanted by Irish literature, and visitors flock to Dublin and its environs year after year. The Princes of Ireland will appeal to all of them -- and to anyone who relishes epic entertainment spun by a master.
Edward Rutherfurd has introduced millions of readers to the human dramas that are the lifeblood of history. From his first bestseller, Sarum, to the #1 bestseller London, he has captivated audiences with gripping narratives that follow the fortunes of several fictional families down through the ages. The Princes of Ireland, a sweeping panorama steeped in the tragedy and glory that is Ireland, epitomizes the power and richness of Rutherfurd's storytelling magic.
The saga begins in pre-Christian Ireland with a clever refashioning of the legend of Cuchulainn, and culminates in the dramatic founding of the Free Irish State in 1922. Through the interlocking stories of a wonderfully imagined cast of characters -- monks and noblemen, soldiers and rebels, craftswomen and writers -- Rutherfurd vividly conveys the personal passions and shared dreams that shaped the character of the country. He takes readers inside all the major events in Irish history: the reign of the fierce and mighty kings of Tara; the mission of Saint Patrick; the Viking invasion and the founding of Dublin; the trickery of Henry II, which gave England its foothold on the island in 1167; the plantations of the Tudors and the savagery of Cromwell; the flight of the "Wild Geese"; the failed rebellion of 1798; the Great Famine and the Easter Rebellion. With Rutherfurd's well-crafted storytelling, readers witness the rise of the Fenians in the late nineteenth century, the splendours of the Irish cultural renaissance, and the bloody battles for Irish independence, as though experiencing their momentous impact firsthand.
Tens of millions of North Americans claim Irish descent. Generations of people have been enchanted by Irish literature, and visitors flock to Dublin and its environs year after year. The Princes of Ireland will appeal to all of them -- and to anyone who relishes epic entertainment spun by a master.
May 23, 2012
Formulaic but not bad
This is my first read of Edward Rutherford and based on several other reviews of this work, it appears that measured against the standard of his previous work, this one is perhaps not as powerful.
Not having the benefit of those previous reads, I come at this perhaps from a different point of view.
As an amateur historian and genealogist, I came to this work expecting it to give some context and progression toward a better understanding of the history of Ireland and perhaps some insight into the lives and issues of its inhabitants. I was not disappointed in that regard.
In terms of comparison there certainly is a close parallel to the works of James Michener. It also reminded me of some of the works of Morgan Llewellyn, "Lion of Ireland" although, this work doesn't quite capture the reader's imagination in terms of the development of each character.
All that said, this work doesn't quite rise to the levels of the standard-bearers in terms of the genre or the region.
Still, it is not bad. The use of recurring themes, the character continuity across generations and the use of literary devices such as a drinking skulll passed through one of of the families is done reasonably well. Interesting as well for the genealogist. is the development of the character names over time, illustrating the development and change in family names that is typical of the region.
Not 5 star material, but again, not bad. The reader looking to benefit from the reading of this book in terms of their understanding of the history and the region will not be disappointed. The reader looking solely to be entertained, may find it more work than pleasure.
I personally enjoyed it, while recognizing it probably is not Rutherford's best work.
This is my first read of Edward Rutherford and based on several other reviews of this work, it appears that measured against the standard of his previous work, this one is perhaps not as powerful.
Not having the benefit of those previous reads, I come at this perhaps from a different point of view.
As an amateur historian and genealogist, I came to this work expecting it to give some context and progression toward a better understanding of the history of Ireland and perhaps some insight into the lives and issues of its inhabitants. I was not disappointed in that regard.
In terms of comparison there certainly is a close parallel to the works of James Michener. It also reminded me of some of the works of Morgan Llewellyn, "Lion of Ireland" although, this work doesn't quite capture the reader's imagination in terms of the development of each character.
All that said, this work doesn't quite rise to the levels of the standard-bearers in terms of the genre or the region.
Still, it is not bad. The use of recurring themes, the character continuity across generations and the use of literary devices such as a drinking skulll passed through one of of the families is done reasonably well. Interesting as well for the genealogist. is the development of the character names over time, illustrating the development and change in family names that is typical of the region.
Not 5 star material, but again, not bad. The reader looking to benefit from the reading of this book in terms of their understanding of the history and the region will not be disappointed. The reader looking solely to be entertained, may find it more work than pleasure.
I personally enjoyed it, while recognizing it probably is not Rutherford's best work.
August 21, 2011
This was nowhere near as good as Sarum or London, though it was still enjoyable and educational. While Sarum and London really described history so vividly through the stories of the characters, this book relied a lot more on pages and pages of pure historical description and facts, which definately got tedious at times. What was so wonderful about Sarum and London was the way he made history come to life through his characters, the way their fortunes rose and fell through the ages, and the way he brought strands of their lives together beautifully. This book really lacked this detail and vitality, although the last quarter (and maybe the first part) was more character driven and therefore (for me anyway) a lot more interesting to read than the middle section which really got bogged down in history to the detriment of charcter, story and atmosphere. I'll still be reading the follow up book though ...once you know these characters you want to keep on finding out more of their lives and the lives of their families through time.
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