This latest book from Maurice Curtis combines a story of a changing Dublin with a story of music, as seen through the eyes of a young person growing up in the city. In this fascinating saga, we discover a city full of history, mystery, mayhem and magic and catch a flavour of what makes Dublin unique.
In a voyage of discovery and adventure, we visit the iconic areas of The Liberties, Monto, Temple Bar and a place called Hell. Walking down memory lane, we visit ‘the Tivo’, The Pillar, the Theatre Royal, the Zhivago, the Dandelion Market, Reed’s Cutlers, the ‘Bots’ the ‘Fifteen Acres’, the home of the ‘Black Stuff’ and the ‘City of the Dead’.
Famous characters include Zozimus – ‘The Blind Bard of the Liberties’; Dean Swift – ‘The Monarch of the Liberties’; Rosie of Moore Street, ‘Sticky Fingers Brabazon’, ‘Dublin’s Invisible Prince’, Bang Bang, Spud Murphy, ‘the Shaking Hand of Dublin’, Lugs, Darkey Kelly, the Diceman, Piano Mary, Lily of the Lamplight, Johnny Fortycoats and Biddy Mulligan – the Pride of the Coombe.
Every street tells a story and every stone sings a song. Music is at the heart and soul of Dublin, woven into its life, landscape and fabric. From Molly Malone to Mise Éire, many memorable songs and genres of music are included – signposts to time and tide.
MAURICE CURTIS is an Historian, Novelist and author of 20 books on and about Ireland. Some of his best-sellers include THE LIBERTIES IN DUBLIN – Steps, Stones and Stories; TO HELL OR MONTO – The Story of Dublin’s Most Notorious Districts; THE LITTLE BOOK OF RATHMINES and SONGS AND STRINGS – An Odyssey Through Music.
Joe O’Malley –
A thoroughly enjoyable read on Dublin’s illustrious history and the story of its music to boot! Highly recommended and one of the best (if not most unusual) books on the city in recent times.
Jean Burns –
Very interesing take on the story of Dublin and a gripping page-turner. Touches on many to the infamous spots including the City of the Dead, a place called HELL, the infamous Monto, as well as the Liberties. Held well together with a story of discovery and survival. Dublin like we’ve never seen it!
Maggie Cross –
Thoroughly enjoyable read. Nice to discover something different on Dublin and its music.