Beginning in 1968, fifty-five personal essays and poems reveal the power of Ireland’s finest writers to delve into the details of Irish life with warmth, sincerity and wit. Here, side by side, are stories around the first moon landing, the eruption of violence in the North, the visit to Ireland by Ronald Reagan, the Eurovision Song Contest, 9/11, direct provision centers, the Celtic Tiger and its crash, great sporting moments, Edna O’Brien, Seán Ó Ríordáin, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Nelson Mandela, Steve Jobs and Sinéad O’Connor, emigration, moving statues, Irish weather and water, first love and first jobs, wedding day dresses, setting up home, parenthood, illness, loss and starting over. As a record of Ireland from wonderful and unexpected angles, Miscellany50 will amuse and intrigue for many years to come. Originally commissioned for performance at Miscellany50 Live radio festival weekend in late 2018, this is a unique collection in a beautifully illustrated volume.