The Life and Times of Archbishop Ussher: An Intriguing Look at the Man Behind the Annals of the World

by J.A. Carr

From the company that brought you the historical classic The Annals of the World comes this in-depth biography of the man behind this landmark work. Originally published in 1895, this fascinating biography gives us a look at Ussher from the perspective of one who was closer to his time. This book traces Ussher’s life from his birth in 1581 to his death in 1656, giving valuable insights into this incredible man’s life. Written in charming old English style, this book clears up many of the misconceptions and confusion about Ussher’s life. It details his personal life and professional accomplishments in the Church of Ireland. Ussher’s love of books is also highlighted. He was known for his extensive library, which went on to form the core of the famous library at Trinity College in Dublin.

Genres: History

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Natalie Weber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This biography was part of a package deal that included Ussher’s Annals of the World. I was curious to learn more about the man behind this incredible work, so I slowly worked my way through this account. If I had just been looking for a good story, I would have given up after the first couple of chapters, but I ploughed through, anxious to increase my understanding of this era in history. The style of writing did not capture my interest, and extensive use of footnotes rendered my attention constantly diverted between the main text and the supplemental information at the bottom of almost every page. Regardless, I plodded my way through, and find myself now in greater appreciation of Archbishop Ussher (1581-1656) and his tireless efforts and influence on behalf of the true Church in Ireland and England. His legacy as a learned and well-respected scholar is perhaps best summed up in a brief anecdote toward the end of the book, “On the first day of July 1643, the famous Assembly of Divines…met at Westminster…There had been some disputing as to whether the members should admit Ussher into the Assembly at all. ‘They had as good inquire,’ said Seldon, ‘whether they had best admit Inigo Jones, the King’s architect, to the company of mouse-trap makers.’”

[Brackman1066 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Save your money and don't get this. I was already suspicious when the book arrived and I read the editor's comment on the jacket blurb, where the original (written in 1895) was described as "written in charming Old English style." No, it's written like most things were in 1895, i.e. nothing like the language spoken and written in England before 1066. In the preface, the editor says that he produced this edition because he wants people to know more about Ussher, believing that Ussher's Annals of the World "put to death any notion of the devil's 'evolution theory'" (never mind that Ussher wrote centuries before Darwin). Perhaps the editor's (and the publisher's) view is that the proper use of the semicolon and the notion of copy-editing are similarly satanic inventions. I don't care why an editor decides to produce a volume, but I care very much when his inability to accurately reproduce a text renders it useless. If you live in a world where textual accuracy, linguistic awareness, and historical understanding matter to you at all, don't waste your money on this volume.