"The Irish is Andrew M. Greeley's heartwarming clebration of the Irish spirit. From his native Chicago the author travels across the United States to capture the Irish-American character and journeys to the towns and countryside of Ireland to discover the source of the Irish spirit. With him we embrace the trials of history and the glories of a land that have together created this race of mystics and dreamers, talkers and writers, and lovers and friends. Essential to understanding the Irish chararcter, Greeley tells us, is knowing that "these folk believe in the triumph of life." And it is their very abundant love of life that shines through in Greeley's photographs and text. Focusing on the beautiful and distinctive Irish face, Greeley's camera captures the spirit of Irish Americans and native Irish at their sports and games, family gatherings and parties, and parades and picnics. Greeley's text also reflects this same Irish zest for living, incorporating traditional and contemporary Irish sayings, proverbs, poems, and stories-- as well as his own blessings and keen observations of Irish history and character." --Inside dust jacket.