For the Love of Ireland

In For the Love of Ireland: A Literary Companion for Readers and Travelers, Susan Cahill (editor of the anthology Desiring Italy) pairs more than 60 writings (by over 40 authors) with geographic, sociological, literary, cultural and practical information. Pieces by Joyce, Roddy Doyle, Yeats, Edna O'Brien, Seamus Heaney and others are followed by Cahill's explications of the works' diverse settings, references, characters and events. Cahill includes travel guide details, such as the current schedule for the ferry that Sean O'Faolain described 50 years ago in An Irish Journey. Driven by literary enthusiasm rather than travel needs, the book suggests jaunts in 16 counties. (Mar.)