Between A Rock The Man Who Talks To Himself Island Magic

Between A Rock
A Collection of Chuck's prize-winning short stories launched March 2005. Chuck Kruger's new short story collection, Between a Rock, has just been published by Bradshaw Books of Cork. The book's credits give special thanks to the Bryan MacMahon Short Story Competition 2003 (part of the Listowel's Writers' Week Festival), which awarded Chuck's story "Hard Place" 1st prize; to The Dubliner Short Story Contest '02, which awarded "Calling" its overall short story contest winner; to the Cork Literary Review's 2000 & 1998 Short Story Competitions, which awarded "Gas Man" and "Click, Click" first prizes, and "Temper, Temper" second prize in 1999; to the Francis MacManus Short Story Contests of 2001 and 2002 which short-listed "Worm of the Sea" and "Boundaries, Bulls, and Brendans"; and to the Bealtaine Laois Literature Festival 2003 for awarding "King Conger" its second of two prizes. Also thanks to David Marcus, who published "Belated Rite of Passage" in Phoenix Irish Short Stories 1999. Jo Kerrigan, book reviewer for the Irish Examiner, has written that "Kruger is a storyteller in the old tradition. He uses a richly decorated language, reminiscent of James Joyce and Dylan Thomas in its tumbling words and rhythmic repetitions. Each story echoes musically from the page, as if it is being recounted by the fireside on a long winter evening and the subject matter matches the leisurely style. These are not terse accounts of a series of events, but rather peaceful relatings of thoughts, times, and attitudes which bring to life vividly the complexity and richness of Cape Clear, the West Cork island he has made his home for many years. . . . He notices the world around him and describes it with affection and respect. The humour is lively and infectious. . . . Ian Wilde, reviewing Chuck's last collection in The Southern Star, writes that "Above all, one has to admire the sure-footed, confident nature of Kruger's prose. It is immensely solid and well structured. Like a crafted stone wall, it gives the feeling of rugged permanence that will last centuries, however hard the winds blast." Poet and critic Bernard O'Donoghue writes of Chuck's "expansive, exhilarating eloquence"; writer and editor David Marcus of his "outstanding example of the anecdotal story". Of "Gas Man", winner of the Cork Literary Review's Short Story Competition 2000, Judge Marcus says: "Sea and sex, a formidable combination, provide the not always smooth rhythms of Fineen's life, and his difficulty in striking a consistently sustainable tune out of them, makes a story that in its irresistible writing and treatment never strikes a wrong note."

The Man Who Talks To Himself
An International Thriller set on Cape Clear
Dick Hogan, Irish Times, hails the novel as "an epic story of intrigue and greed" and "a ripping read."
Sandra MacLiammoir, Feature Writer for The Southern Star, says in an article on the book & Chuck entitled "Getting to Grips with Evil": "Set in West Cork, mainly on Cape Clear, the story barrels along with much action." Yet this philosophic exploration of evil "is all about being light."
John Greene, County Sound Broadcaster, declares: "This book has everything!" and "is lovely to read.
Clem Cairns, Guest Book Reviewer for The Southern Star, writes, "This is a ripping good yarn. . . . At times you’ll be on the edge of your seat."
Suzanne Crosbie, Book Reviewer for The Examiner, calls the novel "challenging and interesting". "This ‘literary thriller’ operates on many different levels. . . .[and] could be described as a satire -- a tongue-in-cheek look at the action novel."
Paula MacKinnon, Jungian analyst, believes the work "A great read: entertaining and educational!"

Island Magic
A.J. Cotter, Southern Star: 'Kruger writes in a chatty, intimate style, very much in the vein of a storyteller and his boyish delight in the little differences of Cape, make this book a delight. . . .'

Suzanne Crosbie, Irish Examiner: 'This book could well become a classic, or at the very least, an indispensable contribution to island lore.'

Dick Hogan, Irish Times: 'Chuck Kruger is a poet and a writer. . . . The island drew him to it and urged him to put down his thoughts.. . . . [The book]. . . is worth having, if only to enjoy the author's own and very obvious enjoyment at being where he is.'

Condee Reviews: "...apart from being a fascinating and beautifully written book, it is an affirmation of why he is there....This is a little gem of a book."

deals with the island’s history from earliest times. There are chapters on the famine, emigration, population, shipwrecks, daring sea rescues, placenames, folklore and lots more including chapters on East Calf Island and East and West Skeam. The book also contains lots of interesting photographs both in colour and black and white.

