Grace O'Malley: The Biography of Ireland's Pirate Queen 1530–1603 with a Forward by Mary McAleese

by Anne Chambers

‘There came to me also a most famous feminine sea called Granny Imallye … with three galleys and two hundred fighting men … She brought with her her husband for she was as well by sea as by land well more than Mrs Mate with him. This was a notorious woman in all the coasts of Ireland …’ Sir Henry Sidney, Lord Deputy of Ireland, 1576

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

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1979

About the author

Anne Chambers is an Irish biographer, novelist and screenplay writer who lives and works in Dublin. She is best known for her biography of the 16th-century Irish Pirate Queen, Gráinne (Grace) O'Malley.

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace O'Malley (Granuaile) was a legendary Irish pirate chieftain and Gaelic chieftain who was known as such ephitet's as 'The Pirate Queen', A Most Famous Feminine Sea Captain, 'Nurse to All Rebellions' and 'A Notable Traitoress'

This book traces her life. perhaps in too little detail, and perhaps does not quite do justice to this fascinating women. This is a work of non-fiction, but I believe there was enough material at hand to give a fuller and more readable picture of this Irish Boudicca of the seas.
Mostly it is a social history of Ireland at the time, it's colonization by England and the atrocities committed by the English invaders against the Irish (as well as Irish chieftains against their own).
The role of women is examined to show just how Granuiele broke the mould, and the upheavals caused by the change from tribal Gaelic society to English law (It seems that women played a greater leadership role in some cases in the former.
We also read of her famous meeting with Queen Elizabeth, the possible fate of the Spaniards from the Armada marooned in Ireland and a chapter on her illustrious descendants.

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 3 out of 5]

After I read Grania: She-King of the Irish Seas by Morgan Llywelyn, I wanted to learn more about Grania, and I ordered this little book from my favorite online used book site.

This is not a long book but it is packed with information. About Grace O'Malley, the way of life in her day (she was born in 1530), society and politics during her life, and more. There is a chapter about her descendants, an appendix with songs that had been written about her, even the answers she gave to eigtheen "articles of interrogatory" asked by a Lord Burghley and dated July 1593.

Very interesting, but slightly overwhelming. The author built on legends, folklore, and English State records, often reproducing pertinent sections from such reports. This could get tricky for my little pea brain: such passages were naturally written in Elizabethan style of spelling and phrasing.

I enjoyed th book. I know that it was non-fiction, but I confess I had hoped for a bit more life on the pages. The reading got dry and cumbersome at times. But still, a fascinating look at a true legend's life, and a microscopic peek at some complicated Irish political history.

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
My copy had a ton of proofing errors. Also there is little factual info on her actual privateering.

BUT...this book is a treasure trove about Irish rebellion history in the sixteenth century. I didn’t know about any of this. I found it quite enlightening. Granted some is folklore-stories carried through the generations, but even so I learned about the clans and their efforts to crawl from underneath England’s claws. Ireland had no idea the smack down that was coming their way.
Grace is an impressive personality. Scribes did their best to keep her out of the annals, but surprisingly there has been an resurgence of popularity especially in Ireland. She’s been celebrated in various cultural and commercial enterprises. After reading this book, I believe it’s rightly deserved.

[Bailey Chadwick · Rating 1 out of 5]

How was this book? It took me 3 years to read a 200 page book. That's how it was.

[Regina Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

If asked to name a strong female monarch during the 16th century you wouldn't be faulted for jumping to England's Queen Elizabeth. You might also throw in Queen Mary of Scots. But Ireland was also home to a strong-willed queen who, sadly, has mostly been relegated to folklore. Granuaile, or Grace O'Maley, was Queen of Umaill, chieftain of the O Maley clan, rebel, seafarer, and fearless leader, who challenged the turbulent politics of 16th century England and Ireland. While Irish legends have immortalized Grace as a courageous woman who overcame boundaries of gender imbalance and bias to fight for the independence of Ireland and protect it against the English crown, to the English, she was considered a brutal and thieving pirate, who controlled the coastlines through intimidation and plunder.

