The Ulster People - Ancient, Medieval, and Modern

by Ian Adamson

This book by Ian Adamson is a fascinating survey of the unique historical and cultural heritage shared by all the people of Ulster. The publication of heritage - ironically coincided with the onset of the worst phase yet of Ulster's communal tradedy. Undaunted, Adamson continued, in books such as "The Indentity of Ulster" and "Bangor, Light of the World", to reiterate his belief in the common identity of the Ulster people - a belief which seemed quite at odds with the intensifying violence, and one which was certainly not being expounded by most of the academic establishment, who had remained strangley silent int eh midst of a communal bloodletting which had its roots in a clash over 'identities' and differing interpretations of history. Adamson's books, however, soon became 'required reading', for supporters and detractors alike, and even for participants in the polictical upheaval, especially those who were beginning to recoil from the devisiveness of outdated historical mythology. Indeed, there are many who would contend that Adamson's work, both directly and indirectly, has provided much of the impetus behind the current upsurge in Ulster's shared heritage. In this book, Admason brings his historical analysis up to date, and also, by detailing the impact Ulster settlers made on the birth of the United States of America and the vital contribution Ulster made to the regenteration of European Christianity in the Early Middle Ages, shows that Ulster's heritage is not confined to Ireland but has a much broader significance. More importantly, perhaps, The Ulster People offers, unlike many other interpretations of Irish history, a genuine hope for the future.

122 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 1991

About the author

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) politician and paediatrician, he was the Lord Mayor of Belfast from 1996 to 1997.