John Farrelly was born and raised in a village just outside Newry, Co. Down. After dropping out of art college because all he wanted to do was write stories and draw pictures, he became a freelance caricature artist. He always did a full day's work - he just spread it over the whole week. Finally, after a three-day siege, where no one was injured and all hostages were released, The O'Brien Press let him write stories and draw pictures.
a substantial read, offering a skilful mixture of facts, terrible
jokes and activities, plus a few full pages of comics … With
sections on the origins, the mythology and the everyday life of the
Celts, and with a specific nod towards their impact on modern-day
Irish culture, these are perfect books for inquisitive kids and may
well serve as an impetus towards an interest in History, doing the
same job that Look and Learn, World of Wonder and Treasure did for
kids in the past … John Farrelly has produced an excellent second
entry into this series, demonstrating his skill with both words and
pictures. For children with an interest in History, this would be a
perfect gift, for others it may well spark that interest. In the
hands of John Farrelly, History is not simply a list of dates to be
remembered, it is much, much more than that. We can only hope that
there is more to come
*Down the Tubes*
Taking many steps further back through Irish history, John Farrelly
takes a witty look at the Fianna, Imbolc, chariots, and warrior men
and women in The Celts, the second title in his Deadly Irish
History series. A caricature artist from Co Down, Farrelly’s
approach is fresh, fun, fast-moving, and enlivened by his cartoon
illustrations. Such levity does not, however, diminish the book’s
factual content, and he prefaces his lighthearted look at Celtic
society, religion, laws, and wars with an explanation of its
sources. The research of archaeologists and historians;
contemporary accounts of the Greeks and Romans, which he warns are
“likely to be a bit biased”; and the myths and sagas told by the
Celts “around the fires of their roundhouses” and written down
centuries later by Christian scribes — these all make up the
colourful tapestry of information about a people living in Ireland
from around 700 BCE to the arrival of Christianity in the early 5th
Century. Farrelly brings it all home to 21st Century children with
his deadly guide to cattle-raiding (start by insulting your rival,
saying “my sword will give your belly a red smile”); insights into
the equity of the Brehon laws; and even crafty ideas for making
your own roundhouse — well, you never know, it might come in handy
one day
*Evening Echo*
John’s books make history fun and accessible for children
*Newry Reporter*
Farrelly’s writing and pen-and-ink drawings never miss a beat in
this well-informed, witty and irreverent account of the Celts. Its
swiftly paced multi-format approach sprinkles the narrative with
comic strips, guess-the-answer sessions, roll-the-dice-to-see-which
character-you-are games; presents a Celtic fashion show complete
with commentary; and shows you how to make your own games board or
roundhouse. Its variety of forms means it engages with a variety of
learning styles and it never once talks down to its readers. Its
companionable wittiness sets it well beyond its English
counterparts. Great fun!
*Children's Books Ireland*
History for all the family … a brilliant book … an easy way of
absorbing lots of historical facts
*BBC Radio Ulster’s John Toal Show*
Inspired and insightful, and filled with down ‘n’ dirty details
about the nomadic tribes that settled along the Emerald Isle’s
stunning west coast, the slender tome includes sections on
storytelling, art and culture, architecture, weaponry, law,
religion, food, and more. Presented with bullet points and animated
illustrations, the series debut is designed to engage easily
distracted audiences (i.e.: young readers). A companion book by the
same author, titled The Vikings, is equally entertaining and
educational
*Celtic Life International*
Stocking filler...accessible, anarchic and crammed with cartoons
and wacky illustrations, this book is as deadly as Irish history
gets!
*RTE Guide*
The second entry in the series Deadly! Irish History by the
talented and brilliant author and illustrator, John Farrelly. We
are brought on an action-packed adventure back in time to when the
Celts first arrived in Ireland, 2,500 years ago. The author has an
appealing style for young children. He writes in a witty, quirky
way and the story is full of amazing illustrations. We are kept
fully involved with the numerous art and craft ideas, quizzes,
comic strips and activities. This multi format style to the story
is sure to keep you and your inquisitive pupils highly entertained
while making it an easy way to grasp lots of historical facts! It
is most suitable for the senior classes. It will be a welcome
addition to your resources for the 'Early peoples and ancient
societies' strand in the history curriculum. As a history lover
this is a much-anticipated series. It is well informed and
insightful, and I would highly recommend this new series of books
to any fellow teacher or parent. We can only hope that there is
more to come! Alice Holland, Co Clare
*InTouch Magazine*
Wonderfully illustrated with black & white drawings and cartoons
illuminating our new-found knowledge, You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp in
horror and you’ll want MORE!
*LitVox*
This is a charming, funny and informative book written by John
Farrelly … hilarious book, filled with funny sketches and comics
that will make you Laugh Out Loud! I thoroughly enjoyed this book
and give it five stars. I would recommend it for readers of any
age, who want to know more about our interesting heritage and past
Alex, Killaloe BNS, Co. Clare
*Seomra Ranga*
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