This book should have been amazing. But it was the toughest 200 pages I've ever read and I'm no stranger to long dry works. I can enjoy them as long as the information presented keeps my interest piqued. It may be that any book on Granualie will run into the same issue - there is so little documentation on her. I also think the book would have benefited greatly from maps. Finally, this author LOVES the word extant.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short book and a relatively easy read. I say relatively because there is some Gaelic in it that can be hard to navigate if you're unfamiliar with the language (like myself).

Overall, I wasn't wholly impressed. The author starts with setting the scene, which is fine, but she doesn't really get to the subject of her book until about the third chapter or so. One of the other things I noticed was the author's tendency to get ahead of herself - it was almost as if it was too difficult to stick to a linear timeline.

For almost the same information, but a little more entertainment value (probably at the expense of historical accuracy), I'd recommend "The Wild Irish" instead of this.

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the book was going to be better than it was. I enjoyed the parts where I actually learned about Grace O'Malley but found myself getting lost in the different names she went by and the different people that were talked about in the book. I find Grace O'Malley to be a very interesting person and would like to learn more, perhaps with a different writing style I would have enjoyed it more.

[Ashley Marie]

I had high hopes for this one. Granuaile! Heroine of Irish history! And a book that has, since 1979, been included in school curricula!

...Nah. Dense and disorganized and poorly edited do not make for an attention-holder.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This history in this book is absolutely fascinating but this could have done with better editing! A lot of repetition of phrases but overall a very interesting read!

[Michael Fuller · Rating 2 out of 5]

snoozetacular

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book clearly shows the unfortunate historical bickering of the Irish elite. Anne Chambers is able to piece together in a clear and concise fashion, the changing loyalties, the probably motivations and changes of fortune in a very confusing part of Irish history. These episodes include, the rise of Elizabeth I, the tragedy of the Spanish Armada and the Nine Years War ending with the shame of the Kinsale.

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This might be a good story but I'll probably never know because the book is so poorly edited I cannot read it. It's a second edition undertaken, as the author says in the forward, at a time when she's written more books and become a better writer. Possibly in her efforts to show us how much better of a writer she has become she changes words in a few places and then forget to change the other words in the same sentence to make it all hang together so the parts of speech don't match. The punctuation is willy-nilly. Periods stand in for commas and commas pop up in useless places, then on page 22 we are told that the population of Ireland was no more than 7000,000 people. I'm not sure how large a number that is. I gave up somewhere around page 26. I picked this book up on a discount shelf at Barnes and Noble, so it's not likely to get another printing anytime soon, but if it does the publisher needs to invest in more skilled copy editors.

This is why we need Goodreads. "What's cheap at the bookstore?" is not a good way to select reading material.

[Kat (Lost in Neverland) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for the mediocre writing (disorganized and put far too much emphasis on the last twenty pages while skimming through the more interesting parts), 5 stars for the pure badassery that was Grace O'Malley.

[Mike Mikulski · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife's great grandmother, Honora O'Malley, emigrated from Clare island on the west coast of Ireland in the 1800's. On Clare Island there is a ruin of the castle of Granuaile O'Malley, the pirate queen of Northwest Ireland in the 1500's who famously had an audience with Queen Elizabeth I to petition for the return of her lands and the release of her jailed sons. This concise, well-researched biography provides background on Granuaile's life and time and a solid history behind the myths and legends passed on in family stories and Irish tales.

1530, when Granuaile was born, was a peak point in the rule and dominance of Gaelic Chieftans and clans. English control was limited to Dublin and a relatively small surrounding pale. This changed with the policies of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, who installed English governors to take documented control of Irish lands and immediately returned them to the Chieftans in return for a pledge of allegiance to England and a change from Gaelic Brehon law to English law. The primary legal difference between Brehon and English law was the Gaelic custom of passing control of lands not by paternal blood lines but instead by clan consensus to a strong leading Tanaiste who demonstrated the ability to control and defend land against neighboring clans.

Granuaile's family passed on a legacy of strong leadership in the region and nautical skill that gathered wealth through trade and piracy on the Atlantic coast from Scotland to Spain. Chambers biography lays out the clan rivalries and influence and how they interfaced with the growing shift to English military rule. Richard Bingham, he brutal military English governor becomes the primary antagonist to Granuaile and the Irish Chiefs. Bingham seized lands through military means, imprisonment, the use of ransom and by playing cheiftan's off one another rather than through change of title and allegiance. Chambers paints Granuaile as a shrewd leader and politician who always demonstrated uncertain loyalty, using the relationships that would best suit her family and interests. She was a wise politician, picking strong allegiances but always willing to move loyalties and physical location to gain a position of strength.

