It is rare that a new novel’s content lives up to the blurb on the jacket: “a must-read for any true crime fan”, we are told here, but in this case it is all that, and more!
Book Reviews
Small’s ‘Sketch’ of Newry
The enforced emigration of Ireland’s life blood over centuries, which came to a head during and after the Great Famine (1845-1851) is one of the reasons for the huge Irish worldwide diaspora and the fairly ludicrous situation that by far the greater part of people of Irish descent do not and never have lived on the island.
Book Launch
The launch of “Dwelling Place of Dragons” by Marjorie Harshaw Robie will take place in Newry Arts Centre on Tuesday 6th March at 7.30pm.
Encyclopaedia of Ireland
Professor Lindsay Proudfoot is responsible for the Newry entry in the otherwise wonderful reference work, The Encyclopaedia of Ireland (Gill & Macmillan 2003).
Dwelling Place of Dragons
The author and historian Majorie Harshaw Robie is due to visit Ireland on the 26th November 2006 to launch her book “Dwelling Place of Dragons“. The book centres on the 19th Century lives of local men James Harshaw, John Martin and George Henderson. There is more information about these men on the Harshaw Martin Heritage Trail website.
We have not had a chance to review the book as it is not yet launched but the publishers description is shown below.
Publishers Description: Ten years in the making, author Marjorie Harshaw Robie’s impressive Dwelling Place of Dragons recounts two of the most formative decades in Irish history. It reveals how a few brave members of the Protestant community of Ulster joined the Catholic population in the struggle to gain independence from repressive English control. Her unique perspective tells Ireland’s incredible story through the eyes of three remarkable, very unique men: James Harshaw, the Irish nationalist; Harshaw’s nephew John Martin, who fought to achieve independence from England; and George Henderson, who became editor of one of the most influential newspapers in all of Ulster. Unlike John and James, George was a supporter of British control. From a conference in 1830 where religious peace was declared to the murders and riots and the great Irish famine, author Robie delves deep into Irish history, exploring the tensions that led a peaceful country into sectarian war. Extensively researched, Dwelling Place of Dragons explores the dangers that can occur when one religion runs a country.
Robie’s book is also deeply personal. She searched for and finally found all six volumes of Harshaw’s incredible diaries, and balanced them with the character of George Henderson, who represented the majority opinion of Irish Protestants. These three men and the motives that moved them are brought back into the limelight in a book of rare historical importance.
The Craic: Mark McCrum
Well yes, I do know! Never, ever judge the book by the cover!
This time I failed miserably. I was tempted and succumbed.
Art Bennett: History of Ireland
Further to that photocopied letter of Art Bennett’s that Tom McKeown found among his papers – a story we published here last month.
History Tomorrow
We have recently highlighted the release of “History Tomorrow” a new collection of short stories and poems by local writer Sean Maguire.
Sean has informed us that he has received a favourable response to the book. The book contains short stories and poems which focus heavily on the ‘troubles’ and the peace process.
The book is now on sale at Easons in the Buttercrane Centre in Newry.
The book retails at
Flight of the Earls: McCavitt
The McCavitts of Derrybeg Park are a formidable family indeed in the recent history of Newry. Eileen, the mother has sadly passed on but Dominic is still your friendly, perennial Man About Town. Their children have given them great cause for pride.