happythoughts 0 #1 March 3, 2005 Cahill How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe Author: Thomas Cahill Anyone who has ever read the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov will appreciate this book. The period of barbarism followed by the re-growth into civilization. During the Dark Ages in Europe, roving bands burned libraries and barbarism ruled. In Ireland, groups of monks copied texts and cultivated learning. QuoteWith the return of stability in Europe, these Irish scholars were instrumental in spreading learning. Thus the Irish not only were conservators of civilization, but became shapers of the medieval mind, putting their unique stamp on western culture. Interesting read. Everyone thinks of St Patricks day as a party day. You have to pause and pay a little respect to the scholars who were revered throughout Europe. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaerock 1 #2 March 3, 2005 I've read all of the above. All most excellent reads. One of the most interesting points I found about Cahill's book is how the Irish monks were at odds with the Catholic church and the church's amassing of political and economic power in Europe during that time. Good stuff. -Rory You be the king and I'll overthrow your government. --KRS-ONE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katiebear21 0 #3 March 3, 2005 Bill, that's deep for Bonfire... very deep. I've read some Asimov but it's been ages... Katie Get your PMS glass necklace here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #4 March 4, 2005 QuoteBill, that's deep for Bonfire... very deep. I've read some Asimov but it's been ages... Interesting though. The whole idea of the Foundation series was that there were matheticians predicting the collapse of the empire from civilization into a period of barbarism. They predicted that it would last 1,000 years, so they tried to tweak events, behind the scenes, to shorten that time. The Irish scholars copied many documents that were destroyed in European libraries. Thus, they were able to keep them safe and re-introduce them later. Thus, the parallel in the story. History always speaks of the Vandal hordes sweeping across eastern Europe. I always wondered if they looted and pillaged or just, being vandals, knocked down the principals mailbox. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mcneill79 0 #5 March 4, 2005 Thanks for reminding me of that book. My mom has it and I've always wanted to read it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrewwhyte 1 #6 March 7, 2005 Quote Interesting read. Everyone thinks of St Patricks day as a party day. You have to pause and pay a little respect to the scholars who were revered throughout Europe. St. Patrick was English. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob.dino 1 #7 March 7, 2005 Welsh. But, so? What's that got to do with anything? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
