The book is broadly broken into three segments: The early history of Knowth, written by Catherine Swift and Francis John Byrne; Late Medieval Brugh na Bóinne, 1142-1541, written by Gillian Kenny; and Settlement society and landscape in Brugh na Bóinne since the mid-16th century, by William Jenkins. There’s also an introduction by the director of Knowth excavations, George Eogan; an appendix contains the 1901 census manuscripts, which helped flesh out some details. There are also 30 figures, 31 plates and a glossary
Francis John Byrne is professor emeritus of early Irish history at University College Dublin; William Jenkins is an associate professor of geography at York University, Toronto; Gillian Kenny teaches medieval history at University College Dublin; and Catherine Swift is director of Irish Studies at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick.
Brugh na Bóinne’s prehistoric period “… provides the district with a status that distinguishes it not only within Ireland, but in Europe as a whole.” The depth and breadth of the scientific meanings and the cultural significance given to the passage tombs in the area are of special importance in the context of European and Irish history.
Historical Knowth and Its Hinterlands is a much-needed addition to the series, and I’m certain there will be at least a few more volumes in this series.
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