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Shillelagh: The Irish Fighting Stick |  | Author: John W. Hurley
Publisher: Caravat Press
Category: Book
List Price: $24.95
Buy New: $22.45
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Seller: Amazon.com
Rating:  4 reviews
Sales Rank: 526027
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Pages: 373
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.3
Dimensions (in): 8.9 x 6 x 1.1
ISBN: 1430325704
Dewey Decimal Number: 900
EAN: 9781430325703
ASIN: 1430325704
Publication Date: October 24, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Product Description
For centuries the Irish have been associated with a stick weapon called the Shillelagh. And for generations of Irishmen, the Shillelagh was a badge of honor - a symbol of their courage, their martial prowess and their willingness to fight for their rights
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| Customer Reviews:
 As the author of this book... January 29, 2009
John W. Hurley (NY, NY)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
I'd like to say that the book is written by a practising martial artist and describes the various styles of Irish stick-fighting that I have uncovered in my research. Thus while it is mostly a history book it does indeed explain to the reader the basics of how various styles are performed. I also reproduce the only known surviving illustrations and texts on shillelagh fighting from 19th century martial arts manuals. You can easily preview the book here, and see for yourself:
http://books.google.com/books?id=ZrFMHmsMmWAC&printsec=frontcover&dq=shillelagh
My next book on the shillelagh will be dedicated almost exclusively to instruction, to be sure, so for those interested in learning about their authentic Irish martial arts heritage (and not the fake stuff) or just those interested in Irish, Gaelic martial arts, please stay tuned.....
(and to all my readers, go raibh maith agat for your continued support!)
Brilliant historical analysis of the Irish fighting stick April 9, 2008
Anonymous
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
The author has done an exceptional job of dissecting a host of primary sources relating to the remarkable history of the Irish fighting stick, and tracing both its roots and its cultural signifcance throughout the course of various periods of Irish history. This often-overlooked aspect of Irish martial culture finally gets the full scholarly treatment it deserves here in Mr. Hurley's astonishingly thorough tour de force. The book has already established itself as the standard text on the subject. "Shillelagh" is an exhaustive, thrilling and detailed account of the fighting stick that was a symbol of Irish courage and resistance, as well as a practical weapon with which the Irish displayed their martial arts ability.
Any serious student of Irish history has to read this book. Five stars.
A little truth for the English April 18, 2009
Robert G. San Socie (FL USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
For the non Irish this is a wealth of good honesty history with a look at how the oppressed can fight back.Great writing and some great ways to look at stick fighting (for those that have not stuck together the pages of Black Belt Mag over the last 30+ years.)Really this is a wonderful read by a good writer and teacher.Look forward to the next part!
 Great History - No Martial value June 24, 2008
G. H. Goodwin (Near Cleveland, OH)
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
A very comprehensive history book. The development of our modern concept of the Irish fighting stick is well time-lined (sometimes too well). The cultural history was highly informative and the strongest force in the book. However, those looking for "martial" value won't find it here. This is, and reads like, a historical tour of the subject.
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