"Coffee table books on the Renaissance tend to leave Ireland out of the conversation altogether." With this line in their introduction, Herron (English, East Carolina University) and Potterton (Archaeological Research Institute of Ireland) make it clear that this omission is about to be rectified. Their compilation covers the years of the "Northern Renaissance," the 16th and 17th centuries in Ireland. Essays explore Irish literature, art, architecture, the Reformation and Counter-Reformation and, since this is Ireland, political writing. This book not only makes it clear that Ireland was part of the Renaissance but also points out ways in which this "rebirth" was detrimental to the country. Distributed in the US by ISBS. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
