The Trouble with the Irish: A Humorous Look at Ireland's Grim History

by Leonard Patrick O'Connor Wibberley, Leonard Wibberley

A witty, affectionate, and delightfully informal look at Irish history, told from the point of view of Leonard Wibberley (author of The Mouse that Roared), who was raised both in Ireland and in England.

Genres: History, Ireland, Nonfiction

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1956

Reviews

[Elizabeth Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I searched out this book because it was highly praised by the late Pete McCarthy in his wonderful travelogue/memoir McCarthy's Bar. McCarthy promised it was the only book of Irish history one would ever need and, for non-historians, he's right. Wibberley manages to get all of the complex history of Ireland into one volume and to tell the tale with humor and brio. It's a wonderful addition to my keeper shelf.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great review of the history of Ireland written from without taking sides. It was written more than 65 years ago so it does not include any modern events, but gives a great overview of how we got to the current situation. The author also has a very dry wit which rose up unexpectantly and would cause me to laugh.

[John H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, concise and entertaining history of Ireland. It is a lot to capture in a short-ish book, but the author does it. Being of Irish-American descent, I have (had) a bit of a romantic notion of Irish history. The author provides a balanced narrative that is somewhat helpful in understanding a) why Irish immigrants have propagated a grudge against the English and b) how the Irish did a lot of damage to themselves without the involvement of the English. Today's country is a wonderful place to visit, and I think knowing the history is important to understanding how we got here. With the endless tomes out there, this book does a good job covering a long period of time.

[Echo · Rating 5 out of 5]

From chapter 14, To Hell or Connacht: "The Irish trouble, Cromwell had every reason to believe, was ended with his resettlement of the country with English colonists. But he neglected to consider that peculiar property of Ireland . . . which enables it always to absorb its colonists. The Normans had become Irish, the Danes had become Irish, the English settlers of the Pale had become Irish, and the Scots who settled in Antrim had become Irish. In a couple of generations the descendants of Cromwell's Puritan soldiers became Irish and provided leaders and fighters for subsequent rebellions. It is my considered opinion that had the golden horde of Genghis Khan swept over Ireland, it would not have been long before the Mongols were all Christians, dancing to Irish jigs and crying 'Down with the English' whenever they'd the drink taken."

I stumbled across this book while researching for my senior thesis in the college library. While all of the books I read were interesting, this one was also amusing. The author mixes humor in with his account of Irish history, and makes it one enjoyable read. Unfortunately, the book is out-of-print and not easy to find. I finally broke down and purchased it online, just so I could have it on my bookshelf. It's the single most expensive book I've ever purchased (aside from some college textbooks), but it was well-worth it. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading Irish history -- if they can get their hands on it, that is.