17 Aug 2017

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.


9 comments:

Brian Joseph said...

This sounds really good. It reminds me of The National Geographic pieces that I read when I was younger. I need to get back to reading some of this stuff.

Mary (Bookfan) said...

I've only seen the photos my daughter took while visit the Giant's Causeway. Very cool.

Barbara said...

Hi Tracy, we visited Antrim, and the Giant’s Causeway last year and found the tale of Finn MacCool (as told by our coach driver) fascinating. It is well worth a visit if you ever get the chance.
I didn't know this book was available so thank you for the information. Have a good rest of the week.

Kelly said...

I love geography, so this sounds very interesting. It's always an added bonus to have good myths and legends to go along with the topography.

I'll have to look for photos of this online.

Literary Feline said...

I have never heard of the Giant's Causeway, and had to look it up. That's quite a place! Geology and geography were never my strong suits. I find it much more interesting now--especially when history and legends are involved. I am glad you liked this one, Tracy!

Suko said...

Tracy, I had never heard of the Giant’s Causeway before. Now, I am fascinated. Excellent post!

Anonymous said...

Tracy,
I love myths and legends, but I had
not heard of the Giant's Causeway
yet. But from your review this sounds
like a very interesting book and I will
add it to my list.
Raven

Melliane said...

Oh I didn't know about this one

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

This is somewhere I'd love to visit :)