How the Irish saved civilization

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Thomas Cahill

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NATIONAL BESTSELLER • This captivating narrative reveals Ireland's crucial role in preserving Western culture during the Dark Ages. While millions celebrate St. Patrick's Day, few recognize his profound influence on civilization's history. Beyond introducing Christianity to Ireland, he fostered literacy and learning, transforming the nation into "the isle of saints and scholars" and safeguarding Western culture amid barbarian invasions. The author narrates the evolution of Europe from the classical age of Rome to the medieval era, emphasizing that without Ireland, this transition would have been impossible. Irish monks and scribes meticulously copied manuscripts of both pagan and Christian texts, preserving the essence of Western civilization while libraries on the continent vanished. Their unique Irish perspective enriched the cultural landscape, contributing to the vibrancy associated with medieval culture. As culture was reintroduced to Europe, it was Ireland that nurtured its growth. In the spirit of Barbara Tuchman's A Distant Mirror, this book reconstructs a pivotal yet overlooked era, essential for understanding our cultural heritage, all while delivering its insights with a playful wit that embodies the spirit of the unsung Irish who revitalized civilization.