Judging Dev: A Reassessment of the Life and Legacy of Eamon De Valera: A Reassessment of the Life and Legacy of Eamon de Valera

Judging

by Diarmaid Ferriter

Eamon de Valera is the most controversial figure in modern Irish history and as this book argues, the most misunderstood. 'Dev' has been characterised as a stern, un-bending, devious and divisive politician, in scholarship and in popular culture. Here, Diarmaid Ferriter investigates the far more complex personal and public identities of the revolutionary fighter, Fianna Fail party founder, taoiseach (prime minister) and president who reimagined the state both literally, in its first constitution, and figuratively, offering a much mocked vision of Ireland as a pre-industrial, pastoral island. Ferriter presents an in-depth analysis of De Valera using previously unpublished letters, government documents and photographs to chronicle his long and remarkable career. One such letter contradicts the conventional wisdom that de Valera escaped execution in 1916 because of his American citizenship, offering the leader's personal account of events. Engagingly written and tactile to hold, Judging Dev won four prestigious Irish book awards and awakened a national conversation through a parallel RTE radio series and RIA exhibition. When an Irish taoiseach launched this book in 2007 it was fittingly said it would be 'equally invaluable in classroom, in college and in the home'.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Ireland

396 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2007

Reviews

[Ben Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting read. It seems that Ferriter’s overall point is that de Valera is not the stoney and cold monster as his caricature portrays him, but rather de Valera’s image and legacy suffered from the martyrdom and subsequent canonisation of Michael Collins. Whilst it is unquestionably true that both de Valera and Collins are viewed in an over simplified light today, I thought that Ferriter too contributed to his own caricature of de Valera: he was free flowing in his praise for de Valera when it came to political achievements and yet he seemed to gloss over anything that could be construed as being de Valera’s fault. Much is made of the stagnant economic climate in Ireland in the 40s and 50s yet next to no culpability is placed at the door of de Valera and his ridiculous protectionism and ruralism. The same can be said of Ferriter’s treatment of de Valera’s backward views of women in employment, so backward were they that even the Irish Catholic hierarchy of the time (not known for their progressive views) lobbied de Valera to allow married women to be teachers— unfortunately, they were unsuccessful.

Ferriter makes the stark contrast between the austere and dignified ways in which de Valera, Lemass and their generation of politicians approached corruption and the generation of wealth from their public offices with the more recent and infamous figures in Fianna Fáil (Haughey, Ahern, Padraig Flynn). And yet Ferriter provides next to no explanation of the questioned raised about de Valera’s involvement with The Irish Press and his alleged shadowy dealing.

De Valera was clearly a giant of Irish and international politics. I wasn’t really aware of his immense international appeal. At one moment he makes Churchill out as the petulant child with an elegant and subtle remark. Yet at other he seems maddeningly indecisive, contradictory and Machiavellian.

The book probably leaves you with more questions than answers. Not a book to start with if you have no prior knowledge of de Valera and the history of the development of the Free State and the Republic.

[Oscar Despard · Rating 2 out of 5]

'Judging Dev' by Diarmuid Ferriter is a biography of Éamon De Valera, the Taoiseach, President and founder of Fianna Fáil. It scrupulously covered De Valera's life, and was a well-written and informative book. I enjoyed the biography. However, it seemed to be written from a standpoint that set out to try and clear De Valera's bad image, and skimmed over facts that did not fit this narrative. It did not detail the problems with the 1937 constitution, nor did it blame Dev for the economic downturn resulting from his trade war with the United Kingdom in the 1930s. It also excused De Valera from much responsibility for the huge emigration from Ireland in the latter parts of his term. Some revision may be necessary, and it may be true that Dev has been demonised in some other books. However, this book seems to set out to clear his name to the point of ignoring inconvenient facts. It is nonetheless a highly informative biography, but this viewpoint does damage the book.

[Eoin M · Rating 4 out of 5]

serious confession: i didnt actually finish this book but i simply cant finish a version online and im in germany until end of July approx... but i got like 85% done. extra annoying because I would like to go over the actual cool documents and archive stuff that was reproduced all through this book. four stars presuming the protaganist doesnt die at the end of the book, thatd be so sad :'(

[Aine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book, full of interesting primary documents on the life and politics of Eamonn de Valera. It's also a bit outstanding because of the fact that it is, ultimately, a pro-de Valera book, which seem to be in short supply in the field of Irish history.

My only regret is that Ferriter didn't write more analysis and history, as opposed to simply publishing the documents - I would have liked to hear more background and what he had to say about them. A very interesting book, nonetheless.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eamonn De Valera, Irish revelutionary, Taoiseach ( primeminister) and President, is amongst the most contraversial figures in Irish history. "Judgeing Dev" offers an insightful introduction into this pivital figure, the extensive (and facinateing) photographs and source material distinguish this book from most work on the subject and contributes immeasureably to it claiming a place as a must - read for all those interested in Irish history, politics and society. Get the book and judge Dev.

[Kevin M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Dublin-born father used to assist Dev when meetings were held at the Shelbourne Hotel where my father worked. My father's father was a participant in the 1916 Easter Rising, so there always was an affinity for Éamon De Valera in our family through their shared desire to bring about an independent Ireland. Upon seeing the movie, "Michael Collins" and reading other books about Dev, I came to see him in a less-flattering light. This "reassessment" of Dev filled in some gaps of knowledge that I had about Ireland's important 20th century statesman and renewed the positive image that I had held so many years ago. It is well-documented and insightful.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

About as fair-handed an examination of Dev that you are going to get. Ferriter explains his failings along with his successes. Anyone who served as long in public life was bound to have both in multitudes.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although pitched as a “reassessment” Of Dev’s life this book appeared to be little more than the usual revisionist claptrap, that is “Dev baaaaad; Collins gooood”. It really is that simple to them. And of course it’s totally untrue.

[MillardTeethFilledMaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid but fragmentary

[Roger Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erudite book from an intelligent, sensitive, probing and independent-minded author. Ferriter is not afraid to think for himself and come to his own well-reasoned judgments about a man buried in revisionist anti-Catholic and anti-nationalist propaganda sweeping Ireland today.

Moreover, the book is well-organised, each chapter covering a different aspect of Dev's legacy. This makes it easy to hone in on things Dev is hardly recognised enough for - including, for example, his social agenda in the 1930s, building houses, clearing slums, raising benefits, in general moving well to the left of the previous Cosgrave administration.

All this helps to explain why so many Irish people once loved Dev - electing him again and again and again.

Highly recommended. The author has done everyone a real service in going beyond the vicious myths currently propagated about this noble leader.

For anyone who may be interested, I am also exploring Dev and other related themes in my own books and blog: http://corjesusacratissimum.org/tag/c...

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am no expert on Irish history, I just think that it is really interesting. I think this is a very well written book.
The author provides an abundance of documented information
in a very easy to understand form that remains interesting to the end.
I think that a person really needs to grow up in Ireland to have
a true opinion of de Valera. However, I will say that Ireland was lucky to have both he and Michael Collins and many others in their amazing rebellion against England that began in 1916. Regardless of his other actions I will always have alot of respect for de Valera for his reply to Churchill in 1945 (a calm and powerful work of art )
and for the fact that he put his life on the line in
the Easter Rebellion.

[Kevin Conlon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautifully-made book, with excellent photographs and primary sources. The book didn't tell me a great deal that I didn't already know about de Valera though, and I think most people would find the same true.

[Rona · Rating 4 out of 5]

An apologetic view of De Valera and his government.

[Dermott Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complex character and a not so quintessential Irishman. Ferriter tries his best but there are lingering doubts about Dev's motivations