J.M. Synge paints a very moving picture of the reality of life in the west of Ireland. He admires the simplicity of the people's character, their skill in many and varied crafts and their readiness to face risks and danger without any show of bravado. Synge's sympathy and delight with whatever was traditional enriches every page of this book. As we visit the Aran Islands, Spiddal, Carraroe, Ballina, Belmullet, and the inner lands of Mayo we frequently hear beautiful and striking phrases as we meet fiery peasants in their cottages. ""Classic travel essays chronicle the harsh, dignified lives of the region's Gaelic-speaking inhabitants. . . vividly evoking a world of poverty, isolation and endurance."" - New York Times Book Review
