Hell or Some Worse Place: Kinsale 1601

by Des Ekin

Kinsale, Ireland: Christmas Eve, 1601

As thunder crashes and lightning rakes the sky, three very different commanders line up for a battle that will decide the fate of a nation.

General Juan del Águila has been sprung from a prison cell to command the last great Spanish Armada. Its mission: to seize a bridgehead in Queen Elizabeth's territory and hold it.

Facing him is Charles Blount, a brilliant English strategist whose career is also under a cloud. His affair with a married woman edged him into a treasonous conspiracy – and brought him to within a hair’s breadth of the gallows.

Meanwhile, Irish insurgent Hugh O’Neill knows that this is his final chance to drive the English out of Ireland.

For each man, this is the last throw of the dice. Tomorrow they will be either heroes – or has-beens.

These colourful commanders come alive in this true-life story of courage and endurance, of bitterness and betrayal, and of intrigue at the highest levels in the courts of England and Spain.

Praise for The Stolen Village

'...a harrowing tale that sheds light on the little-known trade in white slaves ... a fascinating exploration of a forgotten chapter of British and European history' Giles Milton - BBC History Magazine

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ireland, War, Military History, 17th Century, Spain

499 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2018

About the author

Des Ekin is an Assistant Editor with The Sunday World. As well as researching investigative news articles, he writes a popular column that reaches more than a million readers every weekend. He was born in County Down, Northern Ireland and spent a decade reporting on Troubles in Northern Ireland before moving to Dublin, where he now lives with his wife and three children.

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is not a historian himself, and he writes in a style that reads more like a novel than non-fiction. He tends to read into the actions of historical figures intentions and feelings he can't possibly know. However, he uses firsthand accounts when they are available, and he is careful to point out the strengths and limitations of various historical accounts.

One thing I particularly like is that in at least two cases Elkin looks at both sides of a still-controversial issue and comes up with a surprisingly sensible conclusion - for example, it's likely that the supposed traitor Brian mac Aodha óg MacMahon really did offer information to the English in exchange for whiskey ... but an assessment of the changing battle plans shows that the information he gave them was out of date, even misleading, and could not have had any impact on the battle itself. Thus an evaluation of the event in its full context suggests the incident was neither mere invention by an English commander nor an actual betrayal on the part of MacMahon.

Although I still prefer a more academic style for history, my respect for the author as a historical researcher grew as I progressed through the book.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, spell binding, impossible to put down....

I rarely ever use this to word to describe a written novel, but this book is magical. I decided to buy this book last fall thinking that it was one more account of the well-known defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 that has been the subject of so many books and movies. The word of mouth on this book was outstanding, so I thought maybe this would be the definitive account of that great tale. The artwork, title, and the marketing of this book leads almost every reader to believe that is what they are purchasing, but while it is deceptive salesmanship, the tale that I discovered was well worth the bait and switch that this book provided.

I do not want to give away too much of the story, because that is for the reader to enjoy the surprise, and enthrallment that this novel brings, but I will suffice to say this story is about the last great naval battle between England and Spain, although most of the action and story takes place on land. This epic tale takes place in 1601 as Spain tried to invade England through Ireland as an easy back door route with the idea that they would hold a bridgehead in England for as long as they could, maybe months, or hopefully a year or more as they waited for Queen Elizabeth to die, and then they could use their invasion to install a new King that was friendly to, sponsored by, and loyal to Spain. There were many great powers in Europe at the time including France, the Dutch, the Vatican and the Pope, and while both England and Spain both were afraid of any French military involvement against them -it could be said that the Spanish and the English were the two who battled for absolute rule. The religious conflict between the countries, with England being Protestant and Spain deeply devout Catholic also contributed to the animosity between the countries, and thus the hope that Spain had that they would be "welcomed as friends and allies" once they landed in Ireland was founded on that thinking.