Chambers contrasts the strengths of Granualie and her contemporary, Elizabeth I, as two outlier successful female leaders of the time. As an appendix, Chambers shares primary research materials found in the archives of Elizabeth I that paint the legal and court maneuvering of the time that Granuile used to hold on to her power at the highest level of European leadership.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

Not sure how much of this I actually took in as there was a larger focus on politics of the time than I anticipated. There was also a marked lack of information on her actual piracy but that could be because there are very few records of the details at sea. I do appreciate that Anne Chambers didn't wholly discredit legends and oral tales and often tried to give credence both to tales and truths documented.

I would say though that this book would serve as a good additional source and not the initial source of information when first learning about Granuaile. Even a Wikipedia deep dive would have been helpful first.

[Emily W · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was informational. I learned a little about what Ireland was like before the English took over. It has aligned to what I have learned in my class about the history of Ireland. My favorite part was the fact the Grace O'Malley was basically a girl boss. Love how powerful this woman was despite the fact the her area of expertise was male dominated.

However. I feel like Ms. Chambers talks more about the conditions of Ireland instead Grace O'Malley at times. However, there are times in O'Malley's life where it is kind of shrouded in mystery. And because she sometimes talks more about Ireland or the surrounding peoples, it feels like this book jumps around at times.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

grace o'malley is my hero now i aspire to be more like her

[Muirín · Rating 5 out of 5]

My finger slipped and I accidentally gave this 5 stars instead of no rating but for you, Granuaile, anything x

[Liam Wurtz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Get you a girl who will melt the lead roof off your castle in order to pour the molten metal down upon the English soldiers that are besieging you.

[Ash Catt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in 1979, this book has had quite the impact from that time onwards and has been re-issued several times with new information on the topic. I happen to have read the 2009 edition, which is testament to the importance of the book, for it to be deemed worthy of re-issue and revision to this day. The subject is certainly a remarkable character within history, taking on a role that was not just traditionally, but exclusively masculine, and occupying that space without compromising her own femininity; not the conventional tales you expect to be hearing from the histories of 16th century Gaelic society.

Before the book starts the story of Granuaile (or Grace, or Granny...), the reader is briefed with a quick context of Irish society. Talking about pre-Medieval, Medieval and also Early Modern Ireland, the foundations are laid in an accessible not-dense way for the tale of Granuaile to be understood within. Several key concepts, such as the system of clans, and English presence in Ireland are crucial, therefore their explanation beforehand is vital.

The rest of the book runs as a roughly chronological account of Granuaile's life, but not as one linear narrative. The chronology jumps back and forth mildly to fit in with the topic that it is describing, and this keeps the prose cogent and easier to follow.

The way that Granuaile is discussed, is sufficiently balanced; however perhaps a little much on the positive side of the bias scale, however this isn't too pervasive. She's never portrayed through sainthood or worship. It could be said that there is a tendency to criticise the actions of the English, however this can also be seen as somewhat justified considering their acquisitive actions and xenophobic beliefs regarding the Irish as people.

The books is also very brief, the main body comprising Granuaile's chronology reaching only around 150 pages. This is understandable given the scarcity of historical record within Irish clans, especially as she was a woman who wasn't commented on much in retrospect after her death had passed by those unwilling to attribute political significance to 'the fairer sex'. Thankfully, the appendices are utilised to record fascinating historical documents and poems that concern Granuaile. The shortness of the book also makes it an accessible read, and this may explain how it has been used within the Irish history curriculum.

Overall, this was a fascinating read about a divergent woman. Pirate; mother; political negotiator; not actually a Queen, but who needs such a superficial title when you're as interesting as Granuaile?

[Brady Nelson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is such a disappointing book. There is no piracy in it. And is full of little problems...

