CNN - A closer look at Ireland, Scotland

(CNN) -- "Irish Rebellions" is the latest in Irish historian Helen Litton's Illustrated History series. She uses newspaper reports, speeches, eyewitness accounts, photographs and other material to tell the story of major Irish rebellions between 1798 and 1916.

The concise book from the Irish-American Book Co. (Wolfhound Press in Ireland) begins with the Rebellion of 1798, when Wolfe Tone and his United Irishmen led the fight for national independence. This struggle, as Litton explains, set a revolutionary course for the country, which saw subsequent uprisings in 1803, 1848, 1867 and 1916.

Packed with illustrations and photos, "Irish Rebellions" is easy to read and engrossing, especially for anyone interested in Ireland's turbulent past.

'The Essential Library for Irish-Americans'

Best-selling novelist Morgan Llywelyn has put together a list of works she considers must-reads for Irish-Americans or anyone interested in Ireland and its unique history, culture and psyche.

Llywelyn's "instructive, opinionated, annotated" list of books is separated into broad categories, such as biographies, history, humor, novels, travelogues, etc. She describes each book's premise and explains what it reveals about Ireland, instead of simply summarizing it.

In the introduction, Llywelyn says she chose these works because they represent the genuine Ireland, not stereotypes often depicted in movies and television.

Available in March from Forge Books, "The Essential Library for Irish-Americans" is a unique reference guide for anyone interested in "Ireland's special magic."

'Irish Hunger'

"Irish Hunger: Personal Reflections on the Legacy of the Famine" is a compilation of commentaries on Ireland's great famine of the 1840s and the long-lasting effect it has had on the proud nation and its people.

Compiled by California state Sen. Tom Hayden, "Irish Hunger" sheds light on the aftermath of the famine, which killed 1 million and forced another 2 million to emigrate. "Such a massive trauma took its psychic toll in rage, shame and feelings of deep inferiority," Hayden writes in the prologue.

Contributors include Helen Litton, Gabriel Byrne and Hayden himself. It is available from Roberts Rinehart Publishers.

'Freedom's Sword'

In light of Scotland's historic 1997 vote to re-establish its parliament -- a move which could lead to an independent state -- "Freedom's Sword: Scotland's Wars of Independence" is particularly timely.

The book, by Peter Traquair, is a modern account of Scottish rebellion and the series of wars that irrevocably changed its relationship with England.

"Freedom's Sword" also tells the true story of William Wallace -- of "Braveheart" fame -- who led a rebellion against England in the first war for freedom. It follows with the story of military leader Robert the Bruce, who fought off rivals to become king of Scotland.

Detailed maps and colorful illustrations and photographs add to Traquair's accounts of the wars. "Freedom's Sword" is available from Roberts Rinehart Publishers.

'Whiskey and Scotland'

First printed in 1935, Neil M. Gunn's "Whiskey and Scotland" has long been a classic on the subject of the Celts' "water of life."

Now out in a new edition from Souvenir Press, it sports new, simple illustrations that introduce chapters like "Highlands and Lowlands" and "Blending."

"Whiskey and Scotland" is a comprehensive look at the history and production of the drink, as well as a "lament for the days when every self-respecting Highlander had his own pot still as of right."

Previous visits to the cafe:

From Elvis to Phish, it's all rock 'n' roll - December 28, 1998

Surviving childhood - December 7, 1998

Old time religion - October 2, 1998

Focus on women - September 17, 1998

Focus on art, old and new - September 4, 1998

An autopsy for your teddy bear? - August 3, 1998