Palace of Wisdom

Gerry Adams angrily denying he might have sympathy for Osama bin Laden .. . Allen Ginsberg confessing his membership of NAMBLA [North American Man Boy Love Association] . . . Will Self talking about the pitfalls of taking smack on John Major's campaign jet. . . Booker-prize winner DBC Pierre recalling his misspent drug-fuelled Mexican youth. . . English artist Sebastian Horsley explaining why he decided to have himself crucified in the Philippines.. . Sex And The City creator Candace Bushnell recalling the night she almost killed herself... drug dealer Allen Long explaining his $350, 000 a month lifestyle . . . plus U2's Adam Clayton, Sinead O'Connor, Liam Gallagher, Robbie Williams and much, much more. The "enfant terrible" of Irish journalism is back, with a remarkable book that explores the dark and dangerous currents in which artists, celebrities, musicians, writers and politicos alike - including the author himself - are wont to swim. And sometimes drown . . . In a series of memorable face to face encounters, Olaf Tyaransen brings out the best - and occasionally the worst - in some of the most high profile names in popular culture. Here are the celebrated interviews, which delighted, angered, caused a sensation and, almost invariably, made the headlines. The road of excess takes many routes - from the recreational to the political - but in the hands of Olaf Tyaransen they all end up in the Palace Of Wisdom.