Irish History for Dummies

by Mike Cronin

A rip-roaring ride through the history of the Emerald Isle Ireland's story is an amazingly dramatic and intense one . . . and today the influence of Irish culture can be felt around the globe. This book helps you find out why, taking you on a rollercoaster journey through the highs and lows of Ireland's past. . . including invasions, battles, executions, religious divide, uprisings, emigration and . . . Riverdance!

Mike Cronin is a lecturer at the Centre for Irish Programmes, Boston College, Dublin. He has written 5 books on Irish history.

DISCOVER:
• When and how Ireland became Celtic
• Ireland and Britain's complex relationship
• The evolution of Irish culture
• How Irish emigration has affected the world
• Northern Ireland's rocky road to peace

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ireland, Irish Literature, Historical, European History

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 18, 2006

Reviews

[Anna C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got some weird looks at the checkout counter, but this was totally worth it.

You see, I want to understand the Troubles in Northern Ireland. However, all the books I have found are written by stodgy professors and intended for scholars who already speak Gaelic and can give the chemical composition of a pint of Guinness. Typically, when I need an easy introduction to a thorny topic, I go for a children's book (no joke). However, I had the hardest time finding kid's books on the IRA. Bizarre, right??

The solution is the stalwart Dummies series. Although I still wouldn't say I understand the centuries-long religious and political conflicts that culminated in the Troubles, I at least don't feel as woefully ignorant about it.

This would have been a four star read, (sorry, but there is no way I could ever bequeath one of my rare five star ratings on a neon yellow Dummies book) but ohmyfreakinggod this needed an editor. Comma splices and strange syntax everywhere. Although it was clear and readable, I had to restrain myself from grabbing a red pen.

[Andrea Zuvich · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, this book is written in a fun, engaging way which was fine. That being said, I specialise in the history of the Late Stuarts and I was concerned when I read about the Glorious Revolution. Oh dear. The book repeatedly refers to Mary II as James II's 'sister' when she was, in fact, his daughter! (page 208). I'm sure this can be attributed to the often confusing fact that James *did* have a sister, also named Mary, who married William II of Orange. This couple produced William III, who then in turn married Mary (James's daughter). It was this William and Mary who were key players in the 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688/89.

[Micheál McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

These titles really do humble you, solid read though. Wanted a good breakdown of Irish history from ancient times all the way up to the present so I could fill in some gaps and dig into the interesting topics. Learning about the High Kings and the Vikings was badass.

My last name McLaughlin is of Viking descent & my mum's name translates to "son of the Viking" just when you think you're fully Irish, will have to take a DNA test to see what % is Scandinavian.

Noticed some inaccuracies, likely left out for simplicity at the start. Mike said everyone from the North of Ireland/Northern Ireland are British and failed to mention the nuance where:
1/3 claim to be Irish (Irish Passports)
1/3 claim to be British (British passports)
1/3 claim to be Northern Irish (Either British or Irish passports)

He also failed to mention some notable inventors and scientists:
- Frank Pantridge, inventor of the Defibrillator, From Hillsborough, beside Belfast in Northern Ireland

- Harry Ferguson, inventor of the three point linkage system for tractors & ploughs, very badass

- Lord Kelvin, the Kelvin temperature scale is named after him for his work in heat. His statue is up on display in the botanical gardens, Belfast

Although the above are protestants, they still resided on the island of Ireland, and should definitely be noted. (Lmk if I missed them somewhere!)

Was crazy to read about the nationalising of the Irish banks and that the IMF had to get involved. Heard that happened to Greece and did not know it happened to Ireland too. All because the banks were over leveraged with loans to property developers. Bad job

The most interesting part of Irish history has to be the middle ages for me, will be digging deeper. Please send recommendations!

[ciara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars ;

comprehensive and easy to read but obviously not written by someone irish,,, no care given to the 1916 rising at all

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A massive amount of information. Great prep work for a trip to Ireland. 🇮🇪

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ghastly mash up of anecdotal history, April 28, 2010
By Amy E. Henry (Nipomo, CA United States) - See all my reviews


This review is from: Irish History For Dummies (Paperback)
This was a subtext used in an anthropology class, and it is incredibly useless. There is no cohesive theme or element in the text: it jumps around in a flippant, jokey, childish tone (even cartoons) that minimizes the importance and relevance of what should be socially urgent information.

Time periods jumble around, the jargon is dumbed down to elementary school level, and too much attention is paid to small events rather than the pattern of the whole history.

Additionally, something is said by what is left out: only one obscure reference to the IRA? No discussion of "official" vs. "provisional" IRA? Minimal info on Ian Paisley, Michael Collins, the abstention policy,and the Ballymurphy Riots?