What resulted was the legendary siege and battle of Kinsale which altered the balance of power in the world, changed history with effects we are still living with today, and gave Spain a devastating defeat which ruined its mighty military image, began its empire's decline, showed its supposedly invincible infantry was vulnerable as any other force, and once more the proud Navy of Spain was outclassed by a far superior English fighting fleet. The author correctly points out that the siege and Battle of Kinsale provided a bigger turning point than the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, because the English victory at Kinsale led to England's expansion as a naval power and the events that occurred here in 1601 created the conditions which eventually led to the Troubles that burst out in 1968 inside Northern Ireland, which shows everyone that history is all connected and it does matter greatly.

It should be noted that the events depicted here around the siege and battle of Kinsale had a direct effect on those of us in the United States. The resulting peace that occurred between England and Spain- after the crushing defeat of both Spain and it's Irish allies- benefited England so much that they were able to colonize Virginia here in our land, so if it hadn't been for the Spanish Invasion, along with the siege and battle of Kinsale, - modern America would have been a very different place.

I will sparingly tell other readers, so as not to ruin the enjoyment of this brilliant work, that while Queen Elizabeth is a major presence in this book, she doesn't receive that much material. I would compare it to Marlon Brando's role in the first "Godfather " film, she is the driver, and main character of the work, but you do not spend that much page time with her as part of the story. The Spanish are undertaking the while operation trying to wait out the rest of what they hope is her very short life, the English are either pledging loyalty to her, because they are afraid, they will be executed if she thinks they are disloyal or plotting secretly behind her back to have her removed from the throne, or to crown her successor once she passes away. Her favorite Charles Blount fights the entire battle pledging his undying loyalty, love, and devotion, at the same time realizing that one wrong move and he will end up at the gallows. The intrigue, backstabbing, pettiness, treachery, betrayal, espionage, self-promotion, dynastic politics are no different than what goes on in today's modern political world, but the story is well realized and vividly told, and it is one of the easiest and most engrossing books that I have ever read. That is because the author is so talented and so deft in putting you right into the middle of this world that instead of dry, dusty history about an event that took place in 1601- it feels like it is happening now, and you are experiencing it. That is a true achievement, and that is the difference between a great writer and only a capable or middling writer. I kept saying to myself through the whole read this summer- "This would be an unbelievable movie"- because it is written like one.

This story is made to connect to the modern world, and to the readers of today's world, not just a professor sitting in a bright sunlit office at Stanford, where he can hear the chiming of the University bells. It reads like an adventure, miniseries, or a soap opera with all the forbidden love/adultery, tragedy and test of wills that you would expect to be found in one of those primetimes 1980's shows like "Dynasty." It's very serious though, as well as sophisticated and the humanity of everyone involved is so well realized that you begin to feel like these are members of your neighborhood that you have known for quite some time. The siege is so well down, and you are put down in the mud, and the thick of battle that you truly do understand what it felt like, smelled like, and the horror of war was in 1601. It truly has to be read, to understand that what Eskin did, was so hard, and so daunting, but the result so "magical" that it is a model for how history books should be done.

The most interesting character in the novel is "Juan del Aguila"- "Don Juan"- the Spanish General who is leading this last Great Armada and is to hold his objective until the very end to force the hand of Queen Elizabeth's England. General Aguila did fail, but there are many lessons that citizens of the United States of America can and should take from this book. "England while victorious was pushed almost into bankruptcy, because of the financial strains of fighting the Spanish and Irish during this long siege and battle. The Crown became increasingly dependent on Parliament, which created the great power clashes that resulted in the English Civil War, and ultimately the drift towards democracy." Wars bankrupt nations, because they are so expensive to fight- especially if they keep going on and on. Remember that.

Finally, for Spain it was the beginning of the end of their empire as Eskin writes at the very end. Their defeat at Kinsale finished their self-appointed role as the religious policeman of Europe, as their King Felipe III had to end the religious wars that he promised his father that he would continue. Spain started running out of money as the Italian banks refused to lend the Spanish more money. Spain was humiliated, exhausted and their very slow decline from power began as England built up its naval might that became the envy of the world. The reputation that the Spanish infantry was invincible was shattered as I said, it never recovered, and it would suffer another crushing defeat in the mid 1600's. The reader has to understand that before the events of this book, Spain was one of the greatest, most influential powers in the world, and their military was feared by all because of its might- but it ended like many empires do. The Romans ended, England's empire ended at the end of World War II, and the United States is dangerously close to repeating the mistakes of history by the way it is conducting its affairs. Adventurous wars bankrupt countries.

