Insula Sanctorum Et Doctorum; Or, Ireland’s Ancient Schools And Scholars by the Most Rev. John Healy

Insula Sanctorum Et Doctorum; Or, Ireland’s Ancient Schools And Scholars by the Most Rev. John Healy, published in 1890. Sections Include: The work explores the rich educational and spiritual heritage of ancient Ireland, particularly focusing on the monastic schools established during the early Christian period following the arrival of St. Patrick. Healy aims to trace Ireland’s historical legacy as the “Island of Saints and Scholars,” showcasing the significant contributions made by its religious communities to learning and culture. The opening of this work sets the stage for an examination of the state of learning in Ireland before and during St. Patrick’s time. It begins by discussing the Druids, Bards, and Brehons as the primary learned classes in ancient Ireland, providing insights into their roles in society, including their knowledge, practices, and the oral traditions they upheld. The text emphasizes the limited access to education and writing before St. Patrick, arguing against the notion of Ireland being a barbarous land devoid of knowledge, thereby preparing readers to appreciate the deeper exploration of the cultural and educational developments that followed. Sections Include: State of Learning in Ireland before St. Patrick, Irish Scholars Before St. Patrick, Learning in Ireland in The Time of St. Patrick, The Writings of St. Patrick and His Disciples, Minor Monastic Schools of the Firth Century, The Monastic School of St. Enda of Aran, The School of St. Finnian of Clonard, The School of Clonfert, The Columbian Schools in Ireland, Celtic Art in the Western Monasteries During the Reign of Turlough O’Connor, Gaedhlic Schools and Schools of Ancient Erin, etc. etc. Folding map frontis is pristine. Old library card pocket from a religious school inside front pastedown and stamp on title page, else free from marks. Hardcover with gilt lettering and only the lightest shelfwear.