Ireland of the Welcomes (July 1999)
This is a really big, beautiful, luxurious book! Peter Harbison, an expansive, exuberant, exhilarating man, has treated himself to no less than 140 wonderful colour photographs from some of the world's best photographers and a publisher who believes in making plenty of room for the display of their magnificence. Some of them run over two pages and around corners! As to the matter of the words between the pictures--sure that's no bother to Peter at all. Individual chapters dealing with ancient sites, castles, landscape, gardens, cities and the people, follow a general introduction. "What you see in an Irish person is what you want to see--it depends on where you are coming from." And where you are at the time--and in whose company you happen to be. Peter's company is a treat. The great set pieces amongst the photos get just a few words of identification. "A gathering of gannets on the Saltee islands off the Wexford coast." You would swear that you smell the tang of the sea!
When it comes to a caption for Seamus Heaney's "god-eyed sex-mouthed stone" on Boa Island you are given the benefit of years of scholarship, lightly worn. Recast a month's budget and buy this book.
Darina Molloy, Irish America Magazine (June/July 1999)
It could only be described as a coffee-table book if you're possessed of fairly large coffee tables, but the aptly named Spectacular Ireland is a standout collection in the myriad of pictorial books which tend to propagate at this time of year. The book contains an informative and interesting text by Peter Harbison but it is the panoramic and splendid photography that speaks volumes. Page after page of frame-worthy pictures provide a breathtaking and awe-inspiring look at the hills, villages, cities and glowing country scenes that constitute Ireland.
Angel Lee, Reviews Choice (June 1999)
This is an essential book for anyone of Irish descent or who simply loves and wants to learn more about Ireland. It features brief historical information and many large breathtaking photos on premium glossy stock.
In the Ancient sites section many mysterious tombs with huge rocks are shown. Next, you get a look into Ireland's stone monasteries & abbeys featuring majestic stone crosses. Grand Castles are then explored.
The following sections on Ireland's gardens & landscapes are truly dazzling. The colors are so vibrant they make you feel as if you're there. A few 3-page fold-out panoramas are included.
The sites chapter highlights Ireland's buildings including many impressive photos of doorways, churches, & cityscapes. Lastly, the Irish people are shown playing sports, celebrating holidays, & performing traditional dances & music.