Spain's dream of conquering England- gone. The King of Spain's hope of a way into England was destroyed forever. Peace resulted from this epic confrontation at Kinsale, which Ekin recreates with absorbing emotion and drama, but Spain was never the same, and has never been the same up to the modern day. The cost in lives and men for both England and Spain had been enormous, so enormous that Queen Elizabeth herself was shocked and overcome with the loss of English lives and said that it wasn't worth the price of victory. Why did England thrive though afterwards where Spain which had been one of the world's first global superpowers collapsed?

"Well, it was because decay had set in, and was spreading rapidly in the country, the economy was an epic disaster, there was no industry to speak of, and no one had even thought to bring farming methods out of the dark ages." writes Eskin. "Harvests were failing and famine was becoming the norm, as corruption and robbery were rampant. Many people claimed special noble status and refused to pay taxes. Spain declared itself bankrupt three times, but both father and son Kings of Spain"- spent millions on new palaces in Delaware- I'm sorry, "at El Escorial in Spain."

Spanish citizens were outraged that the country was taking in a fortune in gold and silver from its American colonies. Eskin writes that it was estimated that the Spanish treasure fleets brought home the equivalent of ten trillion US dollars today, but the money was spent on "unwinnable wars" like this adventure in 1601 in Ireland. Spain had to degrade its own coins using cheap metals. Spain had been the "big dog" and had dominated the world culturally, financially, militarily, and were thought to be "Too big to fail", but it went broke fighting these costly conflicts for supremacy in the world.

I will ask readers in the United States of America if that sounds like the country we are living in today, because it does, and it is a warning from the past from the once great Spanish Empire that did dominate the globe. History does repeat itself, great nations thought to be invincible do end up declining permanently- never to recover. War is the most expensive thing any country can do, and it has been proven by history that nations can drive themselves into financial oblivion and military weakness by foolish obsessions. I would ask that Americans be wise and take heed from the past.

This is a magnificent book, masterfully told by an extremely talented writer that respects and loves the reader, and his material. I love this book, and I hope others do as well.

[Amy Everett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I thought it concerned the Great Armada of 1588; I didn't even realize there had been an attempted Spanish invasion of Ireland. But I do now, and I very much enjoyed learning it!

Ekin has a very distinctive style- in his introduction, he states that all of the dialogue is taken verbatim from his sources, a detailed bibliography which is included in the book. He mixes these quotes with commentary written in modern vernacular. In this way, the author can more easily combine scholarship with readability.

The author's book is structured around the story of the siege of Kinsale, and he approaches said siege from sources on all sides of the conflict, often delving into the likely motivations of each character. Another strength is that this book also functions as a character study of individuals like Juan del Aguila, Charles Blount, and a half dozen other important players. There are detailed accounts of military endeavors, the power plays of the Elizabethan court, and an explanation of the mindsets of the Irish and the Spanish, whose viewpoints are generally vilified or ignored.

I recommend this book to history enthusiasts, those interested in the Elizabethan period, fans of military histories, and those interested in the history of Gaelic Ireland. If you are trying to research the more well-known Spanish armada, this may not be the book for you, but I would advise you to give it a try anyways!

[Pablo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Des Ekin does a wonderful job at revisiting the historical events surrounding the siege of Kinsale in 1601 offering many contradictory points of view that, combined, offer probably the ultimate take on the subject.

He's a proficient writer and his journalistic background mean that the book turns out to be a very enjoyable, almost novelistic read.

In sum, a wonderful read for those interested in Spanish, Irisn and/or English history.

[Michael Romo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent account of an historical event that was unknown to me. The historical repercussions of this invasion would have dramatic consequences that would affect Ireland to this day. A very good read!

[Old-Barbarossa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in a conversational way.
Not much in the way of maps or index.
Warts and all look at the heroes and villains of the event.

[Michael R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling, insightful, and superbly researched, with tons of fascinating anecdotes about early sixteenth-century Spain and her wars in Ireland. Fantastic read.

