Publisher's Synopsis
This is a compilation of insults through the ages. Insults may be defined at their simplest as remarks and descriptions not intended as complimentary. An element of wit or justifiable rage is essential if insult is not to degenerate into mindless abuse.;Ireland can number among its sons and daughters some of the wittiest insulters ever - Swift, Joyce and Myles na Gopaleen are three who come to mind - and just as many exponents of mindless abuse, who on the whole did not find their way into this collection.;Sean McMahon is the author of "A Short History of Ireland" and "Rekindling the Faith".