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Ireland: A Luminous Beauty: A Luminous Beauty
Island light is magical. And none more so than Ireland's. Ireland's light floods the landscape, luring the senses with a restless presence. The water surrounding and carving through the island reflects back to us the ever-changing movement of the wind-blown clouds and light. Stop for a minute and the settings what was straight is bent, light is dark, still is in motion. It is as though an unseen hand directs the wind, the clouds, and the light to harness our attention.
A Luminous Beauty is a collection of stunning full-color photographs by some of Ireland's finest landscape photographers with concise text blending history, myth, and a sense of place. Many of the photographs were taken in the early morning light or as the sun set. That hour after sunrise and before sunset, with the sun low in the sky, is known to photographers as the golden hour and favored for its soft, diffused light.
We take a journey to one of the most beautiful places in the world. From the ancient stone monuments of the Boyne Valley to the treacherous stone steps of Skellig Michael; from the distinctive columns of the Giant's Causeway and the spectacularly sited Dunluce Castle ruins to lush, green countryside and fields of heather; from the limestone of the Burren (the rockiest part of Ireland) to exuberant stretches of flowers and gardens; from a moody sea and crashing surf to massive stone cliffs battered by the relentless pounding of the waves, and from steely rivers to tranquil lakes, it's all here.
The Irish respond to this dramatic environment by transforming it into one that solidifies and enriches their own sense of place. We all have this instinct to create our own space, but the Irish have made an art of it. Through the ancient, natural, and cultivated landscapes, surrounded by history and legend, we discover and celebrate the spirit of Ireland and its luminous beauty.
A Luminous Beauty is a collection of stunning full-color photographs by some of Ireland's finest landscape photographers with concise text blending history, myth, and a sense of place. Many of the photographs were taken in the early morning light or as the sun set. That hour after sunrise and before sunset, with the sun low in the sky, is known to photographers as the golden hour and favored for its soft, diffused light.
We take a journey to one of the most beautiful places in the world. From the ancient stone monuments of the Boyne Valley to the treacherous stone steps of Skellig Michael; from the distinctive columns of the Giant's Causeway and the spectacularly sited Dunluce Castle ruins to lush, green countryside and fields of heather; from the limestone of the Burren (the rockiest part of Ireland) to exuberant stretches of flowers and gardens; from a moody sea and crashing surf to massive stone cliffs battered by the relentless pounding of the waves, and from steely rivers to tranquil lakes, it's all here.
The Irish respond to this dramatic environment by transforming it into one that solidifies and enriches their own sense of place. We all have this instinct to create our own space, but the Irish have made an art of it. Through the ancient, natural, and cultivated landscapes, surrounded by history and legend, we discover and celebrate the spirit of Ireland and its luminous beauty.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published October 21, 2014
6 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 21, 2020
Not quite the form I expected
Ever listened to audio tour guide? Go to many museums? This is like going to a museum and reading the text of every single object in order. It gets to run together. The pictures aren't prominent enough, and I felt no artistic emotional response.
Ever listened to audio tour guide? Go to many museums? This is like going to a museum and reading the text of every single object in order. It gets to run together. The pictures aren't prominent enough, and I felt no artistic emotional response.
October 8, 2014
I have to admit- I am a sucker for large "coffee table" books. I have a particular fondness for anything published by DK or any books about places I would love to visit, or have visited. So this book by Peter Harbison is already at an advantage when I received it- it's about Ireland, land of my forefathers (well, technically one forefather- I mean foremother. Is that a word?) Ireland is one of those places that seems at one exotic and old world at the same time. The pictures in the book are stunning. Color leaps off the page and the landscapes beckon me to come and visit for myself. As if I needed the encouragement.
The book focuses on photographs done in different light situations: dawn, dusk, midday- etc- all from several different Irish photographers. It is interesting to see Ireland through their eyes. I am very delighted with this book and can't praise its beautiful photos enough. For anyone who loves photography, Ireland or is a fellow sucker for the "coffee table" genre, this would be a welcome addition to your table. 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the publisher through Goodreads.com.
The book focuses on photographs done in different light situations: dawn, dusk, midday- etc- all from several different Irish photographers. It is interesting to see Ireland through their eyes. I am very delighted with this book and can't praise its beautiful photos enough. For anyone who loves photography, Ireland or is a fellow sucker for the "coffee table" genre, this would be a welcome addition to your table. 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the publisher through Goodreads.com.
January 16, 2015
Goodreads winner.
Beautiful coffee table book of Ireland . The photography is extraordinary and expresses the theme of the book which is seeing Ireland in various forms of light. Many of the extremely impressive images were taken in the photographers golden hour at daybreak or sundown. Some of these stunning photos were actually taken at both times of day showing a completely contrasting different feel for the same image. A magnificent compilation of exquisitely beautiful pictures on heavy glossy stock. All of the photos have very good descriptions by Peter Harbison a renowned archeologist and art historian.
Beautiful coffee table book of Ireland . The photography is extraordinary and expresses the theme of the book which is seeing Ireland in various forms of light. Many of the extremely impressive images were taken in the photographers golden hour at daybreak or sundown. Some of these stunning photos were actually taken at both times of day showing a completely contrasting different feel for the same image. A magnificent compilation of exquisitely beautiful pictures on heavy glossy stock. All of the photos have very good descriptions by Peter Harbison a renowned archeologist and art historian.
November 20, 2014
Gloriously illuminated with scenes of natural and manmade beauty, the photography in this book strengthens the call to all who have ever desired to visit the Emerald Isle, be they Irish at heart or by blood. Each image is savored for its intensity of light and color, as well as the sense of history, place, and emotion of a people long connected with the ebb and flow of ocean and river, cloud and sun, rock and flower portrayed. Received free of charge through Goodreads First Reads.
March 18, 2015
A beautiful illustration of Ireland with detailed text enlightening the history and scenery of the country.It's wonderful to have this book on my coffee table and to be able to browse at will. Not being able to psychically travel abroad, it's wonderful to have the high definition photographs and illuminating descriptions of the various views. From the ancient Celts to the modern countryside and even touches on the Book of Kells.
March 31, 2025
Read in preparation for our trip to Ireland. Wonderful pictures and good information.
October 20, 2014
Beautiful hard-cover book with lots of great photographs of Ireland taken by the author. Most of the pictures are of landscape & especially sunsets in the region. The write-ups give a better understanding of where each picture was taken and what is around there. Before receiving the book I thought it would be more about the people and culture but the scenic pictures are a neat way to view the country, different from what most other publishers would design their books like.
October 6, 2014
I enjoy looking at pictures of Ireland.
This book has lots of beautiful ones.
Nice coffee table book.
But I must say that there are a lot of books with beautiful pictures of Ireland.
Maybe it is time for a change, lets see some of the people and everyday life and struggles.
This book has lots of beautiful ones.
Nice coffee table book.
But I must say that there are a lot of books with beautiful pictures of Ireland.
Maybe it is time for a change, lets see some of the people and everyday life and struggles.
January 24, 2015
I won this in a goodreads giveaway and Im so glad I did the pictures in the book are amazing the colors really pop off the page and the text is enlightening. I would recommend this for anyone who appreciates great photography or has an interest in Ireland.
October 7, 2014
Beautiful pictures. The information is great. It makes you want to jump on a plane and go to IRELAND!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews