Positives Many reviewers commend the book as an engaging and readable popular history that brings a fascinating period to life. Readers found it inspiring, thought-provoking, and a stimulating introduction to the role of Irish monks in preserving Western literary and religious traditions during the Dark Ages. The author is praised for his elegant and exhilarating prose, which some describe as poetic and charming. Specific appreciation is noted for his retelling of the fall of Rome, the philosophical and literary revolution of St. Augustine's Confessions, and his vivid descriptions of early Celtic Irish literature and bustling monastic centers. The narrative style is often described as gentle and convincing, making complex history accessible and increasing readers' interest in the subject. The book's exploration of St. Patrick's story and the unique blend of Irish culture with early Christianity also resonated positively with many.
Negatives Despite its strengths, the book draws significant criticism for its historical accuracy, scholarly rigor, and the author's writing style. A recurring complaint is that the title's central claim, "How the Irish Saved Civilization," is an overstatement or hyperbole, with many arguing that the Irish primarily preserved Latin writings rather than "all of civilization." Reviewers, particularly those with a history background, found the book superficial, unreliable, and lacking sufficient sources or footnotes to support its assertions. The author, who is not a professional historian, is accused of pro-Catholic bias, downplaying contributions from other cultures like the Byzantine Empire or Islamic caliphates, and presenting mythology as truth. Critics also found the pacing tedious and meandering, with too much time spent on Roman history or philosophical digressions before addressing the Irish contribution. The author's narrative interjections, "blow-hard" tone, and sometimes bawdy or anachronistic comparisons were also noted as irritating by some.
Conclusion Ultimately, this book elicits a strongly divided response, being either deeply loved or intensely disliked. It is widely considered a work of popular history rather than an academic text. Readers who appreciate an accessible, narrative-driven approach to history, particularly those with an interest in Irish heritage, early Christianity, or the period following the fall of Rome, are most likely to enjoy its engaging storytelling and inspiring thesis. It appeals to those seeking a cohesive, albeit sometimes slanted, account of Irish contributions to Western culture and a less conventional view of history. However, academic historians, readers seeking rigorous scholarship with extensive citations, or those sensitive to authorial bias and a less structured narrative may find it frustrating due to its perceived inaccuracies, oversimplifications, and a writing style that some consider tedious or overly assertive.