1.) Author insists on pointing out that Granuaile is a woman living in a man's world on every single page. And that was so so hard to be. If you're confident in a point you're making, you don't need to repeat it 80 times.
2.) Historians buried Granuaile because she was a woman (in a man's world.) The truth is the entire O'Malley line lived just as fascinating lives as she did. Several of the men more so. They are less remembered today because they were men. Being a woman is the primary reason Granuaile gets separated from and held above the rest today.
3.) Claims Granuaile is the greatest female pirate queen and then delivers zero evidence. Even compares her to Anne Bonny as if she is considered some great female pirate. The Author hasn't read her pirate histories (she has admittedly done an awesome study of Ireland at this time). Author might need to Google Zheng Yi Sao before making such claims again.
4.) Claims Granuaile is on par with Elizabeth (!!!) as the 2 most powerful women in Europe. Okay trying to level her up with Elizabeth is insane and secondly, ever heard of Mary Queen of Scots??? Granuaile is one of MANY counts/countesses of Ireland and was never in any way one of the most powerful people even in Ireland.
5.) This book is mostly about the land and political intrigue between Elizabethan England and the greatly fragmented leaders of Ireland and in this subject her own sons were more prominent than she was. As were many of the other Irish leaders. The Author greatly misses her objective when she wrote so much about this instead of Granuaile at sea.
6.) I'm going to say it again because it really bugged me. There's zero piracy in this book.
7.) Probably not the Authors fault but this book is poorly/cheaply produced and full of mistakes, grammar issues, spelling, inconsistencies with little things like capitalizing and not capitalizing Machiavellian.

I hope someday someone writes a good book about Granuaile.

[Joe White · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is presented as a run-on of almost jumbled information, with several repetitive and redundant topical statements. It cries out for a publisher to force reformatting where clan controlled areas are presented alongside a historical map, with family trees of relations, and a singular timeline of historical events. As presented, the book contains a map on a sectional plate and I think it included a family chart also on a sectional plate. I'm requesting the presentation of individual sketch maps for local battles, and disputed areas of control interspersed with the text for the event.

Since the principle title included "Pirate Queen", I would have liked to have seen more historical research included on the specific galleys that were so often referenced. A possible map of the sea routes used between the points in Ireland and other voyaging points referenced such as Scotland, Spain, and England would have been a great aid in understanding the difficulties of navigating waters at that time. I understand the lack of actual documentation, but there are some scholars and interested sailors and rowers who have investigated possible routes and sea keeping difficulties.

A last minor criticism is that the book is more accurately a detailed research of the historical period from roughly 1550 to 1600, and includes many more characters and significant events than just those aspects involved with Granuaile, so I think the title might reflect that fact. From a historical perspective, I think it would have helped to reinforce the subject if actual fighting tactics had been investigated or conjectured. For example, it was not clear whether Granuaile's boats carried cannon, or would subdue merchant vessels by archery or by direct grappling and hand combat.

[Bridgina Molloy]

I own not only the first edition of this book, but also another more updated version. These are very well written, meticulously researched, and detailed. She does mention that Granuaile was not listed in the annals as a tribe leader, and omitted thusly by some historians, which I think would lead to the misassumption that women didn't lead tribes or become chieftains. But later (more recently) added back in.
I remember seeing a male historian on TV spouting off that she was fictional, a myth, only to be proven wrong as documents pertaining to her life and interaction with Queen Elizabeth 1, are kept in England. She may have, in the end, in order to survive had sided with the English, but she was in true sprit, while still a pirate in her 60s/70s, for her people as she didn't care whose ships she was plundering.
Granuaile is one of my favorite characters, a strong woman who even gave birth to one of her sons on board a ship, then swaddled him, and went up fighting when said ship was boarded, who met the English Queen toe to toe as an equal...and I would recommend people learning all they can about her, she's a true Irish Legend.

[Ange · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this book four stars vs. the debated three because I think the subject matter (Grace O'Malley, Ireland's Pirate Queen) is fascinating. The book was really enjoyable to me as a learning experience but I wouldn't go so far as to say it was a book that I loved. It was like reading a history book...so if you're expecting to be swashbuckled, maybe try some historical fiction. To the author's credit, it appears the historical integrity of this fascinating lady's life was kept intact. It's a quick dip into the days of Queen Elizabeth, Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Spanish Armada. Grace O'Malley (Granuaile) is a treat of a character!

