The Claddagh Ring

Book excerpt: Bestselling author Malachy McCourt recounts the story of the Claddagh ring, a timeless symbol of friendship, loyalty, and love formed by two clasped hands and worn by millions in Ireland and around the world. He celebrates this beloved Irish cultural icon through vivid anecdotes, charming folk tales, and recent incidents. The titular bauble-a pair of hands clasping a crowned heart with the motto "Let love and friendship reign"--is a traditional Irish emblem passed from mothers to daughters and granddaughters, exchanged by betrothed couples or given to friends, and worn by Queen Victoria, Jennifer Aniston and the rock band U2. McCourt ... is wary of the subject's potential to evoke "dreary sentimentality, enough to make a person vomit," but he steadies himself and gives a pleasant rundown of associated lore-a classic Irish mixture of improbable legend and historical tragedy. -Publishers Weekly