The first book in a trilogy, A Celtic Childhood offers a collection of colorful characters and humorous memories spanning Watkins's boyhood years. Whether saving his elementary school Christmas pageant from utter disaster when a fire breaks out on stage, or dressing up as a gangster and causing havoc at a gala wedding affair, the roisterous young Liam never allowed for a dull moment. Here we see the origins of Watkins's literary and theatrical talents as he takes us to his family gatherings in Limerick and Wales, where Celtic poetry, history, and song were as lush as the rolling countryside. "Bill Watkins should receive credit for re-associating the words humorous,' thoughtful,' and educational' with the term Irish memoir.' Watkins succeeds at creating a lively, readable account of the first 17 years of his life, because he possesses the skill of an Irish bard: He can mix poetry, song, story and history together to make a pleasing tale."- Missoula Independent " A Celtic Childhood will appeal to all people who enjoy music and myths and a wee bit of mischief."- San Antonio Express News "Brilliant and entertaining."-Jim Brooks, Irish Gazette "Laugh-out-loud funny, with an eccentric cast of characters. . . . Watkins's embellished childhood tales make for pure reading pleasure."- Publishers Weekly (starred review) This book represents another variation on the currently popular theme of Irish childhood memoirs. Unlike the troubling Angela's Ashes (LJ 8/96), most of this memoir consists of happy childhood tales. The book begins in 1955, when a five-year-old Watkins moves with his parents (his mother is Irish, his father, Welsh) to England. Readers then journey with Watkins through his childhood in the British Isles. The book is filled with entertaining anecdotes and information about Celtic history and languageAreaders learn about Celtic euphemisms, curses, blessings, and songs. (There's even a complete glossary of vocabulary and lyrics.) It should be noted, however, that Watkins fails to cite any historical or scholarly references; the stories that populate this book appear to have been handed down orally through Watkins's family. Recommended for larger libraries serving patrons interested in modern Celtic themes.AAngela M. Weiler, SUNY Libs., Morrisville Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. ...Watkins's ... rollicking memoir of his boyhood in postwar Ireland and England ... deserves to be read for its...brilliance, rhythm and structure... -- Publisher's Weekly Should receive credit for re-associating the words "humorous," "thoughtful," and "educational" with the term "Irish memoir." -- Missoula Independent, September 16-23, 1999 Used Book in Good Condition