gorgeous ... discover what has captivated visitors
* Woman's Way *
on a rare clear day, you can see the beautiful Blasket Islands off the plush southwest coast of Ireland. The view is both spectacular and surreal, inspiring the imagination to soar with lore of yore. Authors Joan and Ray Stagles have gone further, detailing the history and culture of a people that once inhabited the long abandoned locale. Well written, with accompanying images and illustrations, the work brings to mind the fragility of community, and that - as Great Blasket Island did in 1952 - homesteads and histories can be dropped and left for dead anytime. Thankfully, as is the case here, those memories can be kept alive for future generations. An important work, and an essential read for those with a passion for Eire's past
* Celtic International Magazine *
fascinating black-and-white photographs and a series of detailed maps ... The Stagles' book illuminates facets of Irish island life that have all but disappeared
-- RTE.ie Culture
bringing to life a people and place with the keen, curious and empathetic eye of the outsider. There are some wonderful stories and histories in here ... punctuated with rare and evocative photographs, this is both a priceless history as well as a record of humanity
-- RTE Guide
beautifully illustrated and compelling
-- Ireland's Own Magazine
