E. Estyn Evans 
The Personality of Ireland 
Habitat, Heritage and History

I well remember the excitement I felt at the first publication in 1973 of The Personality of Ireland… I knew I was reading one of the most important books of my life’ – Paul Durcan This classic study of Irish culture, extensively illustrated with photographs, maps and drawings, and reissued with a new foreword and an updated bibliography, gives a detailed yet panoramic view of Ireland. It follows in the great tradition of French historiography, adding the testament of landscape, antiquities and folk custom to that of document-based history as a primary source of knowledge of our past. It is a justly acclaimed, stimulating work of instruction, entertainment and enlightenment. ‘The totally convincing case Evans puts forward is for a synthesis of geography, archaeology, anthropology and recorded history – an interpenetration of these sciences which he himself manages to raise to the level of historical art S no one claiming an interest in Irish history should fail to peruse [it] regularly.’ – Robert Kee ‘Owing to the reach of his mind and his skills as a writer, his works remain fresh and useful to a new generation’ – Henry Glassie ‘A classic study of Irish culture … essential reading for students of Irish history and should be compulsory for all politicians interested in Ireland’s future’ – Fortnight ‘A tremendously stimulating book, and one which can be highly recommended to all.’ – Paul Gosling