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am completely fascinated by this woman. I would have given the book four stars, except that biographies can sometimes be a little tedious. If you generally like biographies, this is a terrific one. It's got it all: love, sex, power, betrayal, morality, government, oppressed women, plunder, war, subterfuge and more. I hope to visit the area where Granuaile lived and throw myself into the fantasy of it all.

[Fiona Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Chambers wrote this book in 1979, Gráinne (Grace) O'Malley was just a footnote in history. Most of the contemporary sources about her were written by her enemies, and many of the later stories about her are hard to distinguish from legend. Chambers' book brought this extraordinary woman out of the realms of myth and placed her in the context of 16th-century Irish history. Recommended for those interested in the history of Ireland, piracy, and badass women.

[Akiko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a huge history book fan, but I do love historical fiction. So, for me to pick up this book was and interesting choice. It was completely a history of Grace O'malley, but it isn't often you find books about female pirates. It was interesting seeing how she lived back then and how others in the world reacted to her during her time.

[Heather]

Finally! An Irish role model I can take after, LOL!!! :-)

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating research on a historical woman who had technically been "airbrushed from history" in Ireland. Grace (Granuaile) O'Malley left a legacy that is no longer overlooked or ignored.

[Silje Thomassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Grace O'Malley: The Biography of Ireland's Pirate Queen 1530-1603 by Anne Chambers

Anne Chambers' Grace O'Malley: The Biography of Ireland's Pirate Queen is an illuminating and meticulously researched account of one of history's most fascinating and formidable women. Grace O'Malley, also known as Gráinne Mhaol, is a figure steeped in legend and lore, and Chambers does an admirable job of separating fact from fiction to present a nuanced portrait of this extraordinary Irish pirate queen.

The biography dives deep into the life of Grace O'Malley, a woman who defied the norms of her time by becoming a leader, a sailor, and a warrior in a male-dominated world. Born into the Gaelic nobility of Ireland, Grace inherited her father’s fleet and went on to command it with skill and audacity, challenging English authority and navigating the treacherous political waters of 16th-century Ireland. Her exploits on the sea, her defiance of English rule, and her meeting with Queen Elizabeth I are legendary, and Chambers captures the essence of Grace’s indomitable spirit and strategic genius.

Chambers' narrative is rich with historical detail, bringing to life the turbulent period of Irish history in which Grace lived. The book provides a comprehensive look at the socio-political landscape of Ireland, the Gaelic clan system, and the impact of English colonization, all of which are crucial to understanding Grace O'Malley's life and legacy. The author’s dedication to historical accuracy is commendable, and she extensively uses primary sources, including letters, state papers, and contemporary accounts, to build a credible and compelling narrative.

However, while the depth of research and historical context enrich the biography, it can also make the book challenging for some readers. The heavy historical content, with its complex political intricacies and frequent shifts between different events and dates, might be overwhelming for those not already familiar with the period. Chambers occasionally moves back and forth in time, revisiting certain events from different perspectives or linking them to broader historical trends. This non-linear approach, while providing a thorough understanding of the era, can sometimes disrupt the flow of the narrative and make it difficult to follow for readers who prefer a more straightforward chronology.

Despite this, Chambers' writing remains engaging and accessible. She has a talent for painting vivid scenes and bringing historical figures to life, making even the most intricate details of 16th-century Ireland feel relevant and compelling. The portrayal of Grace O'Malley is particularly well done, capturing her complexities as both a leader fiercely devoted to her people and a woman navigating a world dominated by men.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to humanize Grace O'Malley without diminishing her legend. Chambers presents Grace not just as a pirate queen and a rebel, but as a mother, a negotiator, and a shrewd politician. This balanced portrayal allows readers to appreciate the full scope of her achievements and the challenges she faced.

In conclusion, Grace O'Malley: The Biography of Ireland's Pirate Queen by Anne Chambers is invaluable for anyone interested in Irish history, women's history, or the life of an extraordinary historical figure. While the book’s heavy historical content and non-linear structure may pose challenges for some readers, those who persevere will be rewarded with a richly detailed and deeply insightful portrait of a woman who defied the conventions of her time and left an indelible mark on history. Chambers' biography is a fitting tribute to Grace O'Malley, capturing the myth and the reality of Ireland’s Pirate Queen.