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Ireland: Standing Stones to Stormont
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Ireland: Standing Stones to Stormont by
Tom Quinn Kumpf, a
photographic study of the ancient sites of Ireland with notes by the
author of events and experiences he had while working on the project.
As the photographer and writer, Tom has been to Ireland
countless times. The book is made up mostly of
ancient sites - stone circles, ring forts, standing stones, with specific
attention paid to places like Newgrange, Knowth,
Carrowkeel, and other
locations where many of the ancient stories and legends were born.
Google Books Listing.
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IRELAND: Standing Stones to Stormont focuses on Irish
identity and how the Irish understand their relationship with a landscape
shaped by an ancient, active past. The Otherworld is still significant and
close to the surface in the lives of the people. This spirit realm is
separated from the world of men by the thinnest of veils, and the Irish,
even those who profess total disbelief, still respond to the rhythms of
everyday life as if respect for the Good People, or Fairy Folk, is a fundamental part of living.
Knocknakilla Stone Circle in Co. Cork
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Tom’s Inspiration for IRELAND: Standing Stones to
Stormont were the myths and legends he heard while working on another
project in Belfast. Stories of Tuatha de Danaan, the ancient gods that
eventually became the fairies. The Tuatha de Danaan were wizards who came
from the air, they ruled Ireland until the Milesians (Celts) defeated them
in battle and drove them underground to become fairies.
Kilmacowen Standing Stone, Co. Cork.
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Tom Quinn Kumpf grew up in an Irish neighbourhood of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania.
Tom's ancestors are from Kilfenora in County Clare where he based himself
when working on the book. He takes us back 5,000 years and shows how the
ancient sites are actually how people identify with the land and with themselves.
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