[Christopher L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I confess, being in a rush, that I had thought I was buying a book about the Spanish Armada of 1588. I have to say that I was subsequently delighted to read such a flowing and evidently well researched narrative about an event I knew virtually nothing of.

I find that much of what is written about the Tudors and Stuarts can be quite laborious and turgid to read, perhaps reflecting the incompleteness of primary research resources and the subsequent, worthy efforts made to plug gaps in available knowledge. Mr. Eakin's book, however, does not fall into this trap - he writes very well, very entertainingly and very coherently. Although he sometimes comes close, he also doesn't allow his prose to degenerate into tabloid-esque flippancy. The book was a joy to read and a real page turner as a result.

From a content perspective, the strong positives for me are that Mr.Eakin has made a little known part of history readily accessible, that he is able to conjure up the "sights and smells" necessary to make a good history, and clearly has done his research. I also very much liked the dispassionate approach; too often historian's unsupported biases can intrude. Not in this case.

Slight negatives were a lack of maps which really wouldn't have had to have been contemporaneous, just informative, and there were elements of events which could have used some fleshing out - more on the causes of the Irish defeat on the actual day, what was the significance of the other three ports the Spanish held versus Kinsale, More on the movements and impact of the Irish insurgents in the run up to the final battle, why loses to illness etc were so devastating for both sides - I hadn't realised how many men the English lost to non-combat related deaths until the end of the book. Perhaps there may have been a chance for interesting reflections on tactics and service conditions (not just grand strategy) of both sides which weren't dwelt on to the extent they might have been. Nevertheless these are minor points.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment, is that for me, Mr. Ekin really didn't develop the richness of character of those involved, be that Aguila, his coterie of seemingly rather despicable clergy men, Aguila's own officers, Essex / Blount / Carew / Cecil, Penelope Rich, Felipe III, O'Neill, O'Donnell, O'Sullivan.... what a fascinating collection of individuals! Given Mr. Ekin's lucid prose and sound research, I really would have been most content to have read many more pages on these historic figures.

To conclude, I thoroughly recommend this excellent book - it gives a great introduction to a fascinating and what would appear to be a far more important historic event that I, for one, had previous understood it to be.

[Brook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I say anything else, let me say how much I enjoy reading Irish history by Irish authors, compared with British history by British authors, and even some American historians. Going to roll on some stereotype paint here, but it seems that even serious Irish historians can't avoid a bit of story telling in what are otherwise troop-and-materiel-movement accounts. There's one or two curses (by the author, not quoting historical figures), as well as inclusion of colorful language on the part of said historical figures.

This book is primarily a "what happened" history, same as so many other movement-on-the-field accounts. There are indeed some well-planned tactics recounted here, but for the most part it is a literal telling of what occurred, not a swashbuckling war story. The insertion of "sh*t just got real, son"-type language from the author does not detract, as it is used sparingly.

The largest takeaway as far as battle of the era, for this reader, was exactly how long trench warfare for the purposes of a siege has been in use. While we saw some "trench" warfare in the American Civil War, it was WWI that was the "epitome" of trench warfare for this reader. In The Last Armada, trench warfare occurs in basically the same format as in WWII, down to the movement of artillery and providing "quarters" for troops. The method used to dig a trench under direct enemy fire was ingenious, using rolled up wicker-style "baskets" stuffed with earth that were pushed in front of the trenching soldiers in successive waves to absorb small arms fire.

To realize that warfare and killing changed so much between this last Spanish Armada against Britain and WWI was sobering.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am pleasantly surprised. I won this book some time ago on a Goodreads.com giveaway. It has been on my "to do" list for quite some time. Well it's done. I assumed this book was about the famous 1588 Spanish Armada. I was wrong. There were a few subsequent armadas. This was one of them. The author has written a wonderful, detailed account of the 1601 Spanish invasion of Ireland. The goal of this invasion was to link up with the Irish Catholic rebels and take England from the flanks. The Spanish general Aguila managed to indeed succeed in landing his forces of for the most part veteran Spanish tercios, but his supplies landed were few. Even more, his supply ships did not land all the supplies and promptly abandoned him and his forces. The large Irish rebel force did not materialize either. Later the rebel force that did show was routed by a smaller English siege force. This was the end for the Irish rebellion against Queen Elizabeth. Many Irish rebels fled to Spain. The Spanish commander ultimately came to terms with the English siege force and left Ireland forever. Spain was finished as the policeman of Europe and ended its wars of religion.

