Images of Ireland: North Belfast
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By Peggy Weir. Nonesuch Publishing,Dublin,Eire. 1999. £11.75.
ISBN 978 1 84588 915 9
THERE’S a fair chance that many folks who currently live in South East Antrim originally hail fromNorth Belfast. Indeed, some probably still have relatives in areas such asTigersBayor theYork Road/Shore Road area.
With this in mind, I’d recommend an excellent book called Images of Ireland – North Belfast by Peggy Weir. This book consists of nearly 130 pages crammed full of good, clear black and white photographs. Ten chapters – including Industy and Transport, Troubled Times, Churches and Houses – examine various aspects of life in North Belfast.
However instead of giving North Belfast a full written review, I thought I’d just decide to echo the thoughts of Fred Heatley. In his brief but thought-provoking Introduction, Mr Heatley – President of the North Belfast Historical Society – notes:
“The adage ‘one photograph is worth a thousand words’ holds true. Even the most eloquent speaker finds difficulty in explaining past social conditions without adequate illustrations. This collection of photographs proves that. School or wedding photographs may appear of interest only to those in the picture or their descendants, but for us they show the alterations in the dress, style and the modes of the times. Buildings, streetscapes, transport and places of entertainment are unimaginable without the camera’s product. Each illustration tells of an age now long gone but for memories”.
– John Jenkins
Counter Culture 