The principle of freedom of expression – which has been violently attacked and vigorously defended over recent days – depends very much on the ability, not of those in the media, but of ordinary people, to express themselves well and clearly. Freedom of expression is not just for writers and cartoonists, for politicians and pontiffs…

There was little generosity in the early days of the Irish Free State

‘It is a complicated scene, and one largely unfamiliar to western Catholics’, writes Peter Costello

It is often said that the modern way of celebrating Christmas derives from Charles Dickens and the publication of his short book A Christmas Carol on December 19, 1843. But as is so often the case, when we look into it, the matter is more complicated. Traditions do not have a simple origin, though in…

A selection of titles for adults, both secular and religious, fort he Christmas season

The Miracle of the Myrrh by Marci Alborghetti illustrated by Hervé Blondon Winslow House International, €13.50/£10.70) Though not exactly a new book, this illustrated tale of the first Christmas has provided many families with just the right kind of text to read together and to explore the true meaning of Christmas from a Christian point…

The Homesman by Glendon Swarthout (Simon & Schuster, €9.99/£7.99)

Paddington Bear

by Rónán Johnston (Goodnewsbooks.net/What’s Your Story, price not supplied)