The author wrote the story with brief flashbacks in time to set the difficult historical context of this story. Very well written and a superb history.

[Ryan Fohl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to find a book about a period of history I know little to nothing about. I also found a new author I like. I appreciate the causal writing style and ending each chapter on a cliff hanger when possible. Felt like reading game of thrones or the romance of the three kingdoms.

This transitional period of warfare is fascinating. Trenches, match locks, tercios, plugging enemy cannons, recruitment challenges. The religious motivations and the crazy sea voyages only make sense together. I mean did every ship traveling between Spain and Britain get hit by a squall? It seems easier to cross the Atlantic.

Contains one of the greatest comebacks in history!
-You are surrounded, why not send out the women and children?
-I didn’t travel all this way to be your pimp.

Also one of my favorite epigraphs. About Ireland being hell on earth!


What I learned: Ireland has mountains, and a few dry ski resorts and an Olympic team. The highest Irish “mountain” is smaller than the highest mountain in Kentucky so….
In county Cork, Florence is traditionally a man’s name. About a tenth of the population of Spain was nobility, and another huge faction was clergy. The word “arrogates” means to make undo claims to having; to seize without justification. The word “hubbub” may originate from the Irish war cry. England can have small earthquakes. Musketeers carried their bullets in their mouths. There is a famous castle in Ireland named “Bunratty.”

[Mr. Canning · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I have an interest in Irish history. This novel tells the story of the Battle of Kinsale in 1601. It was the last hurrah for Gaelic Ireland and the last chance of the Spanish to invade Elizabethan England. It tells the story of Charles Blount, Commander of the English forces (a man with a forbidden love, and possibly a conspirator against his queen), Juan d'Aguila, commander of the Spanish forces (a man of courage and valor who would not sell out his Irish compatriots), the wiley Hugh O'Neill who seems to play both sides, and the impetuous Red Hugh O'Donnell. The Irish/Spanish defeat at Kinsale will lead to the end of Gaelic culture in with the Earls fleeing to Spain and the plantation of Ireland with Scottish and English settlers. Repercussions that still carry on to this day.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about the Spanish Armada's takeover of Kinsale, County Cork, in the southern part of Ireland in 1601. It was Spain's attempt to battle England on Irish soil as the Spanish had already been thwarted in several attempts to take over England during the rule of Queen Elizabeth. I actually visited Kinsale briefly years ago on a trip to Ireland which helped me with the logistics of some of the events. I didn't think I would like a history book as much as I like this book. Des Ekin is an Irish journalist and author of several books. He managers to describe the politics and events with humor and wit and without being boring. I want to check out his other books.

[Dave Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rapid fire short chapters, a rollicking good tale. Juan Del Aguila is one bad and honorable dude. I have another theory why O'Neill didn't entrench which our author didn't include in his guesses: it's just not in his (their) nature. My only complaint is the lack of a standard index which is a bit frustrating, but did I mention a rollicking tale? I can't think of anything beyond quoting Publishers Weekly " A detailed narrative filled with heroism, treachery, dynastic politics and adultery"; which pretty much sums it up.

[Paul Lunger · Rating 4 out of 5]

With "The Last Armada: Queen Elizabeth, Juan del Aguila, and Hugh O'Neill: The Story of the 100 Day Spanish Invasion", Des Ekin delves into the events from late 1601 in what become known as the Battle of Kinsale. The book itself goes into the planning as well as failed execution of Spain's final attempt to invade Great Britain this time via Ireland as well as the consequences of this battle for both countries. The book itself is an easy & enjoyable read & for this reader was a fascinating look at an event that I was not aware of.

