The Tailor And Ansty

by Eric Cross

Book Overview

The Tailor and Ansty was banned soon after its first publication in 1942 and became the subject of much bitter controversy. It has become a modern Irish classic, promising to make immortal the Tailor... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0853420505
• Release Date: March 1986
• Publisher: Mercier Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.27 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.5" x 0.8" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Irish stories and Cornucopia

Eric Cross's novel, The Tailor and Ansty, depicts a wonderful old Irish couple who spend their days socializing with new and old friends, arguing and "standing to the cow" or watching over their single diary cow. This couple consists of the delightful Tailor, and his wife Ansty. Although at first, Cross's approach to introducing the reader to these people seems awkward, it also entices and draws the reader into this captivating setting. Through the Tailor's stories, none of which one may be certain are true, and Ansty's nagging, I began to feel as though I knew these people as well as Cross. I frequently had to remind myself, though, that they are no longer living.Although my original interest in reading the novel stemmed from my person interest in my Irish ancestry, I am well convinced that anyone could find this an entertaining read. Fantastic stories are something that everyone has grown up with, and although the Tailor's may be more mature than those I personally recall at times, the stories the Tailor heartily shares are no different. I cannot avoid the fact that the novel was banned after it's original release, although I do not entirely understand why, and therefore must warn people with more conservative views on life to avoid this novel, because they may not view it in the light it is meant to be seen.

i am related to the tailor

To me, the Tailor and his wife Ansty, this stereotypical Irish couple, ARE my grandparents. I loved reading this book. Cross has a real way with words. The book is incredible. And I'm the great great grandaugter (i'm not sure about how many greats there are) of the tailor. the tradition lives on in our family, the type of relationship that you can see between the tailor and ansty can still be seen in my grandparents. It's a great book for anyone intrigued by their Irish roots.

A MUST read for all of Irish descent!

This book was originally banned in Ireland by the English. They thought the main character, The Tailor, was "sex-obsessed" and his wife, Anastasia, or Ansty, a "moron".This is really funny to me because I caught no such traits whatsoever in these two characters! This book can easily be read in one sitting, it is so enjoyable!