Built in the early 17th century, the Portumna house in Galway County, Ireland was severely damaged in the great fire of 1826 and is now preserved as a national monument. In addition to the book's primary focus on architecture and archaeology, two chapters discuss Richard Burke, fourth earl of Clanicard (who commissioned the house) and the social setting in which he lived. The 10 essays are edited by Fenlon (Humanities Institute of Ireland, U. College Dublin) and arose from a conference held in the town of Portumna in 1998. Printed on glossy paper, with high quality photographs and plans found through library research or generated by archaeological investigation, this collection of essays is designed to last as an authoritative resource. Distributed in the US by ISBS. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)