The Truth about the Irish

'This combative tour d’horizon of Irishness is
going to annoy absolutely everybody.’
Nuala O’Faolain

Donkey-carts; green smocks;  whiskey;  mud huts;  peasants;  harps;  shamrocks. Terry Eagleton throws the book at the myths about the Irish.

A guide for anyone who has ever set foot in Ireland, The Truth About the Irish paints a hugely entertaining picture of an island that may have lost its leprechauns but appears to have found the pot of gold.

‘The Ancient Order of Hibernians may despise Eagleton’s candor, but most Irish will greet it with a smile and a wink.’
Publisher’s Weekly

‘Because of their clarity and good sense, these elegant disquisitions will be as useful to natives as they will be to tourists.’
The Irish Times

‘Begging your pardon, sir, but you’re the dacent gintleman to be writing the likes of this about craythurs like ourselves.’
The Sunday Tribune

‘A demolition job on the best-loved received ideas about Ireland.  Some of the truth about the Irish is true; I wish some of it were not…’ Evening Standard