The weeks book reviews in brief

Some of the most popular lines we attribute to historical figures are in fact misquotes. Dan Buckley shares some of the classics

A decorative collection of arts and furnishings from Irish country houses have transformed Slane Castle into a set from a period drama.

Japan’s emperor and empress have made their first trip to the disaster zone since the earthquake and tsunami destroyed much of the country’s north-east coast.

ONE of the best sales at the venue for some time took place at Curraheen Park yesterday with a large number of the lots sold. The top two lots sold for €4,000 each.

Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso expressed deep regret over the suffering the country had inflicted on Asia during World War II in a solemn ceremony that marked the 64th anniversary of Tokyo’s surrender in the war.

THE Ger Lyons yard can emerge from a relatively quiet spell by landing the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden with the promising Mister Tee at Gowran Park this evening.

BEAUTY O’Gwaun will get her crack at the big time when she tackles the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Sunday.

THE only daughter of Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko married a childhood friend yesterday and began life as a commoner, leaving the royal palace and giving up the title of princess so the wedding could take place.

Wearing a simple white dress and pearls, Japan’s Princess Sayako bid farewell to palace life today to wed a Tokyo city employee in a low-key ceremony, marking the first time that an emperor’s daughter had married a 'commoner'.

Japan's prime minister Junichiro Koizumi apologised today for Tokyo’s wartime colonisation and invasions in Asia on the 60th anniversary of the country’s surrender, pledging that Japan would never forget the “terrible lessons” of the war.

The Emperor and Empress of Japan today visited President Mary McAleese to see the progress of a tree the royal couple planted during their last trip to Ireland 20 years ago.

The Emperor and Empress of Japan are meeting President Mary McAleese in Dublin today as part of a four-day official visit to Ireland.

The Emperor and Empress of Japan have arrived in Ireland for a four day official visit.

The Emperor and Empress of Japan are set to visit Ireland next month, it emerged today.

BORNA MAGIC can boost her claims in the Sycamore Dan Oaks at Youghal by taking the second of tonight’s semi-finals.

THE Japanese royal family is set to change its succession laws to enable the three-year-old daughter of the current Crown Prince to become the first Empress for 200 years.

MINGLERS FANCY can get off the mark in heat two of the 3s The Field Winner of One A6 Stake at Youghal tonight.

Crown Princess Masako gave birth today to a baby girl and, as Japan celebrated, court messengers placed by its pillow the sword and deep purple robes of silk that are the symbols of its lofty position.