This book maps the history of Irish film censorship from its origins in the 1910s, through to the all-encompassing Censorship of Films Act 1923, the more liberal implementation of screening policies from the late 1960s onwards, and present-day concerns about media proliferation and distribution. Its main focus is on the 1920-70 period, when Irish film censors banned 3,000 films and cut an additional 10,000. The role of political censorship and its effect on television and cinema is examined, as are the more contemporary issues of video classification and debates around the internet and child pornography. Through the examination of over 18,000 of the censors decisions, Kevin Rockett provides an invaluable insight into the cultural geography of Ireland. - Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2005

This miracle of autobiography and prison literature begins: "Friday, in the evening, the landlady shouted up the stairs: 'Oh God, oh Jesus, oh Sacred Heart, Boy, there's two gentlemen here to see you.' I knew by the screeches of her that the gentlemen were not calling to inquire after my health . . . I grabbed my suitcase, containing Pot. Chlor., Sulph Ac, gelignite, detonators, electrical and ignition, and the rest of my Sinn Fein conjurer's outfit, and carried it to the window . . ." The men were, of course, the police, and seventeen-year-old Behan. He spent three years as a prisoner in England, primarily in Borstal (reform school), and was then expelled to his homeland, a changed but hardly defeated rebel. Once banned in the Irish Republic, Borstal Boy is both a riveting self-portrait and a clear look into the problems, passions, and heartbreak of Ireland.

So controversial was Black Girl when it first appeared in 1932 that it provoked public outcry with Shaw decried as a blasphemer. Today, it remains a surprisingly irreverent depiction of the universal search for God. Dissatisfied with the teachings of respectable white missionaries, an African girl embarks upon her own quest for God and Truth. Journeying through the forest, she encounters various religious figures, each one seeking to convert her to their own brand of faith. This brilliantly sardonic allegory showcases some of Shaw's most unorthodox thoughts on religion and race. George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) is best known for his dramatic works, of which Pygmalion is the most famous.

AN AWARD-WINNING AND REMARKABLE IRISH NOVELIST 'This subtle and beautifully constructed novel deals with the conflict between human and divine love' SUNDAY TIMES 'If novels can be music, this is a novel with perfect pitch' CLARE BOYLAN 'A fuller appreciation of modern literature and a greater understanding of twentieth century Ireland' IRISH TIMES Mere Marie-Helene once turned her back on life, sealing up her heart in order to devote herself to God. Now the formidable Mother Superior of an Irish convent, she has, for some time, been experiencing grave doubts about her vocation. But when she meets Anna Murphy, the youngest-ever boarder, the little girl's solemn, poetic nature captivates her and she feels 'a storm break in her hollow heart'. Between them an unspoken allegiance is formed that will sustain each through the years as the Reverend Mother seeks to combat her growing spiritual aridity and as Anna develops the strength to resist the conventional demands of her background.

With over a million copies sold, this classic children's book has helped parents all over the world discuss the birds and the bees—without any nonsense. First published in 1973, Where Did I Come From? has helped generations of parents talk honestly with their children about the intimate world of human sexuality. Told in an age-appropriate voice respectful of young people's natural intelligence and lightheartedly illustrated throughout, Where Did I Come From? creates a safe space where families can learn about the traditional facts of life—from the different parts of the body to orgasm and birth. If you've been wondering how to have this talk with your children, look no further for a trusted resource that will give you the tools you need to share this critical information sensitively and factually. “I give this book top grades for humanness and honesty. Some parents will find that its humorousness helps them over the embarrassment.” —Dr. Spock

A modern Irish classic about the irrepressible Tailor and his wife Ansty. The models for the book were an old couple who lived in a tiny cottage on a mountain road to the lake at Gorigane Barra.

1923 -and Ireland is at war! Government-Free State-forces and Republican volunteers who control Ireland's south, battle to control the country's destiny. In Liam O'Flaherty's novel, "The Martyr" (1933), banned in Ireland, Free State forces land on the Kerry coast and target Tralee, O'Flaherty's "Sallytown". Events around the Free State troop landing and its sequel are seen through the eyes of Sallytown's defenders and its townspeople, clerical and lay. In the author's fictional reconstruction of this real Civil War encounter, professional Free State troops face Sallytown's ill-trained, badly-led and poorly equipped volunteer defenders. The total ineffectuality of Sallytown's Republican leader relates to his obsession with Catholic nationalist ideology. A dialogue between him and a Free State army torturer paves the way for the novel's startling ending.