[Cian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Evident that the book is written by a journalist and not a historian. Great caution is to be taken in forming an understanding of this period from this text alone. The author’s personal prejudice and one diemensional depictions of some of the major protagonists is dissapointing to read. Alas, it is a story of the author’s interpritation of civil “goodies” and frivolous “baddies”. Analysis of the wealth of scholarly articles on the subject as well as years of research by prominent acamdemics paint a different picture. It is, unfortunately, the effort of an armchair historian.

[Frank Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very enjoyable and educational. Living in Cork, I have heard many differing views regarding the battle of Kinsale, and this book did a wonderful job delving through the different accounts to show what may have happened. The lack of unity amongst the Irish chieftains seemed to be the deciding factor, yet this was inevitable given the Irish culture of the day. I would like to think that that clannishness had dissipated for the benefit of the country. But alas, we still have a long way to go, even after 400 years.

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I visited Kinsale last November and had no idea that such a strategically important event in Irish history had occurred there. This book does a great job recounting the battle, the players on all sides, and the global context into which it fit. I definitely recommend it for anyone with an interest in Irish history or the Tudor period.

[Hugon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly well researched. A “goodread” but written with such realism that you suffer along with the soldiers on both sides as they starve, freeze, fight and die in the harshest of Irish winters. Des even manages to link the battle (or battles) of Kinsale to events in modern day Ireland. It is at times a “hard read”…… but worth it.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping, well-researched and balanced account of a historic episode to which I was previously oblivious. I particularly enjoyed the author's engaging storytelling style and the way he made his subject relevant to today's world. Would highly recommend!

[Matt2015 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most of Irish history, this is a story of disappointment, betrayal, courage and harsh defeat. As an Irishman, I found it difficult to read but eye opening. However, it is well written, easy to read, set for a leisurely pace and enjoyable.

[MegaBiblion MegaKalon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written in such a lovely way that all its faults melt off like a pat of butter at the top of a metal slide on a hot summer day. I HATE this era of history, it bores me for some reason, and yet I was glued to the pages. You should read this.

[Anton Sal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read indeed. Reads like a story. Des Ekin really put a lot of effort into research and making sure history is interesting. A good account from all sides, the Irish, the Spanish and the English. Even though he is Irish, I did not feel bias.

[Asher Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engaging, entertaining, and informative. My only complaint is that writing style was at times extremely casual, to the point that it became distracting.

[Cian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterpiece!

[Eoghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well researched and fascinating account of one of my favourite places in Ireland

[Cian Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and so well written that it reads like a novel.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Armada is exiting and readable. It uses the story of the Siege of Kinsale to tell about the transition of power from Elizabeth I and James I, the end of Spain's imperial ambitions in Europe, and the beginnings of the British colonization of Ireland. The Last Armada provides a glimpse of the events as they were seen and experienced by people of the time.

[Michael]

A really interesting bit of history, about which I had no idea. I knew that the famous Spanish Armada was headed for England with the intent of overthrowing Elizabeth I. But this armada, 13 years later in 1601, was headed for Ireland. The strategy was to land there, be greeted as liberators, then use Ireland as a stage for launching an attack on England.

Didn't quite work out that way. Des Ekin, a journalist based in Dublin, tells this story in a smooth and well-written text. As in most historical settings, there are many people who play important roles in the events. Ekin does a very good job of keeping these individuals clear to the reader. He also provides a fascinating insight into the events of 1601 ad how they set the stage for events in Ireland for the next 400 years.

The battle for the small County Cork town of Kinsale seems like it could have been an isolated incident but history never occurs in a vacuum. The events leading to the battle, and the course history took after these events provide vivid proof of this.

[Jack Haren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well researched description of the events surrounding the siege and subsequent battle for Kinsale.
It provides an in depth narrative of the events leading up to the Spanish invasion of Ireland in 1601. The focus is on the military leaders of all 3 contingents ( Spain, England and the Irish lords) as well as their immediate subordinates. The physical challenges of this winter siege were considerable. Weather and disease were the primary killers that spared neither side.

The author provides rich insight into the Irish leaders, O'Neill and O'Donnell. He dispels much of the window dressing and folk lore that surrounds their purpose and place in the Irish struggles to escape from the grasp of English rule.

This is a comprehensive overview of the invasion and the English response. It provides background and context to the efforts of each combatant nation.