Wherever Green Is Worn: The Story of the Irish Diaspora

by Tim Pat Coogan

The population of Ireland is five million, but 70 million call themselves Irish. Here is their story in all its richness and complexity. Tim Pat Coogan traveled around the world where green is indeed worn to talk to the people who weaved the tale of "a dream born in a herdsman's shed and the secret scriptures of the poor." Along with American presidents, best-selling authors and Riverdancers, Ireland gave the world a caring tradition borne by missionaries and teachers who spread a message of hope and the panorama of their life abroad comes alive in this magisterial work.

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

768 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2000

About the author

Timothy Patrick Coogan is an Irish historical writer, broadcaster and newspaper columnist. He served as editor of the Irish Press newspaper from 1968 to 1987. Today, he is best known for his popular and sometimes controversial books on aspects of modern Irish history, including The IRA, Ireland Since the Rising, On the Blanket, and biographies of Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera.

Reviews

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous survey of the vast Irish diaspora, told in history, anecdote, personal diary, and letters from abroad to back home. While the history and presence of the Irish in the US is pretty well known, this book widens the picture and showcases Irish expats and their descendants all over the world. I read it in bits and pieces over months, but I very much enjoyed the journey.

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

You'll have to set some time aside for this one, clocking in as it does at almost 700 pages; however, for a combination of in-depth information and readability, Coogan's work can't be beat. If you are at all interested in the history of both the Irish as a people, and "Irishness" as an idea, it's worth the patience it takes to get through this one.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This huge tome takes some effort to read. But I had my reasons. This is unlike any history book that I know. Imagine an Irishman in an Irish pub with Guinness in hand regaling you with gossip and stories from modern Irish history. That’s what you get here, all relating to the Irish Diaspora.

[Paul Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly interesting but dated (published in 2000) information about the Irish diaspora. Being part of the diaspora I was drawn to the theme but I felt that the world has changed in the 24 years years since its publication. I let it go after reading the part about France where I live and I don't feel I'll be missing much by leaving it unfinished.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only read the part about the Irish Americans and need to go back and read the rest! Wonderful source of information on the reasons the Irish immigrated and how they developed once in America!

[K. Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

You'll have to set some time aside for this one, clocking in as it does at almost 700 pages; however, for a combination of in-depth information and readability, Coogan's work can't be beat. If you are at all interested in the history of both the Irish as a people, and "Irishness" as an idea, it's worth the patience it takes to get through this one.