Malachy McCourt's History of Ireland

by Malachy McCourt

In the successful tradition of Thomas Cahill's modern-day classic, How the Irish Saved Civilization , here is an authoritative and completely engaging one-volume account of Irish history by County Limerick native, gifted storyteller, and bestselling author Malachy McCourt. Its pages are populated with figures from myth, legend, ancient history, and current events, from Cu Chulainn and Brian Boru to Oliver Cromwell, James Joyce, Lady Gregory, Gerry Adams, and Sinead O'Connor—some beloved, some controversial, but all with an undeniable influence on the course of Irish history and in turn, the history of the modern world. McCourt proves an irresistible guide on this vivid tour through the colorful and turbulent history of the Emerald Isle, from the Celtic settlements, through Viking and British occupations, modern troubles and struggle for independence. He also offers fresh insights on the country's cultural contributions to folklore, literature, art, music, and cuisine.

Genres: History, Ireland, Nonfiction, Irish Literature, Historical, Biography, European History

400 pages, Hardcover

First published September 7, 2004

About the author

Malachy Gerard McCourt was an American-Irish actor, writer and politician. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Limerick, McCourt appeared in several films and soap operas, including The Molly Maguires, Brewster's Millions (1985), and Another World. He also wrote three memoirs, describing his life in Ireland and in the United States. McCourt was the 2006 Green Party candidate for governor of New York, losing to the Democratic candidate Eliot Spitzer. He was the younger brother of author Frank McCourt.

Reviews

[Nicol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love West Ireland which to me is completely separate from Dubliners and the Northern Irish. It's quiet, countryside and rough-tumble coastline was branded into my brain the moment I set foot in Killarney. I've visited the churches, the castles and the pubs from Dublin to Dingle and from the Cliffs of Moher to Cork. I fell in love with the land and the people. Now I wanted to know the history. Malachy McCourt is a real storyteller. There's no dry history recital here. From the early Irish kings and chieftains steeped in myth and fact to the 1700's when the rebellious Irish sought funding for their battles from the French and Americans against the English (and if it hadn't been for the bad weather they would have had victory!), to the Easter Rising complete with pictures of their heroes fallen in battle. It's an epic tale.

For me the IRA was the real meat and potatoes of this book. Gripping, heart wrenching tales told by an author who dearly loves his country but is honest enough to point out its failings, and there lies the paradox of the Irish. They've a long line of failure when it comes to battles, but its their failures that makes them fiercely love their heroes. McCourt brings his own voice into this, its not a history written by an outsider or told in a textbook sterile manner. He sadly states that it was false starts, badly timed battles after weeks of careful planning, bad weather and impulsiveness that kept victory out of Irish hands. Yet the fighting Irish have endured and their love of history is evident, as the author will tell you that you can go into any pub and find someone (young or old) who can tell you about the great battles fought in their very streets for their lands and for their rights. Sounds like familiar territory for Americans.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciate McCourt's laid back approach to Ireland's history, his style revolved around individuals and I feel that there is so much missing from his narrative. I didn't actually get a sense of the Irish people themselves or any of the major events.

McCourt explains events such as the Easter Rising and Bloody Sunday only in contexts of who was involved. This tactic resulted in a vague and disjointed telling of the story, as well as a lot of redundancies. I read a review that questioned the editing of the book and I totally agree, it wasn't well-formatted.

The sections on Irish writers and Mary Robinson were particularly good, though I found it odd that Oscar Wilde wasn't included in the former. I also noted the absence of Roger Casement from the chapter on the Easter Rising.

Overall, it was very clear that this wasn't necessarily a history of Ireland, but was instead a collection of what McCourt happens to know. Not a terrible waste of time at all, just not very comprehensive, not particularly well written, and sometimes politically dry.

Riverview Book Club

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 2004, this book is a character driven history of Ireland. I spent the better part of two weeks visiting Ireland in 2019 and received this book as an X-mas gift.

The first half of the book, basically the ‘ancient’ history up to the 1840 potato famine, was quite informative. The sections on James Joyce and Samuel Beckett were also quite good.

The chapters on the 20th century and the quest for Irish independence, an area that I am most interested in and visited a plethora of history museums absorbing as much as possible, was lacking a solid historical context. The writing in these chapters especially seemed a little too casual to me and could have benefited with a better sense of place.


3.5 stars. I learned quite a bit upon reading. The writing was lively and top notch but in retrospect forty mini biographies leaves out too much Irish history.

[Colleen Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is McCourt's illustrative history of Ireland told through the many personalities throughout its history. Events are told through the people he profiles and done in an interesting and sometimes humorous manner and would be enjoyed by people whose knowledge of Irish history is not deep but also by those with an expanse of the history. It was published in 2004 so it misses the many events that have occurred since and without the knowledge on many of the characters uncovered since, but it is a worthwhile and enjoyable read.

[David Eppenstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author titles this book a history of Ireland and it is. It's a good history but one of the strangest histories I have ever read. It is exceptional in what I perceive is its intended purpose but as a true history it is incomplete, shallow and that is why it is only getting 3 stars. The book might better be titled as an Introduction to Irish history. What McCourt has done with this book is actually to boost the history of this troubled land above the ugliness and darkness of its recent past in order to reveal the heart of Ireland which is its people and culture.

The history that Malachy gives us is told through the stories of the lives of about 50 characters and people that were either part of or provoked significant events or movements of Irish history. He starts his history in a way that really confused me and I didn't quite get it until he got to the life of Douglas Hyde, a man I had never heard of. Imagine reading a history of the U.S. that began with the story of Rip Van Winkle, followed by Johnny Appleseed, and Paul Bunyan, and then Davy Crockett because that is how this book begins. The reader is introduced to the characters of Irish myth and legend whose stories may or may not be factual because the stories are part of the oral tradition of this mystical land. After that the author brings the more verifiable figures of Irish history to light. But why the fairytales? I didn't understand. I kept reading as the material took on a more familiar tone.

The more I read and learned about the people that McCourt has chosen to illustrate the history of Ireland I noticed how he seemed to highlight the artistic talents of many of them, writers for the most part. Joyce and Yeats are two notable examples but in pointing this out it is not to be assumed that the dark side of Irish history has been glossed over or ignored as it hasn't. However, I think it is fair to say that McCourt is Irish to the bone and not a historian or a journalist so his objectivity can be questioned. Nevertheless the treatment he gives the history of his homeland is as fair as one could expect from a true son of Eire. When McCourt started to tell the story of Douglas Hyde that I began to understand what this book was really about and why certain figures were selected for inclusion in this book. Hyde was fascinated with preserving Irish culture and the Irish language against the attempts by the English to eradicate all things Irish, the language, the stories, music, dance, the entire culture. Hyde believed that to destroy a nation's culture destroys its identity and it was his calling to prevent this loss of identity. That's when I got what I thought was McCourt's intent.

In this book McCourt has given the reader an introduction to the history of Ireland wrapped in stories of its culture and its people. He let's us know that this history is about more than oppression, poverty, starvation, violence, and bloodshed. He leads us to understand that the darkness of the past is just that, in the past but that that past also holds the basis for the belief in a great future for Ireland. This is a good book but maybe not a great history but it is worth reading and this Irishman is glad he did. Enjoy.

[Kressel Housman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The History Book Club sets up different reading challenges its members, and a common one is to pledge a certain number of books about a designated country over a set period of time, usually a year. Last year’s country was Ireland, and the challenge was extended into this year. I began it with Frank McCourt’s classic memoir of his childhood in Limerick, and fittingly, I’ve finished it with his brother Malachy’s historical narrative. I’ve become a big fan of the McCourt brothers through this journey, but many of their books didn’t count for the challenge because they were set in America.

Given my familiarity with Malachy’s style, I wasn’t surprised that another reviewer said that rather than a standard history book, the tone was like a guy chatting to you about Irish history over a few pints at the pub. Malachy owned a pub for years, so that made perfect sense, and since some of his other books made me laugh till I cried, I went in expecting a lighthearted tone. I was actually surprised at how serious it was. It wouldn’t be correct to characterize this book as academic, but it might work in a survey course. It’s written as a series of short biographies of prominent Irishmen and women ranging from the medieval St. Patrick to present-day Bono. I could probably pass an Irish history test because of it. . . though I doubt I’d get an A.

Because the book covers such a broad period, it’s long, so not everyone would want to commit. But if you’ve laughed over Malachy McCourt’s other books, you’ll probably enjoy seeing his serious and scholarly side, too.

[Gayle Pritchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading books about Ireland written by an Irish person (another favorite is How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill) in an Irish voice. It's a unique experience, and always reminds the reader how deeply and broadly the Irish are educated, especially in history and the arts. McCourt is no exception. I have tried to read several older books about Irish history, the Celts, etc., but this book gives a great overview of 2,500 years in a logical, readable way, one that also reveals the Irish soul in the process, giving the reader insights and understanding into the evolution of the amazing culture that still exists today. I made several notes while reading, including information connected to family genealogy, but I especially enjoyed McCourt's closer in the Epilogue: “Throughout their history, the Irish have always resisted assimilation into the cultures of those who invaded their island—the Vikings, the Normans, the English—and have always put an Irish spin on the worlds of those who came to conquer. May the same continue throughout the next millennium. And may the qualities that define the Irish: their love of life and their love of freedom, their respect for scholarship and their facility with language, their wit, their courage, and their passion, spread across all cultures—for these are the very things that make our humanity bearable.”

[Juliet Doubledee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malachy McCourt's "History of Ireland" leaves the reader both amazed at the rich history of the country, and laughing as he takes a light-hearted approach to telling the story of it's people. It's refreshing how McCourt demonstrates the ancient art of "storytelling" throughout this book, making it seem as if he personally chatted with each of Ireland's heroes, be it St. Patrick, Michael Collins, or U2's Bono. His mastery of the language and flair with words will enthrall all that pick this book up.

[Urey Patrick]

This a a Cliff's Notes version of Irish history - brief, easy to read, enjoyable. McCourt covers 2000 years of Irish history, from early mythology to modern politicians and the Good Friday agreement. Each chapter covers a specific individual and era - each chapter is brief, but informative and entertaining. Along the way, McCourt educates, amuses and engages the reader. There are odd little facts and observations, and the book is pleasant - easy to read, put down, pick back up and not lose interest or orientation. He is selective in his choices - there are gaps and omissions (he does cover 2000 years, after all) - but they are his choices - all Iriswh, and all relevant tohis purpose. Perfect for anybody with an interest in Ireland and the Irish, but not the drive to make a serious study of it all, although McCourt may well whet the appetite and induce one to look for more in-depth and comprehensive works. Regardless - it is fun, informative and worthwhile.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this for my son Christopher because both of us are on again/off again Irish historians, trying to make sense out of an enormously complex and convoluted story. I wound up borrowing this back from him and enjoyed it more than I can tell you. The McCourt family story-telling ability is the best and for once the material was presented in a way that was not only readable but understandable and enjoyable as well. I found myself looking forward to the next chapter as if I was reading a good family saga. If you're interested in this ancient country and what has made it was it is today, or just a good story, it's worth the read.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

While reading the James Joyce section, I was was very confused to read that he was born in 1892, and in 1904 he began his romance with his future wife. The age of 12 seemed a bit young for a lad to be living on his own, publishing stories, and seriously courting a woman. After further research, I found that Joyce was born in 1882, not 1892.

Also, in the Samuel Beckett section, there is another glaring error. McCourt says that Dream of Fair to Middling Women was published in 1992, three years after Beckett died. However, four pages later McCourt states that Beckett died in 1986, which would make the spread between his death and the publication six years, not three. So once again, I researched this and found that Beckett died in 1989, not 1986. I also found that his wife died the same year as him, in 1989, and not in 1986, which is what I read in the book.

Aside from a few errors of that scope, this book was a fairly informative and enjoyable read. The factual errors did make me wonder what else is incorrect in this book. However, given the 2,500 years covered, McCourt seemed to choose consistently to expound upon the lives of key players in Ireland's history.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the concept of this book as a collection of biographies of the people who made Ireland what it has become through 2,500 years of history.

However, if you are new to Irish history, this is not the book for you. It gives the details without much context, as it assumes you have a working knowledge of Ireland's history. It felt like looking at a pointillism painting up close: sure, the play of colors is interesting, but what does the whole picture look like. I had to supplement my reading with a few wikipedia sessions. He does give a disclaimer in the epilogue that the book is not meant for scholarly pursuits, but then, I think it is inappropriately titled. Perhaps a better title would have been: My Favorite Assortment of Irish Biographies.

It also spent only the first half of the book on 2,350 years, and the latter half on only 150 years. It seemed disproportionately concerned with the modern which wasn't what I was specifically looking for.

And one last critique is more for the editing, as there were several inconsistencies and redundancies. Names changed their spelling and certain facts were needlessly repeated.

[Thomas Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your typical history book. This read more like a conversation with a learned Irishman over a pint in the pub, and over the course of a few hours, and as many pints, your Irish companion shares his thoughts about the pivotal moments in Ireland's history. This really is Malachy McCourt's History of Ireland. I found his style and substance informative and interesting - a fairly easy read. But this was a purely linear historical account and in some cases, I found myself getting confused when Malachi jumps back in time to tell the story of another Irishman of Irishwoman who figured in the periphery of an earlier tale. For that reason alone, I wish I had a better base knowledge of Irish history before reading Malachy's book. I think I would have come away more enlightened and clear on the pivotal events. Still I learned a lot and enjoyed the conversation (read) immensely. We'll see what was retained when I visit Ireland in the months ahead.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

While no means a scholarly history of Ireland (as confessed by the author), this is still an entertaining read. It's more a history told in the form of traditional Irish storytelling with short chapters about well-known characters ranging from (St.) Patrick, to Michael Collins, to Bono. I'd have given it four stars except the format tends to lead to quite a bit of repetition. The library edition I read could have used some better editing as well.

I'll be spending a week of evenings (after conference sessions) in Northern Ireland (Armagh - St. Patrick's home) pubs in a few weeks - something I've been dreaming of for many years. I finally have a little better understanding of the local history and now shouldn't embarrass myself too much while enjoying a few pints...

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malachy McCourt's book "History of Ireland" offers much more insight into the history of that great nation than I'd expected. His story goes way back to antiquity when Ireland was inhabited by a race of people we wouldn't recognize today. From there, he describes how that land became populated by folks from all around Europe.

Of course, Ireland's most recent history is closely intertwined with that of England and the attempt of the Irish people to gain sovereignty of their own nation. What I have long thought was a battle between Protestants and Catholics is, more accurately, a war between the Irish and the English.

The book ends with a narrative of the life of Bon Jovi, an Irish singer, demonstrating the powerful impact the Irish people have upon the world today.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is not a textbook on the history of Ireland it does provide a great introduction to those with no knowledge of the country. McCourt does an excellent job telling a story, an Irish story, about the myths and legends from the Celts through the Seventeenth century. The sections following those however are told by association with individuals he has chosen to include in the book which creates some overlap and unnecessary redundancies. I enjoyed the fact that he gave a short bio on many figures within the long history of Ireland but this piece is more of a jumping off point.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I alternately skimmed and slogged through the first 2000 years. However, I really appreciated the stories of the lives of leaders in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. McCourt's selection of Bono of U2 was a fitting finale. "He is lyrical and has the Irish way with language. He is full of practical and engaged spirituality. He is political and willing to fight for the issues he believes in. He is musical and energetic and full of life. And more than anything else he represents, on an international platform, the New Ireland: vigorous, cosmopolitan, ballsy, committed, and proud."

[Toby Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are moments of good storytelling, but there are moments when it gets bogged down by lack of clarity as McCourt seems to assume a lot on the reader. At times the book seemed challenging without much background knowledge of certain aspects especially when McCourt rushes. It was great to hear some unknown stories though. Afterwords I did feel as though I understand the history a bit more but left with a lot more questions.

[Neel · Rating 4 out of 5]

History told with a story teller's technique and a focus on people. You won't get a chronological perspective per se, since this is really a set mini-biographies, but it's fun perspective and very readable. It reads more like an oral history... a series of stories told to you by a person who had them told to them. I liked it.

[Cari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars for what I did read: history-slash-biography, all okay. Unfortunately I only made it a bit past the 100 page mark, as those first 100 pages failed to engage me, so much so that at one point I forgot I was reading this and started an entirely different book. I'm leaving the bookmark in place when I put it back on the shelf, so maybe I'll come back to McCourt's book some day. Maybe.

[Ed Grimmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

History written from the perspective of the individuals who played significant roles and symbolized the transitional historical points or trends. And done in the marked wit of Malachy. Not the tight scholarship of a historian and seemless editing, but that is not what I expected. His cultural perspective is what I wanted and the book delivers.

[Jess Monnier · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to get an idea of Irish history by reading all these short stories of people. It might be good for those who are already familiar with Irish history, but would not recommend for those people who are looking to learn with little background. (Like me).

[Lauren]

Well-written,engaging history of Ireland

[Damian Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malachy’s research and perspective in his story telling makes this an easy read

[Melanie Vidrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me for Christmas, I really enjoyed reading about various Irish notables throughout history. May need to go back to Ireland!

[Shane · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are too many short blurps about people and it was hard to keep them straight. I love Ireland and was hoping to learn more about their rich history. I did learn some, but it was difficult to follow, and I felt I needed to have a higher baseline of Irish history in order to fully grasp some of the stories and people.

[Dan McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A history of Ireland through around 50 biographies, from heroes of legend like Cu Chulainn to Bobby Sands. A lot were people I already knew from my studies, but even then there was always a story I hadn't heard before. A great companion book as I started this 2-week Irish vacation!

[Mark Fallon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not so much a formal history book, but what you would hear if you sat down next to Malachy in a bar and listened to him tell his favorite tales of Ireland.

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful overview of Irish history from an obviously talented story teller. Homey in the way you expect to hear from a tired but gently loving great grandfather.

[Sage & Pink Feathers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I owned this book for 11 years before I could get through the first chapter. If you don't know a lot about Irish history - it can get confusing. Only after taking a trip to Ireland myself could I create a better picture in my brain to truly understand the words I was reading in McCourt's book. It is a great basic history of Ireland, written like a story instead of a stuffy textbook. Appreciated the book greatly the second time around.