St. Patrick's Day: A Celebration - Hardcover

The celebration of St. Patrick's Day is becoming Ireland's biggest export. There are the marches watched by millions in North America, rivers & ski slopes are dyed green, Australia s Irish hold riotous all-day parties, & in bars & restaurants across the globe, the serving of the green-dyed Guinness. So how is it that a slave captured in Britain 15 cent. ago has come to inspire such passion in all things Irish? Why does March 17 stand out among saints' days as a truly worldwide phenomenon? This book presents the story of St. Patrick, his love for his people, his faith in his mission, & his courage in times of despair. It charts the growth of his festival, its historical importance to the Irish abroad & its emergence into the extravaganza we know today. Color photos.