Keeping it Real: Irish Film and Television is an essential collection of critical essays exploring the intersection of culture, identity and Irish media. Edited by respected film scholars Ruth Barton and Harvey O'Brien, this book examines how Irish cinema and television have evolved, shaping and reflecting national identity in the modern era.
Published in 2004 by Wallflower Press, this 256-page volume addresses contemporary issues in Irish film and television, from iconic films like Odd Man Out, The Boxer, I Went Down and Ryan's Daughter to the representation of Irish identity in an increasingly globalised world. The collection extends beyond Ireland itself to explore the Irish diaspora in Britain and North America, examining how "Irishness" is understood and portrayed across continents.
This book is ideal for film students, media scholars, Irish studies enthusiasts, and anyone with a serious interest in understanding how cinema and television shape cultural narratives. It features an exclusive interview with acclaimed Irish actor Stephen Rea, adding a practitioner's perspective to the theoretical framework.
Every item is photographed individually and the gallery above shows the exact copy for sale. You'll see the front cover with its striking black-and-white design and bold orange title text, the back cover with full author and content details, the spine and binding from the side, and an interior title page. These images confirm the condition — crisp, unmarked and in like new state.
| Title | Keeping it Real: Irish Film and Television |
| Authors | Ruth Barton & Harvey O'Brien (editors) |
| Publisher | Wallflower Press |
| ISBN | 9781903364949 |
| Publication Date | 15 September 2004 |
| Pages | 256 |
| Format | Paperback |
| Language | English |
| Subject / Genre | Film Studies, Television Studies, Irish Cinema, Cultural Criticism |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
| Condition | Like New |
Like New. This copy shows negligible wear and has been carefully handled. The cover, spine and boards are clean, crisp and unmarked with no creasing, dog-ears or discolouration. Pages are tight and the binding is absolutely firm. No annotations, underlines or inscriptions are visible. The book presents as essentially unread — an excellent example of a modern academic title in pristine condition.
Q: What topics does the book cover?
A: The essays address Irish identity in film and television, the impact of global events (including post-9/11 politics), representation of Belfast in modern Irish cinema, the role of the Irish diaspora, and in-depth analysis of key films including Odd Man Out, The Boxer, Nothing Personal, I Went Down, Ryan's Daughter and Resurrection Man. Topics also include the first Irish-language soap opera and gender representation in Irish cinema.
Q: Who are the editors and what is their background?
A: Ruth Barton is a prominent Irish film scholar and author of Jim Sheridan: Framing the Nation (2002). Harvey O'Brien teaches Film Studies at University College Dublin, has authored several works on cinema and is a frequent contributor to film publications and media platforms. Both are authoritative voices in Irish film criticism.
Q: Is this a textbook, and would it suit academic study?
A: Yes. This is a serious academic volume suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate film studies, media studies and Irish studies programmes. It is widely used in Irish universities and is an excellent addition to personal or institutional libraries focused on cinema and cultural analysis.
Q: Does the book include the Stephen Rea interview?
A: Yes. The collection features an exclusive interview with acclaimed actor Stephen Rea, offering direct insights into his experiences and perspectives on Irish cinema from a working practitioner.
Q: Is this the first edition?
A: Yes, this is the 2004 first edition published by Wallflower Press — an important and collectible edition of a significant work in Irish film criticism.
Shipped promptly from the UK with FREE UK postage; carefully protected in transit; dispatched within one working day of cleared payment. International buyers welcome via eBay's Global Shipping Programme — international postage costs and any applicable import duties are calculated automatically at checkout.
Questions? We're happy to help. Send a message and we'll get back to you promptly. If you'd like additional photos or specific detail about the binding, pages or spine, just ask. We want you to buy with complete confidence.