Criticism & Theory, British & Irish, Bibliographies & Indexes, Travel, English Literature 

This guide-the first ever attempt to provide a comprehensive reference book on Irish travel literature-marks a fascinating opportunity to explore previously unavailable information on a rich and diverse area.The author's extensive research covers all aspects of Irish travel over the last eight centuries; entries range from simple descriptions of journeys through Irish towns and countryside, written for the information of others, through private writings such as Mary Granville's seventeenth century account of a trip to Galway. Some entries gain added historical and literary interest from the fact that they are taken from the journals and letters of well-known historical figures such as John Wesley, William Wordsworth and Mary Wolstencraft. Wherever possible, the author has indicated the writers' itineraries, thus placing the entries in a more specific context. The guide also includes an unprecedented look at the tradition and content of tourist guides to Ireland, providing an important opportunity to examine outside perceptions of Ireland in a new light.Written in a style easily accessible to both general and academic interests, this guide provides a long-overdue contribution to th ebody of cultural, historical and social knowledge available in Ireland today. - from Amzon