Connemara & Aran, published in June 2017 by Artisan House Connemara, is shortlisted in the Best Irish Published Book category.
“To be included in the shortlist of the flagship event for the Irish book industry is a tremendous honour for us, especially when we see the quality of the company we are enjoying here today. To be shortlisted for this particular title is a bitter-sweet moment. Our much-loved author, Walter Pfeiffer, died unexpectedly last April and never did get to see his book in physical form. Another contributor, the poet Josie Guairim from Carna, also died suddenly last February. However for the families of both, we know this will bring some satisfaction and provides a fitting legacy for their work.” stated Mary Ruddy of Artisan House, publishers of Connemara & Aran.
The 176-page book, Connemara & Aran, is a visual chronicle of landscape and seascape images taken by Walter Pfeiffer over the past four years. It includes poems from Eva Bourke, Moya Cannon, Michael Coady, Eamon Grennan, Josie Guairim, Joan McBreen, Máire Áine Ní Dhiréain and Mary O’Malley, contemporary poets who are similarly familiar with and fascinated by the west coast of Ireland. The foreword is by archaeologist Michael Gibbonswhose deep knowledge and familiarity with the area greatly enhances the book.
In addition to the paperback edition is a limited special hardback edition which includes a CD with each poet reading their own work, a recorded introduction by Walter and music by harpist and composer, Kathleen Loughnane.
Walter Pfeiffer was one of Ireland’s foremost photographers. While in his early twenties, he first visited Ireland, travelling from his native Cologne in Germany. In that summer of 1964, he spent three weeks on the Aran Islands. That experience made an irreversible impact, so much so that he returned the following year and has since made his home in Ireland. The unspoilt landscape, the ever-changing light, the sense of personal freedom and a spiritual connection to the people and the place continues.
Photographic concepts developed by Walter include the hugely popular series of Irish posters. Doorways of Ireland, Irish Writers Irish Cottages, and Irish Dressers are amongst those to be seen in virtually every Irish public premises. They were also a big hit internationally and the idea has since been copied worldwide.
Publisher: Artisan House
