Bookshelf
This unique collection, published just before the death of Ivan Illich, examines the man Utne Reader has called ìthe greatest social critic of the twentieth centuryî. The essaysóall by people Illich has influenced personallyódiscuss how his life and thought have affected religion, psychotherapy, education,technology, and grassroots social movements. ìThis is an excellent summary of how the life and ideas of Ivan IllichÖinfluenced the lives and careers of important philosophers, scholars, and social activists.î Robert F. Arnove.
Kindling the Celtic Spirit: Ancient Traditions to Illumine your Life Throughout the Seasons, by Mara Freeman. HarperSanFrancisco 2000. 402 pages. Pb $26.00. ISBN 0-06-251686-8. www.harpercollins.com
A beautiful treasury of sacred wisdom, sharing the rich legacy of the Celtsófestivals, gods and goddesses, saints, faeries, music, poetry and storytelling. Discover myths, rituals, recipes and crafts for every month of the year. Traditional blessings, ancient lore, and guided meditations inspire you to reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world. and view the sacred as an integral part of every day. ìMara Freeman has written a book that is fun, deep, playful, serious, useful, magical and enlighteningî Matthew Fox.
Christianity In Ireland: Revisiting the Story, edited by Brendan Bradshaw and Dáire Keogh. Columba Press, Dublin, 2002. 408 pages. ISBN 1-85607-350-5.
Traces the history of the Church in Ireland from patrician times to the particular problems of the present. In twenty-three essays, it charts the Christian odyssey, examining the influences and events which have given Irish Christianity its own distinctive character. The contributors, all acknowledged experts in their fields, bring the fruits of their scholarly research to a non-specialist readership, in this ambitious project.
Celtic Dawn: The Dream of Celtic Unity, by Peter Berresford Ellis. First published 1993. New edition 2002. Publisher: Y Lolfa Cyf., Wales. www.ylolfa.com. 253 pages. Pb. St£9.95. ISBN 0-86243-643-5.
The modern Celts share a common heritage and have a dream of a shared future. This book traces the history of the Pan-Celtic movement that grew from that dream. The authoróa world authority on Celtic culture and politicsódescribes the organisations and principal characters with wit and erudition in a book that will be enjoyed by all interested in the Celtic world. ìThis is a clear, concise analysis of the struggle to maintain and support the languages and cultures of the Celtic nationsî. Aberdeen Evening Express.
Women and Christianity, Vol. 2: The Medieval Period AD 1000-1500 by Mary T. Malone. Columba Press, Dublin, 2001. Pb. 298 pages. ISBN 1-85607-339-4.
The lives of women during the medieval period. As the newly powerful papacy attempted to reform the Church, a new sense of questioning and dissent made its presence felt. It is here especially that women figure. The continuing love/hate relationship of Christianity with women provides us with a host of characters who would be remarkable at any time. These writings hold up a mirror to our own age, not least in the efforts to create a just and inclusive society.
Poetic Medicine: The Healing Art of Poem-Making, by John Fox. Tarcher/Putnam. www.penguinputnam.com. 1997. Pb. 303 pages $16.95. ISBN 0-87477-882-4.
An inspiring guide to poetry writing as a way to heal mind, body, and spirit. With this book, readers can gain access to this natural healing force, become productive poets, and feel the joy of using their own creative energy to make a difference not only within themselves but in the outer world as well.
Kairos Europa 1990-2002: Action, Solidarity, Resistance, edited by Dara Molloy. A commemorative booklet, including photographs, with text in four languages. Available FREE from The AISLING Magazine. Please include postage: Ireland and UK ¤1.00; Elsewhere ¤2.00.