The Anglo-Irish tradition

by J.C. Beckett

GREAT IRISH STUDY

158 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

James Camlin Beckett was a Northern Irish historian.

Reviews

[Seán Doherty · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Anglo, through no fault of his own, as his people lack much civilization, has a natural propensity for trickery, and in particular, the instinct to mystically conceal his crimes. Even in moments of self reflection, the Anglo cannot lose his arrogance and self importance - J.C. Beckett is convinced the Milesian Gael is still yet to be convinced of the social importance of the Anglo residing in Ireland. Furthermore, the Anglo has no conception of the objective relation between Colonist and Indigenous - he asserts that the medieval groups of normans that entered Ireland which then became indigenized were settler colonists, and that the modern, colonial Anglo that pervaded Ireland was just as Irish as the Gael. Are whites just as american as the native peoples of America? It is here the Anglo becomes confused - it is laid bare he is not the universal conception of man, but a mere man lacking his own civilization to lay claim to, and therefore must rule over others.