THE GIANT'S CAUSEWAY: AND THE NORTH ANTRIM COAST.

A natural phenomenon that fascinates me. On a recent visit to Northern Ireland Mr T was lucky enough to visit, bringing me back this book ...

THE GIANT'S CAUSEWAY: AND THE NORTH ANTRIM COAST by PHILIP WATSON.

BACK COVER BLURB: With a wealth of recent research into the landscape, history, folklore, wildlife and underwater world, this fully updated and extended edition of The Giant's Causeway is the definitive guide to one of Ireland's most fascinating natural and cultural wonders.

The Giant's Causeway on Ireland's north Antrim coast is a place where myth and science meet. For over 300 years visitors have pondered the choice between giants and geology.

From tales of the Irish giant, Finn MacCool, and his building of the huge stone causeway, to the ancient and mysterious cooling of lava to form the basalt columns, The Giant's Causeway takes the reader on an illustrated tour of the history, folklore, people, geology, wildlife, and stunning landscape of this unique place.

FIRST SENTENCE {INTRODUCTION: WELCOMING THE WORLD}: Where the north coast of Ireland faces the Atlantic Ocean, with Scotland visible across the water on clear days, a huge pavement of symmetrical columns of a dark rock called basalt descends from the base of high cliffs into the water.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Because of the nature of the book I'm unable to supply my Memorable Moment in full but suffice to say it concerns the myth of two rival giants, the Irish Finn MacCool and the Scottish, Benandonner. TT

SOURCE: A gift from Mr T.

READ FOR: Not applicable.

MY THOUGHTS: I hold my hands up, Geography/Geology was never my favourite subject at school so if ever it was covered I certainly never took any real interest in the miracle that is the Giant's Causeway.

However the merest whisper of a giant (let alone two) and I'm all ears so as you can imagine the story of Finn MacCool having a spot of bother with his Scottish neighbour, the giant Benadonner, which resulted in the myth of how the Causeway came to be totally fascinated me. 

With, amongst others, chapter headings such as .. 

• 'From the Myths and Legends: Facts and Fiction' 
•  'Landscape and Wildlife' 
•  'Making a Living: Local Life and Natural Resources'
•  'Shore, Sea and Shipwrecks: Above and Below the Waves' ...

AND topics that include everything from 

• The myths that precede science
• The local industries over the years such as smuggling, mining and farming 
• Details of the various Causeway walks and what you might expect to see ... and so much more 

The Giant's Causeway is a highly readable and informative read with some truly amazing photographs of this natural and cultural phenomenon.