Irish houses and castles, 1400–1740
Rolf Loeber
“The late Rolf Loeber (1942–2017) was a force within the academic discourse surrounding Irish history, art history, literature and architecture for 50 years … Irish houses and castles 1400–1740, published after his death and carefully edited by Kevin Whelan and Matthew Stout, serves to compile six of Loeber’s less widely circulated articles on Irish houses and castles, presenting them in a format that highlights the breadth and substance of his contribution to the field of Irish architectural studies … The expansive work done by Rolf Loeber in multiple fields cannot be understated. His attention to detail is evident in each paragraph and chapter of this book, and his passion for the subject is made all the clearer in knowing that the subject-matter covered was not his principal field of study. In all, this book serves as a wonderful tribute to the author, celebrating his legacy while simultaneously emphasising the impact his research has made on Irish architectural and settlement history scholarship. A valuable compilation to seasoned researchers and newcomers alike, this book is as significant as both its author and the monuments he so ardently studied.” Frank J. Hall, Journal of Irish Archaeology, Vol. XXX (2021)
“These specially selected essays concentrate on elite domestic architecture over the period 1400-1700, as well as on the broad cultural, political and geographic trends which influenced their creation, adoption and adaption ... This book is a fine collection of previously published informative, well-researched essays, some of which were no longer in print or as easily accessible as they deserved to be. The collation of these articles preserves a legacy of scholarship from a dedicated researcher that are of value to academics, students and interested amateurs. The papers are supported by excellent maps, illustrations and photographs, indicating Loeber’s comfort with both field work and archival research ... Across all papers are thematic threads of continuity and change as well as an insightful understanding of the different ways in which traditions emerge, are shared, adapted or rejected ... a well presented and keenly edited book that acts as a worthy tribute to Loeber’s extensive scholarship as evidenced by the bibliographic compilation of his work (266-70).” Karen Dempsey, Irish Literary Supplement, Spring 2021
"Rolf Loeber was a scholar of rare distinction ... His death in 2017 deprived Irish scholarship of one its greatest stars ... Four Courts Press have done his memory proud with this very fine volume." Current Archaeology (March 2020).
"This publication features one hundred maps, plans, illustrations and tables ... The end result is a uniformity of presentation and high production standards typical of FCP. This brings new life to articles written as far back as 1973, often out of print or difficult to access. The content of the chapters remain inviolate, and this was the chief goal of the editors and publishers; to bring Rolf's work to the attention [sic] new generation of scholars." - Matthew Stout, Group for the study of Irish Historic Settlement Newsletter, (2019).
"Rolf Loeber had many friends and admirers in Ireland. He was deservedly widely respected; indeed, more than that, he was held in awe by many for the breadth and originality of his scholarship and for the thoroughness of his approach. This book is an edited version of six of his diverse repertoire of publications .. this book abounds with interest and is also very well presented. The editors and publisher have created an exceptionally coherent- indeed, compelling- book that adds value to the multiple contributors of Rolf Loeber to Irish architectural history. Important research that ran the risk of being forgotten or consigned to obscurity is here retrieved and given its rightful setting as part of a wider narrative. Many readers may appreciate, perhaps for the first time, the significance of Rolf Loeber for Irish Architectural and settlement history., This book is a fine tribute to a scholar who was truly a path-breaker and an inspiration, a person whose legacy deserves to be valued and remembered." Arnold Horner, History Ireland (May-June, 2020).
