Ireland's ancient books are among the most fascinating and beautiful in the world but, with the exception of the magnificent Book of Kells, little is known about them. Michael Slavin lifts these ancient volumes from the obscurity of library and museum vaults to bring them into the public domain for the first time. The Ancient Books of Ireland describes precious manuscripts that have survived for centuries. Slavin reveals not only their fascinating contents but their intriguing histories. Among the most important manuscripts described are : * The sixth-century Cathach, the oldest Irish book in the world, which was carried into battle at the head of the O'Donnell armies of Ulster. * The ninth-century Book of Armagh, which contains the earliest accounts of St Patrick's coming to Ireland and was once pawned for $10 by a British spy. * The eleventh-century Book of the Dun Cow, the earliest surviving copy of Ireland's most revered stories and legends, which has been held for ransom and caused the battle between the Donegal O'Donnells and the O'Connors of Connaught. The Ancient Books of Ireland is lavishly illustrated with fine examples of classic scripts and illuminations.