Gerry Smyth Knihy

Focusing on the concept of 'space,' this book explores its significance in contemporary Irish cultural, literary, and historical studies. It highlights the growing interest in spatial analysis within modern criticism and the establishment of Irish studies as a vital academic discipline. The work features a theoretical introduction and detailed case studies, while also incorporating an auto-critical perspective that connects to local history and life-writing, enriching its scholarly contributions.

This expanded edition delves into the complexities of ethnicity, presenting it as a fluid and evolving element of social interactions. Through a comprehensive analysis, it explores how ethnic identities are formed, transformed, and influenced by various social contexts. The book offers insights into the interplay between ethnicity and factors such as culture, politics, and economics, making it a vital resource for understanding contemporary social dynamics and the role of ethnicity in shaping human experiences.

Focusing on the evolution of modern Ireland, this book explores the cultural landscape through the lens of music from 1964 to 2004. It features essays on forty-one significant songs, each representing a year, alongside photographs of artists and relevant cultural moments. Key musicians such as U2, The Corrs, Thin Lizzy, Van Morrison, and Sinead O'Connor are highlighted, providing insight into how their work reflects the societal changes of the time.

Passed down in the oral tradition and sung traditionally as working songs, sea shanties tell the human stories of life at sea: hard graft, battling the elements, the loss of ships or pining for a lady on shore. Acclaimed shanty devotee Gerry Smyth presents the background to each shanty alongside musical notation.

Exploring the intersection of music and Irish identity, Gerry Smyth examines how popular music reflects and shapes cultural identity amid significant societal changes. The book delves into the impact of technological advancements and the economic downturn following the 'Celtic Tiger,' which contributed to a crisis in national identity. It offers valuable insights for those interested in popular music, cultural studies, and contemporary Irish society, making it a crucial resource in understanding the evolving narrative of Ireland in the twenty-first century.

Exploring the profound influence of music and sound in James Joyce's works, this book delves into how auditory elements shape his narratives and characters. It examines Joyce's innovative use of rhythm, melody, and sound patterns, revealing their significance in conveying themes and emotions. By analyzing various texts, the author highlights the interplay between literature and music, offering insights into Joyce's creative process and the cultural context of his time. This study appeals to scholars and enthusiasts of Joyce, literature, and music alike.

Argues that modern Irish history encompasses a deep-seated fear of betrayal, and that this fear has been especially prevalent throughout Irish society since the revolutionary period at the outset of the twentieth century. -- .

Gerry Smyth has gathered together myths and folktales from cultures around the world - Native American, Caribbean, Polynesian, Persian, Indian, Scandinavian and European.