Early Medieval Ireland 431-1169

by Matthew Stout

Ireland looms large in European history just after the fall of the Roman Empire. This book provides an `entry-level' narrative to this period in Irish history. At the same time, it contextualizes the artistic, literary, and architectural achievements of the age. The tradition in Early Medieval Irish studies has been to examine the past in thematic rather than chronological terms; the sources almost demand this. As such, existing publications neglect a holistic approach in favor of specific themes. Politics is rarely incorporated with church history; art and archaeology remain distinct; law and literature remain un-contextualized either in time or place. So, this book contains extracts from primary sources and illustrations that make this golden age glow for its readers, and it is full of colorful maps and photographs. Deploying a historical synthesis in the spirit of the Annales School, it is a `one-stop shop' for the history of Early Medieval Ireland, for students and the general reader. "Matthew Stouts scholarly and immensely readable new book 'Early Medieval Ireland 431-1169' reminds us just how important Ireland was to Europe and to civilization after the collapse of the Roman Empire. Superbly illustrated and riveting throughout, Stouts book is an ideal introduction to the history of Early Medieval Ireland that will delight both students and the general reader."--Irish Voice

Genres: Ireland

452 pages, Hardcover

Published July 3, 2018

About the author

Dr. Matthew Stout is a lecturer in the Department of History, St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, in Ireland. His areas of interest include the Irish landscape, Early Medieval Ireland, Medieval archaeology, and international historiography. He is co-general editor of the Irish landscapes series published by Cork University Press, and co-director of a programme of excavations at Knowth (Site M) in County Meath.

Reviews

[Vanjr · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author offers a lot of helps, but (spoiler alert) not much happens in Ireland during these years. Outside of, well you know.
Each chapter has great maps-you will learn some Irish geography. Each chapter also has a bewildering number of names that seem impossible to pronounce.
Cen'el nEo'gain is "KEN-ail No-in"
De'is Tuaiscirt is "DESH TOOSH-cart.

Interesting history would give this a 1 or 2 star rating. Author effort and helps is 5 stars. I compromise with 3 overall