March 18

How the Irish Saved Civilizaton: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe

By Thomas Cahill

According to Cahill's interpretation (and it seems quite reasonable to me), the Irish became the keepers of learning during the chaos that followed the fall of the Roman Empire.  When Patrick was kidnapped by Irish pirates in the 4th century, he brought the Christian faith (the message of hope and salvation that was a welcome change from the religions of fear practiced by the early Celts) and literacy.  The new Irish Christians were eager to practice their faith, including learning to read and write the scriptures.  Eventually, these scribes went to Britain and the continent, where they kept alive not only the scriptures, but also histories and other learned works.  Patrick is the pivotal figure in the saving of civilization, and he was followed by Columalle and Columbanus, who continued the spread of his ministry.