IS SHANE MACGOWAN STILL ALIVE?

by Tim Bradford

Release Date: 01 March, 2001

Edition: Paperback

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Rib-ticklingly funny travel literature

I'm a big fan of both Tim Bradford and Ireland, so when me and my wife went on our honeymoon there this book (sectioned, obviously, just next by "Bryson" for some free publicity, as Tim himself points out) was an absolute must.

Bradford has a fantastic way with words which makes the few sections in the book when he drones on a bit entertaining, even if longish.

Under the cover of going to Ireland to sell his girly car for a quick buck, Bradford takes us on a marvellous journey around this fantastic island. The highlight for me was the part on Doolin and "the greatest pub walk in the world". Well, we went to Doolin, took the pub walk as prescribed in the book, and although Ted McCormac was nowhere to be seen, went home both drunk and happy!

The book is full of interesting references to things and sites of interest in Ireland which otherwise might pass the visitor by and as such works very well indeed as an unorthodox travel book. We certainly weren't preparing for a two-day round-trip in the Drogheda area, but having been enlightened by the historical wisdom of Tim we got a fantastic experience out of the Boyne valley with surrounding historic magnificencies, and that's merely one example.

Add that to Bradford's magnificent self irony, sarcasm and talent for witty one-liners, and this book is one to buy. Nice work, Tim!

Superbly funny, entertaining and helpful intro to Eire

Me and my wife went to Ireland and took Tim Bradford's excellent and massively funny book with us. As travel books go, Tim's is unorthodox, packed with information while always a funny, bizarre and entertaining read. Thanks to Tim me and the missus, among many other things, went to tiny Doolin on the west coast for the "world's best pub walk" and a wonderful session in a wonderful Irish bar. Never did get to see Ted though!

I've read, re-read and cross-referenced to this book so many times I soon will know it by heart. Bradford writes excellently and in a manner which makes "Is Shane..." a difficult book to put down at all. That, coupled with funny drawings, a view of the world firmly tongue-in-cheek and the most stupid scheme for selling a car ever made makes this book great for entertainment value, very helpful as an introduction to what Ireland and "irishry" is all about and, as was the case for me and my wife, essential if you're planning a tour of Ireland!

Buy it today!