Incredibly disappointing and potentially dangerous...

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not the most engaging from the "Dummies" series, but it is clearly written and easy to understand. A good way to get information about Irish history, but definitely not the most entertaining way to get it.

[Charles Shapiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about Irish history, and need to re-read it to actually learn the names of significant people and dates. I appreciated the last chapter that went into the top ten places to visit, ten people you never heard of from Ireland, but should have, and ten significant books.

[Holt Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given the title, unexpectedly thorough and nuanced.

[Don Mario · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've realized that history isn't the best fit for audiobooks, at least not for me. However, I had limited options and wanted to gain some insight into Irish history before my trip, so I decided to give it a try.

This book has the typical strengths and weaknesses of a "For Dummies" guide: it's sometimes overly simplified but written in a moderately witty style. Overall, I enjoyed it and it provided enough background to keep me from feeling completely lost when names like Brian Boru or events like the Battle of the Boyne came up in conversation. However, I didn’t absorb much beyond that, which is likely due to my own lack of attention.

That said, I'm now motivated to read something more in-depth to solidify the basics—though I probably won't get around to it. Still, I appreciate Cronin and the "For Dummies" series for delivering a history that’s accessible without being too brief or overly technical.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Audible narrator, and a well-written, accessible history. There is definitely voice and humor, and the narrator gets it pitch perfect. The perspective is interesting — it is really from an outsider’s point of view. He explains things, describes things, defines things. He frames time and events in relation to English (perhaps better known) history. For me this was a help. It wasn’t as if it was from the perspective of the English — certainly not that — just that he would write, for example,
about Cromwell’s coming to power…and that helped set the scene for what he did to Ireland and the outcomes that resulted

[Ellen Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but it wasn't a book I'd say I "loved". It provides a good overview of Irish history, and explains the animosity many of the Catholic Irish felt towards the Protestants. I was actually amazed that my ancestors survived through the years and made it to America. At times the book is humorous, which lightens up the reading. I recommend it as a beginning step in understanding the complex history of the Irish.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second time reading this book, in preparation for an upcoming trip to Ireland. I listened to this one as an audiobook. It’s like a podcast, very easy to listen to and highlights a lot of the most interesting moments in a very long history. Very digestible and enjoyable if you’re looking for a balance somewhere between a comprehensive history and the highlights.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved listening to this audiobook, it was very interesting and informative. I loved learning the history and hearing it narrated beautifully by Patrick Moy. I recommend this to anyone with a love of the Irish and a love of history.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book; very clear and overall synopsis of the history of Ireland. It gives you small and accessible stories. You can follow along with musical voices and stories. I listened to this book while in Ireland and it was a great way to look at the sites and get some history.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot!

[Pierke Bosschieter · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent concise overview of Irish history. Well written and easy to read. It cleared up I few questions I had—a good beginning for any journey into Irish history.

[Thorunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bæði skemmtileg og fróðleg.
Mæli með fyrir alla sem hafa áhuga á sögu Írlands.

[Skiamakhos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this on Audible, kinda wish I'd got the dead tree version too - there's a lot of stuff I'd like to refer back to and read more about.

[Bess B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I swear I listened to most of the important stuff before I left Ireland

[hima]

oh ireland

[Clark Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, light-hearted read on Irish history that does not take itself too seriously and that makes Irish history much more approachable than other books I've tried to read.

[Novalynda Black · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read Irish History for Dummies right after I read The Complete Idiot's Guide to Irish History and Culture and even between those two books for Idiots/Dummies I already found different views on what really happened. Even though the Dummies book was more focussed on Irish History than the Idiot's guide, I still thought the Idiot's guide was more useful to me in understanding books on the subject of Irish history that I read while in Ireland.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up to get a better handle on some history of Ireland before trying to tackle some James Joyce. Cronin's written a pretty thorough but easily read book that gives a very broad overview of the history of Ireland. More than anything, though, I appreciate his writing style. He interjects small bits of humor here and there, which keeps the text from coming off too dry or boring. Definitely a good primer for someone just starting out with the history of the Emerald Isle.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose this book as I was looking more for a neutral history of Ireland and it almost managed that. It provides a working knowledge on the history of Ireland that was nice to supplement my experiences there.

[Jenn Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will definitely read again.

[Jurate Stanaityte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've seen the criticism for this book but as a foreigner I'm glad I read it: should have done it much earlier. Read it before visiting Ireland for a richer experience :)

[Frances Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and well written

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was interesting and humorous. I think it’s the only Book for Dummies I’ve ever truly enjoyed. Maybe that is because I listened to it. The narrator was great.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting