Somerville Press is a book publisher based  near Bantry , West Cork , Ireland. Our publishing programme incorporates both fiction and non-fiction, mainly of Irish interest. We also distribute various titles for other publishers - click here for more information.

Dromore, Bantry, Co. Cork Ireland
Tel: 00353 (0) 28 32873
Mobile: 00353 (0) 87 233 1970
somervillepress@gmail.com

UK Distributor: Central Books, 50 Freshwater Rd, London RM8 1RX
US Distributor: Casemate, 1950 Lawrence Road, Haverton PA 19083

OUR ORDER PROCESS IS NOT BEHAVING WELL.  

YOU CAN PLACE AN ORDER BUT PLEASE ALSO EMAIL THE DETAILS TO somervillepress@gmail.com TO DOUBLE CHECK

EXPLORING IRELAND's MIDDLE KINGDOM

A short history and guide to the old kingdom of Meath.

"This is very good indeed...a book to inspire a desire to visit the places mentioned and a meticulous source of information. It is also beautifully written" Emily Hourican SUNDAY INDEPENDENT

THE FRANCINE PAPERS

Historical novel about Blaise Pascal , the 17th century French philosopher, scientist, inventor and theologian.

CHIEF O'NEILL

Work of historical fiction about Francis O'Neill., the legendary Chicago police chief and collector of Irish traditional music

“A magical blend of history and fiction that encapsulates the life of one of Ireland’s most remarkable musical diaspora.”— MICHELLE WALSH-JACKSON, novelist and travel writer. 

“Ronan O’Driscoll’s lyrical prose is breathtaking in its dedication to the details of the moment. Chief O’Neill is the story he was meant to tell”.— GERARD COLLINS, novelist.

"A great book that can be recommended to anyone with an interest in historical adventure and travel fiction, or maybe anyone just looking for a good story" IRISH ECHO New York

Included in The Irish Times
BEST SUMMER READS
on 30th May 2020

THE LAST DAY AT BOWEN'S COURT

Brilliant work of historical fiction about the Irish novelist Elizabeth Bowen.

'A subtle, compelling and detailed reimagining of one of the great enduring love affairs of the literary twentieth century. Eibhear Walshe has brought a vanished world back to life'. John Banville

'Atmospheric and beautifully balanced novel' Irish Times

'Beautifully crafted...Walshe's greatest achievement here is to capture the way that love can colour one's life entirely.' Sunday Times

An impressive, rare combination of academic insight and a skill for storytelling...a persuasive and powerful portrayal of living through uncertainty and the far-reaching effects of a relationship.' Irish Examiner

'I find The Last Day at Bowen's Court to be an utterly absorbing re-creation of the times, the places, the social classes, the attitudes.' Christopher Fitz-Simon, author and theatre director.

THE IRISH REPUBLICANS' QUOTATION BOOK

Latest book  in the Somerville Press Quotation series

DOWN BY THE LIFFEYSIDE

A vivid account of a gifted Dubliner.

‘…engrossing to the point of addictive reading…’ — Richard Ford

‘Fascinating, brilliant—and extremely witty. One of the best memoirs I have read in a long time. Couldn’t put it down.’ — Éilís Ní Dhuibhne, author and critic

‘...movingly captures the peculiar dignity of the generations that created our republic and endured, and enjoyed, its earliest decades.’ — Joseph O’Neill, author of Netherland

‘…a deeply intimate family memoir…’ — Dermot Bolger

‘Colbert Kearney writes with fierceness and with love.’ — Jennifer Finney Boylan, author of She’s Not There and Long Black Veil

THE MANAGER'S TALE

New Irish Chamber Orchestra by Lindsay Armstrong.

A superb account of NICO in its first decade, together with an invaluable chronicle of concerts, venues, international tours, repertory, recordings and soloists which marvellously deepens our understanding of musical life in Ireland in the 1970s and early 1980s. A unique and brilliant achievement. Harry White – Professor of Music, University College Dublin

Recounted in a relaxed and frequently humorous style, this is a remarkably detailed, honest and frank account of the birth and history of an orchestra created by the commitment of some of the best musicians in Ireland and a dedicated manager. Proinnsías Ó Duinn – Conductor Laureate Rté Concert Orchestra

A wonderfully detailed and authoritative account of an era of music making in Ireland by enlightened individuals sharing a passion to explore the breadth of the classical repertoire. The story of NICO shows how an artistic dream became a reality. Fergus Sheil – Artistic Director, Irish National Opera

Longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award 2021

THE TRUMPET SHALL SOUND - A NOVEL 
 

Remarkable new work of historical fiction about Handel.

'Fascinating, deep and utterly absorbing' The Irish Times

‘A plausible, sensuous coming-of-age story about a genius wrestling with love and ambition across eighteenth century Europe.’ Emma Donoghue

‘Eibhear Walshe brings us into Handel’s world with such precision, clarity and beauty that it seems real and unforced, the work of a true artist. The story of a truly memorable event in the cultural history of Ireland, this fine novel is also a profound meditation on creativity itself, told with imaginative audacity and tempered by scholarly scruple. An immensely enjoyable read.’ Joseph O'Conner

"...a heartwarming view of a musician who may or may not have been George Frederic Handel" Richard Pine Sunday Times

OLIVE SMITH: A MUSICAL VISIONARY

Biography of revered classical music administrator.

