
Patrick
From Patron Saint to Modern Influencer
Alannah Hopkin(Author)
New Island Books (Publisher)
Published on 17. March 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
312 pages
978-1-84840-888-3 (ISBN)
Description
St Patrick is one of the most famous saints of all time. Thousands of people with no direct Irish connection celebrate St Patrick's Day, parading along the streets of New York, Boston, Chicago, San Antonio, Texas and Sydney, where St Patrick's Day is a national holiday. These celebrations are the latest version of the cult of St Patrick, which has persisted in different forms since his death on 17 March, 462AD.
But who was St Patrick, and how much of what we know about him is fact, how much legend? This book looks at the historical man and the evidence of his writings, the myths and the apocryphal stories, and describes the social changes that led in the 18th century to his emergence as a symbol of Irish nationalism. Patrick: From Patron Saint to Modern Influencer is a fascinating and lively portrait of the man who converted pagan Ireland to Christianity - a fresh, sometimes startling examination of the folklore and traditions that have developed around the saint through the ages.
First published in 1989 in the UK and USA, this fully updated edition features new photographs and illustrations and will be an indispensable companion for anyone seeking to understand the role of St Patrick in forging modern Irish identity.
But who was St Patrick, and how much of what we know about him is fact, how much legend? This book looks at the historical man and the evidence of his writings, the myths and the apocryphal stories, and describes the social changes that led in the 18th century to his emergence as a symbol of Irish nationalism. Patrick: From Patron Saint to Modern Influencer is a fascinating and lively portrait of the man who converted pagan Ireland to Christianity - a fresh, sometimes startling examination of the folklore and traditions that have developed around the saint through the ages.
First published in 1989 in the UK and USA, this fully updated edition features new photographs and illustrations and will be an indispensable companion for anyone seeking to understand the role of St Patrick in forging modern Irish identity.
Reviews / Votes
A readable, beautifully-illustrated book -- Mary Kenny * The Irish Post * An impressive study -- Paul Clements * The Irish Times *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Dublin
Ireland
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Illustrations
Illustrations, color
Dimensions
Height: 214 mm
Width: 134 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Weight
499 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84840-888-3 (9781848408883)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
03/2023
New Island Books
€7.19
Available for download
Person
Alannah Hopkin is based in southwest Ireland. She writes both fiction and non-fiction, and has written extensively on Ireland for Fodor's, Berlitz and Insight Guides. Her latest story collection is The Dogs of Inishere (2017). She is the author of five non-fiction books, most recently, A Very Strange Man: A Memoir of Aidan Higgins (New Island, 2021).
alannahhopkin.com
@alannahhopkin
alannahhopkin.com
@alannahhopkin