Book 16: Brian Boru and the Battle of Clontarf
16 BRIAN BORU AND THE BATTLE OF CLONTARF Sean Duffy (Ireland, 2013)
Brian Boru (941-1014), who died during the battle of Clontarf, is the most famous of Ireland's High Kings.
In this book, Sean Duffy attempts to find the truth about the Irish king and the fateful battle among the annals that have been left to us, and beyond the enduring image of a "nationalist king" in the Irish consciousness.
Let me tell you, this is not a relaxing read. Half of it is a discussion of Brian Boru's complex genealogy. Needless to say, ancient Irish names are not the easiest to remember! But Duffy's monumental work is essential in giving us an idea of what really happened at Clontarf.
3/5
Brian Boru (941-1014), who died during the battle of Clontarf, is the most famous of Ireland's High Kings.
In this book, Sean Duffy attempts to find the truth about the Irish king and the fateful battle among the annals that have been left to us, and beyond the enduring image of a "nationalist king" in the Irish consciousness.
Let me tell you, this is not a relaxing read. Half of it is a discussion of Brian Boru's complex genealogy. Needless to say, ancient Irish names are not the easiest to remember! But Duffy's monumental work is essential in giving us an idea of what really happened at Clontarf.
3/5