'A book underpinned by a most admirable blend of readability and scholarly research – a rare combination. Olive Smith was endlessly tenacious, magnificently effective and central to the work of the Music Association of Ireland 1948-76.'  Dr Geoffrey Spratt

'An affectionate, absorbingly written, and meticulously researched tribute by the author to her remarkably gifted and public-spirited mother, to whom the musical arts in Ireland owe so much. A riveting read! ' Professor Gerard Gillen

'This is not only a fine biography. It should also provide a valuable resource to historians of music in twentieth-century Ireland.' Professor Barbara Wright

"Gillian Smith has combined exhaustive research with a most carefully crafted narrative to produce a book that's part social history, part chronicle of the cultural life a a country short on resources, finding its feet" Irish Independent

:Olive Smith's place in the early years of Irish feminism is assured through this account - often in her own words - of her insistence on acceptance and recognition in all walks of life, her dedication to family and her quest for honesty and integrity." Irish Times

BRICKS AND FLOWERS - AN ANGLO-IRISH MEMOIR 

Reprint of classic 1949 autobiography.

‘A fascinating book.’ A.A. Milne, The Sunday Times

‘Warmly recommended.’ The Spectator

 'Idiosyncratic and highly readable memoir'  The Oldie

‘These are enchanting memoirs.’ The Sphere

"Hers is the wittiest and most self definingly eccentric account of Anglo-Irish talent, taste and sheer resistance to extinction I’ve read. It brings a vanished world alive."
Caroline Jackson, Country Life

"This timeless memoir is packed with anecdotes, and sparkles with vitality" Lavinia Greacen Books Ireland

QUONDAM - travels in a once world

Marvellous new travel memoir.

'Quondam is a consistently entertaining, thoughtful and eye-opening read' Irish Times

THE IRISH MUSICIANS' QUOTATIONS BOOK

Highly entertaining book of quotations by some well-known Irish musicians

FOND PAGEANT

New volume of poems about painters and paintings by award-winning actor/playwright, Daniel Reardon.

"Daniel Reardon’s In the Lion House was a signal event in Irish poetry in the seventies – here forty years later is another beautiful moment, only clearer, even brighter with its classical echoes, grateful joy, and permanent wisdom. Cavafy and Catullus are applauding in heaven." Sebastian Barry

MURDER BECOMES ELECTRA

A new comic novel from the best-selling children’s author and novelist

“A stunning tale, perfectly told” The Irish Times

TWO IRISH GIRLS IN BOHEMIA

Fascinating book about the drawings and writings of Somerville and Ross.


TRUSTED LIKE A FOX

Superb tale of suspense from the acclaimed writer for film and television.

“Trusted Like The Fox earns an honourable place in the genre of political fiction, providing a deep insight into the world of Loyalism and the attitudes that drove the extremism of the time." INDEPENDENT.IE

“Burrowes paints a vivid picture of the inevitability of violence and the resulting human wreckage in this worthy novel” PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

THE IRISH ACTORS' QUOTATIONS BOOK

New collection of Irish Actors' quotations.


THE IRISH WRITERS' QUOTATIONS BOOK

New collection of Irish Writers' quotations.

DESMOND FENNELL autobiography
 

One of the foremost thinkers of our time tells his life story.

‘...he is a genuine thinker, whose 19 books address the fabric and musculature of the modern Irish state’. Sunday Times.

‘Fascinating and revealing autobiography’.  Sunday Independent 

‘This is a major contribution to debate in Ireland’. The Phoenix.

“A remarkable autobiography, it is also a splendid showcase for some of his best and most influential writing over the decades of a strenuous career, lived largely for the intellect.” Irish Catholic.

NOTHING QUITE LIKE IT
by Nicholas Grene

The story of an unusual childhood

‘The book is a labour of loving memories of happenings, places and people and eccentric parents. It has great charm.’
JENNIFER JOHNSTON

“A genuinely lovely book” SEBASTIAN BARRY

“A wonderfully evocative and endearing story of belonging and not belonging...this quietly unsensational and unusual memoir should have a long life” HERMIONE LEE

“This is a picture of an Irish childhood and complex heritage, written with ease and integrity, honesty and grace" COLM TOIBIN

THE STAR MAN
by Conor O'Clery

A historical novel about William Keane, a journalist rebel during the 1790's in Northern Ireland.

"A monumental achievement, clothed with a narrative skill honed through decades of top-class journalism" Deirdre Purcell

" Gripping" The Phoenix

"The Star Man, an impressive blend of scholarship and inspiration, enumerates the causes of disruption and disaffection while keeping its tone lively and its narrative engaging" Irish Times

"The novel is a vibrant mixture of the frolicsome and the horrific, leaving you with a feeling that you have been dancing on skulls" Sunday Times

"A vivid work of fiction by one of Ireland's most distinguished journalists casting new light on a fascinating historical period" David McKittrick

“A wonderful book. It breathes life into this neglected and fascinating part of our history”  Gerry Adams

UNCLE JACK
by Peter Somerville-Large

New comic Anglo-Irish novel from the master of the genre.

