Early Medieval Ireland 400 - 1200

by Dáibhí Ó Cróinín

This impressive survey covers the early history of Ireland from the coming of Christianity to the Norman settlement (400 - 1200 AD). Within a broad political framework it explores the nature of Irish society, the spiritual and secular roles of the Church and the extraordinary flowering of Irish culture in the period. Other major themes are Ireland's relations with Britain and continental Europe, and Vikings and their influence, the beginnings of Irish feudalism, and the impact of the Viking and Norman invaders. Splendid in sweep and lively in detail, it launches the newLongman History of Ireland in fine style.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ireland, Irish Literature, Medieval, Medieval History, Ancient History

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Dáibhí Iarla Ó Cróinín is an Irish historian and noted authority on Hiberno-Latin texts, particularly eminent for his significant mid-1980s discovery in a manuscript in Padua of the "lost" Irish 84-year Easter table. Ó Cróinín was Professor of History at NUI Galway and Member of the Royal Irish Academy. He specialises in the history of Ireland, Britain and Europe during the Middle Ages and Hiberno-Latin texts.

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly interesting, albeit somewhat challenging read sometimes for the reasons mentioned in other reviews. Dense with information, it makes logical sense to have compartmentalized topics and follow them through Early Medieval Ireland so as not to get lost and remain focused on the topic at hand. However, I nevertheless found myself lost at times trying to follow long lists of names, actions, consequences (and so should have probably made better use of the provided maps, family trees). There were (rarely) some unnecessary contemporary commentary but it has certainly kept the promise of enlightening the reader on Early Medieval Ireland, my favourite chapter being #5 'Land, Settlement, and Economy'

[Errol Orhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The department of Anglo Saxon, Norse and Celtic at the University of Cambridge has an excellent introductory reading list which features this book (https://www.asnc.cam.ac.uk/currentstu...). I stumbled across this list a couple of years ago when I was looking for reading suggestions on Old Norse and medieval Scandinavia. My interest in the books on 'The Gaelic-speaking peoples from the fourth century to the twelfth' lingered, but was rekindled when I went on a trip to Ireland a couple of weeks ago. Early Mediaval Ireland 400-1200 was readily available, and hence I decided to pick it up. Can't say I have looked back since.

Though the book is not for the casual reader, it is a definite treasure for the persistent adventurer. The book lays out the abstract dynamics between religious and secular law and power structures. Concrete examples for the period 400-600 are quite scarce, but the author makes up for this in the remaining period by citing copiously from poems, religious commentary and annals. This results in historical processes and debates getting fleshed out in detail with both primary and secondary sources to back the up. A case in point is the involvement of Kathleen Hughes and the venerable Bede in explaining the development of the early Irish church.

Sometimes, important events or concepts are mentioned without being explained immediately. The structure of the Irish church and the Easter Question are two cases in point. They are mentioned, their importance is stressed, and the development of key persons or events are explained in their terms, but the concepts themselves do not get explained until well into the book. Although I sometimes felt mildly annoyed with not completely understanding them, I was very excited when they finally did take center stage in the chapter on the Golden Age.

The chapter on the Golden Age was a particular treat, being rich in quotes from English, Irish and Latin primary sources. It examines the relationships between Irish, British and continental intellectual traditions as well as explains the Easter question, which then serves in turn to explain the role and importance of computation. The whole chapter deep appreciation for learning, poetry, and intellectual tradition.

The chapter on Viking Age Ireland does very well in introducing saga accounts (both from the Irish and Norse traditions) and picking them apart with evidence from archaeology, and Norse and Irish accounts. Contrasting the situation in Ireland with Britain and other parts of Europe, it provides a nuanced account of the symbiotic relation between the Vikings of Norway and Denmark and Ireland itself.

Throughout the book the author engages in historiographical debates, repeatedly visiting the contrasting views of Orpen and O'Grady, and contrasting both with current historical insights. He keeps an open mind while chastising those too much set on historical determination.

A real treat!

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well it tells you everything you need know about Ireland from 400 to 1200. Pretty easy to read, lots of smaller sections and chapters. It's academic a bit, lots of references and further reading an bibliography, but it's not dry. Covers lots of topic, Irish law, church, St Patrick, Vikings, High Kings etc. Its a bit long.

If you wanna know about this period of Irish history (or a part of it), this seems like a good book. Otherwise, maybe give it a miss ☺

[Caomhghain · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overall review of the period, clear, concise.

[Orion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a great deal of information that is carefully documented, and for that it earns four stars. But it is a difficult read. Sentences run long, sometimes containing 70 or more words. The author often discusses persons, events, or concepts as though the reader is familiar with them, failing to provide background information. The narrative relates one fact after the next but does not string them together in a manner that I find interesting. But perhaps that is due to the ignorance of this reader, and is not the fault of the author.

[Briynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been cleaning out a filing cabinet filled with college notebooks and came across some notes taken from this book. I remember it being interesting enough that I read the whole thing even though only a few chapters were assigned. Very well-written, and I wouldn't mind getting my hands on another copy.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book.