I Never Knew That About Ireland
by Christopher Winn, illustrations by Mai Osawa
Published by Thomas Dunne Books
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Reviewed by Yuka Mizushima
This is a different kind of travel book. Not a guidebook in the Frommer’s or Lonely Planet tradition, but just as valuable for learning more about the country of Ireland. This book covers the four province of Ireland: Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster. Each county within the four provinces are featured. At the end of each section there is an “I Never Knew That…” section. Some things that I bet you never knew about Ireland:
- In 1822, Richard Martin put through Parliament the first Animal Rights Bill and two years later founded the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
- Rosslare has an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes of sunshine every day. (Living in Washington State, that sounds like paradise!)
- You have heard of Stonehenge but did you know that the Grange Stone Circle is made up of 113 stones and is the largest prehistoric stone circle in Ireland (it dates from around 2000 BC).
- The DeLorean (the famous car from Back to the Future) was built in Ireland and caught the eye of Hollywood producers.
- Sophie Pierce was the first woman to make a parachute jump, the first person in the world to fly solo from Cape Town to London and the first woman in Ireland and Britain to gain a commercial pilot’s license. Unfortunately she fell out of a tram and was killed.
Winn has written a book with a warm personable tone. I felt as if I were listening to a fun friend who loved Ireland and knew neat trivia about each region. There is something for everyone as there are facts and stories about famous people, true crime, myths and inventions. Although color photos would have been nice, the numerous black and white sketches add charm to this book.
Winn is a writer, quiz master and producer for theater and television. He has also written I Never Knew That books about England, Scotland, Wales and London.
Armchair Interviews says: A wonderful book for trivia buffs and armchair travelers!
Author’s Web site: http://www.i-never-knew-that.com