Customer Reviews (1)

His Irish-language work
This little volume includes Behan's Irish-language writings: the poems and the original Irish-language version of The Hostage. Declan Kiberd tells about the background of Behan's Irish-language work in an introductoryessay in English, parts of which later found their way into Kiberd's greatanalysis of modern Irish literature, Inventing Ireland.

The Irish texthas NOT been annotated or explained in any way. This might disappoint thelearner who - seeing the English-only cover - buys the book expecting anannotated "easy-reader". One poem is in two languages,though.

Behan's poems are not always excellent Irish; manyare, though;and in the play, he shows amazing mastery of many nuances dificult for alearner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A real gem by one of Ireland's greatest writers
This book is a real gem! Part crime novel, part picaresque, partslapstick, "The Scarperer" is a great introduction to BrendanBehan.All of his major themes and running jokes are distilled here intoone very funny, very readable package.This is a wicked and wildly comicbook whose humor and brisk pace mask serious moral and political themes.This is a great book.If you like Frank or Malachai McCourt, this book isfor you.I cannot reccomend it more highly! ... Read more

Product Description
The adventures of three king's sons, who are challenged to find the source of the heavenly music heard throughout the kingdom, include encounters with hospitable old men, a captured maiden, lots of food, and a fierce giant with an appetite for princes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very cute
I bought this for my son and was very glad I did. It's an adventure tale of a prince who must defeat a giant. The pictures are lush and beautiful, and it's delightfully written with great descriptions.

enchanting--a favorite for months and months
My first-grader loves this book, we can't read it enough. My 3-year old sits by, spellbound, and sometimes I find him looking through the pictures on his own. I found this at the library, and we had to renew it so many times I finally bought it. The language is wonderfully rich and strange--best for those who love to read aloud with gusto.

"That's Nothing - I'm the King of Ireland's Son!"
"The King of Ireland's Son" is an original fairytale by Brendan Behan, but so immersed in the traditions and familiarities of Irish folk-lore that is could well be taken for a true tale from that huge mythological canon. Behan narrates in a jaunty-like prose that reminds one immensely of the language usually connected to stories from Ireland, and incorporates many of the usual fairytale components: a tricksy giant, a damsel in distress, enigmatic guides upon the road, a helpful talking animal, a threefold trial and a triad of brothers: two malevolent ones to the virtueous youngest.

The King of Ireland hears the sound of "heavenly music" in his kingdom, and promises half the land to whichever son manages to find its source. The two eldest, Neart and Ceart, take the oppurtunity to get rid of Art, the youngest, by lowering him down the hole from which the music appears to be coming from. Art however, is sincere in his wish to follow the music, and follows the tunnel connected to the dark hole, ushered on by three elderly men, each one older than the previous, each the son of the following one.

Art follows their advice to a beautiful garden, where a beautiful, magical stallion carries him through an equally beautiful garden. There he finds the music's source: the daughter of the King of Greece is held captive there, under the power of a huge and evil giant. Captured by the giant, Art agrees to his challenge: for three days the giant will hide, and if Art does not find him, he'll be killed. If by any change he does succeed, then it's Art's turn to hide whilst the giant seeks. Again, should Art fail, it will end in his death.

Helped by the Princess and the stallion Art takes up the challenge, leading to the most rewarding part of the book: the ingenius hiding places held by the two opponents. Here P. J. Lynch's always-stunning illustrations come into play. The bold yet delicate watercolours are a feast for the eye, and Lynch seems to be able to paint *anything*, from any angle, whether it be comical facial expressions, the giant's eye view of the world, or the cavernous tunnel where all the actions takes place. In particular, the expression of the Princess gesturing to her ring is priceless! I couldn't help but laugh at the perfect expression she wears of a person desparately trying to convey secret information without the antagonist realising she's doing so. The giant also is a great creation - menacing without being too terrifying.

Like most folklore heroes, Art relys more on the advice on helpful guides than his own devices (the stallion is solely responsible for his salvation) and the Princess, in her own words has: "been here for a year and a day and I can't get away from this old fellow until someone comes to rescue me." Obviously the idea that such damsels could be their own rescuers had not yet reached fruitition, but Lynch's portrayal of her, with sparkling wit and humour makes her not a total loss as a female role model.

Despite some narrative faults, "The King of Ireland's Son" is a great addition to the bookshelf, especially for those with a love for folklore and fairytales that are brought to life with thoughtful, creative illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Better Than You May Think
Its like sitting and listening to Behan tell stories of Ireland and little details you may not have known. Fascinating facts and of course Behan's humor.
At the time of its original publication this book was not as well received as his others but its really great. Highly recommended for those who want to read more about Ireland and for those who want to get into Behan's mind a bit more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A wonderful, memorable book...
...by one of the worlds most wonderful and memorable writers.

This book is filled with great - factual- stories and anecdotes by Behan himself.
While he takes us through his personal knowledge of that great island (Ireland)-
he also includes facts and interesting tid-bits and fun little pieces about Ireland,
"northern" Ireland and the people all over the island. Ways of life and sweet memories
are shared by Behan to his readers. The illustrations in the book give you a rich,
folkie idea of life in from the times of these stories. It is well worth buying and
you'll settle into it easily and stroll along with Behan. He always has that magic.
Just stroll along and listen to one of the masters.
5 big stars! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Alcohol Took More Out of Him than He Took Out of Alcohol
The rollicking life of writer Brendan Behan serves as a prime example of the public persona of an artist subsumed by the media's hunger for sensation and scandal.

The author, Frank Gray, well depicts his subject's quick rise to the forefront of Irish letters and his sad decline and early death.His thirst for both booze and notoriety consumed Behan at the age of 41.

Those closest to him were strangely indulgent of his drinking bouts even when it was apparent the gargle was going to be the death of him.He often landed in the hospital after marathon bacchanals.

Gray has produced a very readable and compact biography of a man who deserves to be better known these days, especially for the lead he provided to England's "Angry Young Men" school of literature that blossomed in the 1950s.

In the interest of full disclosure, I made some editorial suggestions to Mr. Gray whom I have known for some sixty years. ... Read more