Books by Eugene Daly

In 1937-38 children in 5000 Irish National schools collected folklore from their parents, grandparents and neighbours. This was done with the co-operation of the teachers and the Department of Irish Folklore, University College Dublin, where it is now on microfilm. There were six schools in the Kilmacabea/Kilfaughnabeg parish: Kilmacabea, Knockskeagh, Corran, Maulatrahane, Glandore and Reenogreena. The material collected is also on microfilm in Cork County Library, Model Farm Road, Cork. The material collected consists of stories about hidden treasure, ghosts, haunted places, stories of the Fianna, phantom funerals as well as information about famous people such as Fr. John Power, Seán Ó Coileáin (famous hedge school-master and poet), Micheál Chormaic Ó Súilleabháin (poet), William Thompson, known as Ireland’s first socialist. There are stories about the Famine, Mass Rocks, faction fights and boating disasters. We read about customs connected with Christmas, St. Stephen’s Day, Lent, May Day, Halloween, etc; we find old cures, plant lore, superstitions, proverbs, riddles, weather-lore, songs, poems and prayers. As well as the School folklore there is much material collected from Seán Ó hAodha of Cregg, Glandore published in Irish as Seanchas Ó Chairbre. Many extracts have been translated by the author. Interwoven with the folklore the author gives the historical background. We get descriptions of some of the events and characters that shaped the past. There are descriptions of Drombeg Stone Circle, Coppinger’s Court, Myross Wood, Glandore Mines and many other historical places around the parish and much more.

Miriam Dunne's 218 page first novel about a girl growing up in sixties Dublin.

REVIEWS:
"Dazzling first novel. A deft and disturbing fictional debut" - THE TIMES, London.

" A novel that reads like a breath of the freshest air. Hilarious, poignant and truly compassionate" - IT Magazine.

"Genuine wit...this book is utterly readable" - TRIBUNE.

"This is a novel with the delicacy, dash and pace that clearly suggests a fresh new talent" - MAIL ON SUNDAY, London.

"A first novel to be proud of - funny, moving and truthful" - IRELAND ON SUNDAY

"Somewhere between Paddy Clarke Ha, Ha, Ha and Angela's Ashes... a spirited and entertaining read" - INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY, London.

"A wonderful first novel, magically playful, underlaid with a dark wistfulness, and funny enough to make you burst out laughing every few pages" - THE IRISH TIMES.

Spells for Teenage Witches
Presented in a hip, stylish format with full color throughout, Spells for Teenage Witches is a colorful collection of charms, rituals and incantations that conjure up the creative power of young, would-be witches.
Written by the daughter of a white witch, Spells for Teenage Witches features imaginative, easy-to-do spells and incantations that address an array of teenage interests, from that obsessive first crush to the woes of final exams. Using traditional magical talismans—candles, shells, stones and incense—these spells conjure up the mysterious world of the occult with a few everyday objects.
Author Marina Baker offers advice on everything from the proper way to cast a magic circle to the importance of keeping a secret "Book of Shadows." She also reminds teens of the two fundamental laws of witchcraft: Wish no harm to others, and believe that magic is real.
The lively, eye-catching design uses modern-gothic type to present ancient wisdom in a contemporary format. By emphasizing the practice of ritual, meditation and positive affirmations, Spells for Teenage Witches not only opens a door to witchcraft, but also leads the way to self-expression, creativity, and positive self-esteem

Spells for the Witch in You
Modern witchcraft is a far cry from its medieval reputation as a dark, negative force. Today's witches are more likely to be fighting evil than creating it. Marina Baker has put together a collection of spells for the aspiring witch wishing to get in touch with nature and take control of her or his life. If you know nothing about the world's fastest-growing religion, no problem, Marina introduces Wicca and its basic tenets complete with one of the golden rules: respect for the environment and each other. Do not wish harm on others or use the craft purely for your own gain. With the basics under your belt, you can go on to try out the spells. Perhaps you are having a hard time at work and you need the Horrid Boss spell, or maybe you're feeling the stress of naughty children and Tantrum Troubles is just what you need to get your house in order. Whatever your situation Marina has a spell for the witch in you.

Spells For Cats
Cats are mysterious beings. Everyone knows that. But not everyone is aware that our feline friends are extremely responsive to magic spells. Sadly, due to the demands of modern living, these highly spiritual creatures are losing touch with their mystical roots. Spells for Cats offers over 60 spells to help your cat - and you- cope with the rigours of modern living. Is your cat off its food? Does it hate going to the vet? Does it scratch the furniture? Does your cat stray far from the house? Has your cat got fleas? No prior experience of casting spells is needed. Try these spells and you'll soon discover how co-operative cats can be, once you're talking their language. Spells for Cats is colour-illustrated throughout featuring many different breeds of cat making this an ideal gift for cat lovers and those interested in magic. Here are sixty spells to help cats (and their owners) cope with the rigours of modern living. A welcome home spell for a new kitten; a nesting spell for a pregnant cat; spells for sick cats and healthy cats; spells to help the reader commune with their own cats and to deter other cats from their gardens. Whatever is happening in a cat’s life, Daisy Pepper has a spell to help - even if the reader also has a dog.

Marina Baker's Teenage Survival Guide
Perched precariously on the brink of adulthood, it’s little wonder that teenagers wobble occasionally. All that love stuff you deal with, exam stress and rows over what you can and cannot wear. It’s a nightmare. Yet the teenage years are also the stuff of dreams. The first kiss, romance, your whole future a blank canvas on which to paint your destiny. ‘You just have to learn to ride the hormone-fuelled roller coaster with both hands in the air and screaming “Whoopeeee!” ’, says Marina Baker, author of the best-selling Spells for Teenage Witches. In this, her latest book, Marina shows you how. ‘Learn to think for yourself,’ she says. ‘Make the right choices for you and don’t worry if adults sometimes disagree. They’re not always right, you know. In fact, quite often they’re wrong.’ Many of the issues covered in this book are in response to the countless letters and emails she has received from teenagers around the world. ‘Love, friendships, parents and the state of the planet. That’s what matters to young people today.’ Follow Marina’s sound, unpatronising and innovative advice, cast a couple of spells and you too can mend a broken heart, cope with your parents’ divorce, save the world and still be home in time for tea.

Hannah Frank Book
Hannah Frank: The second edition, published in September 2004, has been revised and updated with some previously unknown material including sketches from the artist's diaries and early self-portraits. It has 208 pages and 200+ illustrations. The book is edited by Fiona Frank, and is published by the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre.

Over the 20th Century Glasgow has been the home of significant woman artists producing very personal and individual work in a variety of different media. Among this group is Hannah Frank, whose artistic career spans 75 years. This revised edition, edited by the artist's niece, contains new material and recently discovered illustrations, along with extracts from Hannah Frank's personal diaries and albums - and a full catalogue of her black and white drawings of the 20s and 30s, and her later bronze sculptures.

A Miscellany of Cape Clear Memories
A collaborative project of Cork 2005/ Credit Union Residencies programme which involved Cumann na Croise Deirge Active Retirement Association with co-ordinator Eileen Leonard from Cape Clear Island and actor, storyteller and broadcaster, Nuala Hayes, in collecting and recording the stories, life experiences and oral culture of the island.

Book list (Click on this link and scroll down to find any of the following books)

This book from the pen of Historian Éamon Lankford recounts the known history of St Ciarán, the Patron Saint of Cornwall, Cape Clear Island and the Dioceses of Kilkenny,

Ireland

. St Ciarán was born on the Island in 352 AD, some seventy years before the arrival of St Patrick in

Ireland

and enjoyed a tumultuous and interesting life having journeyed to Rome as a young man. He travelled widely in

Ireland

, Cornwall and Brittany making many converts on his way. The book published in 1999 by Cape Clear Museum Society retails at €6 plus P & P.

Written by Éamon Lankford this is the definitive history of Cape Clear Island divided into chapters according to subject matter and accompanied by a series of interesting photographs and illustrations. It was published by Cape Clear Museum Society in 1995 and retails at €12.75 plus P & P.

Another book by Éamon Lankford it recounts the known history of the O’Driscoll Clan long associated with Cape Clear Island and the nearby islands and mainland. The O’Driscolls were the most powerful seagoing Sept in this region with many historical references form the 12^th century onwards. This will be of interest to all O’Driscoll descendents world wide together with those interested in the history of West Cork generally. Published in 2005 by the Cape Clear Museum Society it is available at a cost of €15 plus P & P.

Published in 2004 to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the present Fastnet Rock Lighthouse and the 25^th anniversary of the tragic Fastnet Race it presents some of the fascinating history associated with this, one of the Worlds most famous light houses. The iconic image of the lighthouse, known as ‘The Lonely Rock’ in Irish is known to many, but its interesting history is less widespread. This interesting tome will suit seafarers and those with a general interest in light houses or the West Cork Area generally. It includes a number of photographs and illustrations. Published by the Cape Clear Island Museum Society it retails at €8 plus P & P.

This book first published in 1973 is regarded as a classic of its genre. Edited by JTR Sharrock it contains extensive material of ornithological and natural history interest together with an interesting history of the Island at that time. Accompanied by superb illustrations by Robert Gilmore and with its excellent prose throughout this publication, has a timeless quality. The book was re published by Comharchumann Chléire Teo in 1999 due to popular demand and is available at a cost of €12.75 plus P & P.

This book edited by Marian Gunn was published in 1990 and includes some of the most valuable and best presented folklore relating to Cape Clear Island. The extent of the archival material relating to the Island is not generally appreciated, this will be a gold mine for students and academics of various disciplines in the future. Marian made a first stab at extracting some of the best material for dissemination to a wider public. The book, entirely in Irish was published by An Clóchomhar Tta and costs .€7 plus P & P.

Damien Enright the author of the critically acclaimed ‘A Place Near Heaven – A Year in West Cork’ and a series of popular walking guides to West Cork and Kerry has recently published ‘Walks of Seven West Cork Islands’ which includes the seven inhabited islands of Oileán Chléire, Dursey, Sherkin, Bere, Long, Whiddy and Heir Islands. The guide includes a detailed walking route for each island with reference to the historical and natural heritage encountered along the way. Damien is renowned for his beautiful prose and this most interesting subject matter is further enlivened by his easy and natural flowing style. It is fortunate that an author of his acclaim has turned his attention to the islands and the result is an attractive and well presented book, meticulous in detail and pleasant to behold. Not least amongst it many attractions are the series of drawings by Christine Thery, a very successful artist who lives on Heir Island. The book is a must for aficionados of the West Cork Islands and is available at all good local outlets as well as emara at a cost of €8 per copy ( P & P extra where relevant)