How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe

How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe cover
Good Books rating 2.5
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  • ID: 6693
  • Added: 2025-11-27
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
informative 4.00

The book provides a detailed introduction to the historical context, with nearly half the content dedicated to setting the scene. The narrative is engaging and informative, offering a unique perspective on a pivotal period in history.

The reviewer appreciates the depth of historical context provided in the book, noting that nearly half of it is dedicated to setting the stage for the events described. They find the narrative engaging and informative, highlighting the book's ability to shed light on a crucial but often overlooked period in history. The reviewer also commends the author's ability to make complex historical events accessible and compelling to a wide audience.


Quick quotes

    Cahill spends a good portion of the book introducing readers to the world in which all this happened.

    Nearly half the book, in fact, is dedicated to setting the scene.

    The narrative is engaging and informative, offering a unique perspective on a pivotal period in history.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2010-04-09
boring 1.00

The book was found to be boring, with the reviewer struggling to finish it. Despite the criticism, the reviewer acknowledges the historical significance of the subject matter.

The reviewer found the book to be quite boring and had a hard time getting through it. They admit that the subject matter is historically significant but feel that the execution fell short of capturing their interest. The reviewer suggests that the book might appeal more to those with a specific interest in the period or a strong inclination towards historical non-fiction.


Quick quotes

    This book bored me. There, I said it.

    Perhaps the most damning phrase a reader may utter of any book.

    That I persevered is more due to the historical significance of the subject matter than any enjoyment I derived from reading it.

Ostgardr · Richard the Poor · 1997-03-27
incomplete 2.50

The book is not bad but feels incomplete, focusing heavily on the biographies of a few key figures. The historical material presented is engaging but leaves the reader wanting more.

The reviewer feels that the book is not bad but is somewhat incomplete. They note that much of the historical material is presented through the biographies of a few key figures, which can make the narrative feel narrow. Despite this, the reviewer finds the historical material engaging and appreciates the book's attempt to highlight a significant period in history. They suggest that the book could benefit from a broader scope and more detailed analysis.


Quick quotes

    It's not that the book is bad; it's just that it's incomplete.

    Much of the historical material is presented through biographies of a few key figures.

    The book could benefit from a broader scope and more detailed analysis.

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