In Search of Giants Book Launch, September 2024

Guests joined authors, Colleen Snyder and Brendan Holland, and Professor Márta Korbonits, Professor of Endocrinology and deputy director of the William Harvey Research Institute at the Queen Mary University of London, for the public launch of 'In Search of Giants'.

In Search of Giants intertwines patient stories, historical accounts, and scientific findings to unravel the mysteries of genetic gigantism caused by a rare AIP genetic mutation that originated in Northern Ireland. The book tells the story of Professor Márta Korbonits’ genetic research in Northern Ireland that connected ancient legends with contemporary scientific discoveries, showing how a 2000-year-old genetic mutation still causes gigantism today.

In Search of Giants draws on the stories of mythical and historical Irish giants of Northern Ireland and includes the story of Charles Byrne.

The real-life implications of gigantism on patients with this rare condition, including debilitating headaches, blindness, pain, and infertility, come alive through the remarkable stories of patients with gigantism. This account weaves together science, history, and folklore, challenging readers to reconsider the boundaries of legend and reality.

Colleen Snyder is an Irish American and the first person in the U.S. identified with the Northern Ireland variant of the AIP genetic mutation that caused her gigantism. This book represents a journey of discovery when she meets Brendan, another person who shares her diagnosis of gigantism, and learns about her Irish ancestors who left County Tyrone during the Great Famine in 1861. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post and Destinations magazine.

Brendan Holland lives in Dungannon, County Tyrone in the center of the geographic hotspot for the AIP genetic mutation in Northern Ireland. This book gives voice to his story about his deep family roots in Mid-Ulster in County Tyrone, life as a giant in Northern Ireland, and historical research into local giant lore and legend. Brendan was featured in the 2009 documentary Charles Byrne, the Irish Giant, directed by Ronan McCloskey, and in the 2016 BBC documentary The Giant Gene. He has been interviewed by the NBC Today Show, BBC Radio 4, Irish Examiner, RTE Radio 1, and the BBC World Service.