Molly Keane, the distinguished novelist, describes her life in Ireland as a long love affair. Here she has collected the very best in Irish verse and prose, both the famous and the less well known. Whether it is Elizabeth Bowen on the country house, Trollope on hospitality, musings on the magical colours of the wind, or a recipe for moss pudding, these pieces capture the romantic, elusive Irish character, reflect the richness of the culture and paint a picture of ‘the struggle and the glory’ of life in Ireland throughout history. Molly Keane has been helped with her selection by her daughter, Sally Phipps. Although born into diverse times, their views of Ireland often overlap, sometimes take on complementary shades of difference. Illustrated with Bob O’Cathail’s bold and beautiful linocuts, this classic anthology is a deeply personal and moving tribute to a great country. ‘So entertaining it might do some good, spread knowledge of a near country that too many English people shy away from’P.J. KAVANAGH, 'Oldie' ‘Packed with the more funny, tough and unexpected viewpoints of Irish life’AISLING FOSTER, 'Times Literary Supplement'