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…

Our regular reviewers share with readers their choice of books which most impressed them in the last year. The prices quoted are the publishers’ recommended prices, and may vary from source to source.

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…

Paddington Bear

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

Anthony Redmond Mother Teresa was being  interviewed on a particular occasion on TV and there was a break for advertisements for various inessential, unimportant things. “I see that Christ is needed in television studios,” she muttered. Malcolm Muggeridge said about her, “she sees in each sorrowing, suffering human being neither a body surplus to a population…

Sean Ryan Anthologies are a great way to be introduced to a writer, as the editor’s job is to highlight the best of the author/columnist/essayist within the pages of a single book. In this case, it is the sermons of Australian Cardinal George Pell, and he has been well served by his editor, Tess Livingstone, who…