From Clery's Clock to Wanderly Wagon: Irish History You Weren't Taught at School

The harp is a symbol of Ireland because England's King Henry VIII said so. Newly independent Ireland had two National Anthems until the few inflicted one on the many. Ireland's first film censor said: `I know nothing about film but I know my Bible.' These are just some of the surprising truths revealed in this snapshot of Irish history. Each `oddment' tells a fascinating story, from the Bunt£s C inte booklet to the knitting pattern on the Aran sweater, supposedly designed to help identify the bodies of drowned fishermen. From the high nelly to the old school Catholic catechism, and from Daniel O'Connell's dueling pistol to the abominable musical bus of the 1970s, this is a hugely entertaining rummage through Ireland's history.