The latest book by historic Irish filmmaker Bob Quinn will be making its way to shelves in the new year. Across decades of a career in film, photography, television and more, Quinn has seen the arts on the island expand, and his new book will chart those experiences.
The Count Me Out: Selected Writings of Filmmaker Bob Quinn, a landmark collection of essays and articles by the renowned Irish filmmaker, photographer and writer, will be published in hardback in February 2025 and is now available for pre-order.
Edited by Toner Quinn, Count Me Out spans seven decades of Bob Quinn’s influential work and thinking. It explores his filmmaking during the Gaeltacht civil rights movement of the 1970s, including the first Irish-language feature film Poitín; the groundbreaking Atlantean series linking Ireland to North Africa; his role in the activism that led to TG4; and his critiques of RTÉ and the societal impact of television advertising. The book also includes extracts from an unpublished memoir.
‘This collection of essays and articles, dating from the 1960s to the 2020s, tells my father’s story through his own words. Although he is known as a filmmaker, Bob has always been writing, either in between films or as part of his activism. Count Me Out will be essential reading for anyone interested in ideas, film, broadcasting and public debate in Ireland.’
Toner Quinn
Bob Quinn was recently honoured with the Ceanntar Scannán award from Galway City of Film, presented by Michael D. Higgins and Lelia Doolan at a ceremony in Galway. Born in Dublin in 1935, Quinn’s films include Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoire, Cloch, Poitín, The Family, Atlantean and Budawanny. He has also created an extensive photographic record of life in Conamara. He is a member of Aosdána and recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Irish Film Institute. Quinn’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers.
Count Me Out: Selected Writings of Filmmaker Bob Quinn will be published by Boluisce Press, a new imprint dedicated to Irish culture and ideas, from the publishers of the Journal of Music. For further information and pre-orders, visit https://journalofmusic.com/shop./
The publication of Count Me Out: Selected Writings of Filmmaker Bob Quinn is generously supported by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe; Grattan Healy; Telegael; TG4; and Bill Whelan.