‘Somerville-Large’s elegant prose sparkles to the very end, keeping the reader constantly entertained’.   Alannah Hopkin. Irish Examiner.

SENTENCED TO DEATH
by Colm Wallace

Superb account of capital punishment in 20th century Ireland.

"Sentenced to Death gives an insight into why people were driven to commit the most heinous of crimes and makes for very interesting reading." InTouch Magazine

"Fascinating reflection on the justice system at the time." Sligo Champion

"A riveting read." Irish Examiner

JAMES JOYCE AND ITALO SVEVO
by Stanley Price

The story of the friendship between James Joyce and the Italian novelist Italo Svevo.

"Brilliant....there are only a small number of truly first-rate books on Joyce, but Price's is one of them" City Journal New York

"....explores their relationship with sympathy, understanding and humour" Irish Times

"Fascinating book" Il Manifesto

"... a simply adorable book  " The Guardian

“Witty, informative and elegantly written….Stanley Price understands, as all the very best biographers do, that quotidian, commonplace detail and gentle humour can attract the reader far more than grand theorizing”  Times Literary Supplement

 “Stanley Price’s admirable book, so rich in detail and characterisation…fascinating work of scholarship” Jan Morris Literary Review.

 “Lovely, modest and precise....this an enchanting book, as evocative as Svevo's own writing, full of a novelist's skill in evoking character and entirely convincing in its reading of events.” Philip Hensher, The Spectator

 “Crystal clear and brilliant prose”  L’Osservatore Romano

“Readable, amusing, measured and humane”  Jewish Chronicle

BOOKWORM
by Patricia Craig

Enchanting memoir about childhood reading set in 1950s Belfast.

"Joyous and extremely enjoyable book" Irish Times

"Enlightening, quotable and entertaining" Times Literary Supplement

"A fabulous book that will appeal to 'bookworms' from any era" Ulster Tatler

FINN'S FOLLY
by Enda Maher

Captivating novel set in rural County Wicklow.
THE BRENDAN BEHAN QUOTATIONS BOOK

New collection of Brendan Behan quotations.

THE IRISH WOMEN'S QUOTATIONS BOOK

New collection of Irish women's quotations.

THE CAVER
Carol Burnham

Charming novel set on a Greek island

"Rich, enthralling, intelligent, a deeply engaging story about interesting people in a magical setting. I loved it." Éilís Ní Dhuibhne

GALLOPING THROUGH LIFE
Major Hugh Dawnay

The autobiography of a legendary international polo player and coach
HITLER'S IRISH VOICES
David O'Donoghue

The extraordinary story of Nazi Germany's propaganda broadcasts to Ireland during World War 11.

"Fascinating study" Irish Times
"Excellent" Books Ireland
"Outstanding " History Ireland
"Invaluable book" Irish Independent

THE DIARY OF MARY TRAVERS
Eibhear Walshe

Historical Fiction. New Irish novel re-telling the story of a scandal involving Oscar Wilde's parents.

"Impressive and strangely affecting novel...... remarkable" Irish Times
"Compelling 19th century form of kiss and tell" Sunday Independent
"Historical fiction which mixes fact with literary flourish" Mail on Sunday
"Fascinating, entertaining and believable" Christopher Fitzsimon
"A marvellous novel and an ingenious one...historical fiction of the highest order; dark, complex, artful and compelling" Carlo Gebler.
"Compelling story" Sunday Times
"A delight" Irish Independent
"Engaging novel" Irish Examiner

Shortlisted for the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award 2015.

Longlisted for the 2016 International Dublin Literary Award.

MIXED BLESSINGS
Peter Somerville-Large

A comic Anglo-Irish novel.

"Splendid and highly recommended"
IRISH INDEPENDENT

"An unsettling backwards look at late-Ascendancy living, tinged with rural macabre, this should entertain adult readers across generations"
SUNDAY TIMES

WE ARE BESIEGED
Forgotten classic Anglo-Irish novel
Barbara Fitzgerald

"Serious and most promising novel" IRISH TIMES

"Consummately gripping and tender first novel" PATRICK SKENE CATLING, novelist and critic.

THE PEACEMAKERS OF NIEMBA
Tom McCaughren

The full story of the Congo ambush.

FOOTPRINT UPON WATER
Barbara Fitzgerald

Second and last book by this brilliant Irish novelist.

"Really impressive"
IRISH TIMES

"Entrancing"
IRISH INDEPENDENT

ONE MORTAL NIGHT
A Miscarriage of Justice
Patrick Kelleher

A wonderfully written account of a sensational killing in County Limerick just after the Second World War

"A classic of Irish crime literature"
IRISH INDEPENDENT

CATTLEMAN
Raymond Keogh

Memoir of third generation cattle dealer and racehorse owner