A Short History of Ireland

by Richard Killeen

Since its first publication in 1994 Richard Killeen's Short History of Ireland has been widely accepted as the most accessible introduction to Irish history. It presents the history of Ireland in attractive double paged spreads, which can be quickly read to give an easy overview of the key events of Irish history. It is superbly illustrated with over 150 full color photographs, paintings and drawings. Over the past 10 years almost 150,000 copies have been sold in English, French and German language editions. This new edition brings the story up to date including the days of the Celtic Tiger and the Good Friday agreement.

Genres: Ireland, History, Nonfiction

72 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Beth]

Killeen's history is indeed very short, yet, despite that, the author manages to provide an accessible and interesting overview of key groups, individuals, and events that helped to shape the Irish isle from pre-Celtic settlements to the rise of the Republic of Ireland. Always engaging and beautifully illustrated, this small volume is an excellent introduction to Ireland for the curious or the potential tourist.

[Ian Major]

A wonderful potted history of Ireland. I learned so much of the key facts in one sitting. We all depend on the historian's honesty and accuracy, but we can test that a bit by looking at the history we have experienced and comparing his/her account. Killeen seems spot-on to me in his survey of our own time, so I've no problem accepting his account of the rest.

[John Geddie]

This was a really fun little read on a subject I apparently knew a lot less about than I thought. The picture selection in this edition is really neat too.

[Claire]

This little volume works well as a brief introduction to the history of Ireland up to approximately 2005 and is ideal for anyone wanting a primer before a first visit. As a result of the pocket-guide style, the images are small and the details thin in places, i.e. more space could be devoted to larger events, though, again, the format, a two-page spread per topic, necessitates brevity.

For anyone wanting a detailed modern history of Ireland, Fintan O'Toole's "We Don't Know Ourselves" would be a great next read after this introductory volume.

[Robyn]

Simple reading, for the most part, w/ great pics, maps, & illustrations. Would like to see more to it. Good for reading a little on who's-who in Ireland's history.

I bought this book at the annual Scottish-Irish Faire mid-March 2011 in Midland, Texas, as an attempt to get in touch w/ my Irish heritage.

[Gary]

I'm not quite sure how the author manages to pack in such a short space so much information. Yet he does this with some solid interpretation attending his narrative. Never dry, always clear. His bias is both mild and, given the subject, commendable. He has taken the time to study the 'other Irish' of Ulster--being relatively fair to them.

Loved it.

[Allison Burris]

A great, highly readable introduction to Irish history with lots of lovely photographs.

[Richard Domann]

Short clear concise history of Ireland ... a very good primer.

[Renee Gordos]

The perfect length and amount of detail to get you grounded

[Seraffyn]

This book was perfect for a quick timeline and who's who in Irish history before I traveled to and spent nearly two weeks wandering that beautiful, storied country. Captivating and easy to get through.

[Nico Battersby]

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