Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Essential Books – from Michael D. Higgins to The Supervet

Power To The People: The Hot Press Years, by Michael D. Higgins

An essential read for anyone interested in the story of modern Ireland, Power To The People: The Hot Press Years takes readers back to the early days at Hot Press HQ when the future President Michael D. Higgins wrote a fortnightly column. Available in exclusive hardback editions signed by the author, as well as paperback copies. Available here.

The Story Of The Great Irish Famine, by David Rooney

In this seminal work, acclaimed Irish artist and Hot Press illustrator, David Rooney, tells the story of the Great Irish Famine to unflinching effect. The Story of the Great Irish Famine reminds us – and future generations – of the collective generational trauma that lies within us through his typically dark, brooding but brilliantly executed scraperboard imagery. With dazzling illustrations and immersive storytelling, The Story of the Great Irish Famine is the ideal gift for anyone with an interest in Irish history – or great art.

The Hike Life, by Rozanna Purcell

A definitive guide to the natural wonders at your door step, The Hike Life offers practical advice, clear-cut route descriptions and a wealth of wisdom from sage tree hugger and hiking guru Roz Purcell.

Cook: Traditional Irish Cooking With Modern Twists, by Graham Herterich

We all have a loved one who could use a bit of - to put it lightly – guidance in the kitchen. Graham Herterich - aka The Cupcake Bloke – has you covered with his latest culinary guidebook, Cook, which puts a modern twist on traditional Irish classics. Its gorgeous indigo design makes a perfect frill to any countertop. Anyone fancy some Lamb Tangine Irish Stew?

Dogs And Their Humans: Stories Of Healing And Hope From The Supervet’s Surgery, by Noel Fitzpatrick

The world’s favourite veterinary surgeon returned this year with a life-affirming new collection of stories about humans’ profoundly deep relationships with dogs. The tales, drawing from Fitzpatrick’s 30 years in the business, range from the hilarious to the heartbreaking, featuring every kind of furry friend from Pomeranians to Pyrenean Mountain Dogs. It’s an ideal gift for animal-lovers – just don’t forget to include some tissues too…

The Island Book Of Records Volume 2: 1969-70, edited by Neil Storey

Looking for a gift for the music-mad record collector in your life that doesn’t spin on a turntable? Let them get lost in this lavishly illustrated deep-dive into a key era for the iconic Island Records label. The book spans 432 vinyl-sized pages – featuring unique insights into a phenomenal 64 LPs (three of which were never released); over 1,000 images; and exclusive interviews with Chris Blackwell, BP Fallon, Ian Anderson and more.

You can read the full 2024 Gift Guide in the new issue of Hot Press – out now, and available to order online below: