Ireland has a history seemingly as old as the sea itself, and just as tumultuous. Told in a glorious, overwhelming, and sensual tone, The Story of the Irish Race traces the roots of this fabulous and nimble people. MacManus does not stop with genealogy research; he delves into the evolution of the modern Irish character, explaining how Irish Catholic saints gave rise to feminism and the poet class inspired the legal wrangling of lawyers. Yet with a Stephen King-like lure, he also describes beheadings, royal strife and the potato famine. As you surrender to the history’s charms, it takes you on a voyage of its own. Drawing on many influences from ancient Irish poets to modern historians, the writer sets sail towards the twentieth century, pointing out the landmarks of Irish history like some ocean-going tour guide.