A History of Ireland in 100 Objects

by Fintan O'Toole

Objects tell us startling stories. Some recall catastrophes-a jewelled lizard pendant retrieved from a wrecked armada ship of 1588, or the handkerchief waved by a priest in Derry in 1972 to clear a path to safety for a wounded 17-year old boy. Others inspire wonder- the gold lunula that shone on the breast of an ancient king, or the trophy that Irish goldminers in Australia had made for a nationalist hero. From the simple fish trap of the earliest inhabitants of the island to the first mass-produced microprocessor, they take us through the history of people in Ireland. They also offer a glimpse into the lives and minds of long-dead individuals. Each of the 100 objects selected is given a historical context, a cultural vitality, a political intensity. What makes each one pulse with life is the idea of the people who touched and were touched by it.

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

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2013

About the author

Fintan O'Toole is a columnist, assistant editor and drama critic for The Irish Times. O'Toole was born in Dublin and was partly educated at University College Dublin. He has written for the Irish Times since 1988 and was drama critic for the New York Daily News from 1997 to 2001. He is a literary critic, historical writer and political commentator, with generally left-wing views. He was and continues to be a strong critic of corruption in Irish politics, in both the Haughey era and continuing to the present.

O'Toole has criticised what he sees as negative attitudes towards immigration in Ireland, the state of Ireland's public services, growing inequality during Ireland's economic boom, the Iraq War and the American military's use of Shannon Airport, among many other issues. In 2006, he spent six months in China reporting for The Irish Times. In his weekly columns in The Irish Times, O'Toole opposed the IRA's campaign during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

information from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fintan_O...

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book before traveling to Ireland. Not only does it share insight on the artifacts themselves, but also gives the reader additional information which helps understand each item's significance to the whole of Irish history. Additionally, when we visited the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, the artifacts featured in the book are marked to indicate that they are featured in this book specifically. The placards in the museum do not share the same information as the book does, at least not in depth, so I truly enjoyed getting to know more about them and seeing them in person.

[Fatima Siddique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Organizing a history book by using artifacts as markers is a really fun idea, but I think the book is not enjoyable unless you already have a solid knowledge base. It's not for people who are new to Irish history.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent photography, with succinct but informative descriptions. A glorious slice of Irish history across the ages.

[Judy Ugonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe that this book was published ten years before it crossed my radar. It's such a lovely book. It's a treasure trove of full-page photographs of artefacts, each one accompanied by a page of informative and interesting narrative. The book starts with a mesolithic fish trap dating from c 5000BC and ends with a decomissioned AK47 dating from 2005. There is information on where to see each item in the book, which is particularly helpful if you plan a cultural trip to Ireland. All the celebrated Irish medieval treasures are featured including the Tara broach and the Book of Kells as well as lesser known objects. Fintan O' Toole's introduction is readable and fascinating and the book is nicely produced. Wonderful!

[Covadonga Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesantísimo recorrido por la historia de Irlanda, desde la Prehistoria al siglo XXI, a través de 100 objetos reales, preciosa edición muy documentada. El nivel de inglés es exigente para mi, pero de todos modos disfruté mucho.

[Ted Manahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating!

[Mary Anne]

OK, COULD'VE BEEN BETTER