Concise History of Ireland

by Maire O'Brien, Conor Cruise O'Brien

There is a tragic inevitability about Irish "hatred answering hatred", as Lady Gregory wrote. Four events in particular, Yeats' "four deep, tragic notes", ring through Irish the Catholic revolt against Elizabeth; the battle of the Boyne, which established the Protestant Ascendancy; the impact of the French Revolution; and the fall from power of Charles Stewart Parnell, which turned Ireland away from peaceful solutions to its ills. The authors bring the story up to the present, then look ahead to the end of the century.

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

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Kevin Keating · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an ok book, very dated since it was written before the end of the Troubles. I did learn a lot about the Irish Civil War and the reason for heading towards neutrality in WW2. I've since read about O'Brien the author who does not show up sympathetically in Siege at Jadotville. Anyway, I will research some more recent histories.

[Magdalena · Rating 3 out of 5]

"This looked promising but ended in a double catastrophe."

I enjoyed this book, I really did. I have to admit, though, that it was a bit hard to read at first. There is so much information about everything that it is hard to keep up. Of course, this is a concise history of Ireland, it was meant to be a lot. However, this "a lot" turned into too many names, places, and situations that weren't always properly explained. For example, the story of St. Patrick which is such an integral part of Irish history (it's called St. Patrick's Day for a reason) was almost completely left out and just the results of his actions were mentioned. Once it got closer to the 19th/20th century, it improved considerably. There was still a great amount of input but it was explained better, perhaps because it is closer to today. A good example of this would be the Easter Rising which the authors structured and elucidated clearly. Upon reaching the last stage of this book, the partition problems and the ensuing Civil War (The Troubles), I did not want it to end. This was one of the most interesting and also, naturally, the most recent and topical parts. The Battle of the Bogside could have been elaborated on a bit more, but since all the events leading up to it were cleared up nicely, that was not a problem.
Two more things about the O'Brien's book are, first of all, some hilarious passages that mitigate the dire circumstances at least a little bit. Secondly, and more importantly, the edition of my book was published in 1997, meaning the Civil War hadn't been resolved yet at the time. Nowadays, the Good Friday Agreement (1998) is in action which symbolised an end to the Troubles.
In conclusion, if you want to know more about the broad history of Ireland, sprinkled in with a few amusing phrases, this is the right book for you. Nevertheless, I already had a bit of knowledge about Irish history which helped me understand a few things better.

[William Guerrant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1974, this book is naturally influenced by the troubled times during which it appeared. Under the best of conditions, it can be difficult for historians to write objectively. Ireland in the 1970's was certainly not the best of times. Nevertheless, the authors seem to have tried.

The writing style does not make compelling narrative history. But if a reader is willing to go slowly, the book is worthwhile and interesting. The illustrations are excellent.

[Michael Beashel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little link here. My forebears are Irish so this is a logical primer to have ready. It's also a great lead in for all those immigrants who left Ireland to go to new lands. Australia's European history is still young and having an awareness of this small but "hitting above its weight" island, so close to its influential neighbour, England, is a must.

[Nicole Mosley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely concise, and dated, as the book ends before the troubles resolve. If you are not already somewhat familiar with Irish history it may be too concise.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you do not have a basic understanding of Irish history, this may be a bit hard to follow. However, you can still learn a good amount with some patience. Incredible photos!

[Allan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick review of the main incidents which shaped Ireland from earliest inhabitation to the dreary 1970's, when this book was published. So, obviously, you won't learn about the post-Cold War developments in Northern Ireland, but you'll have a firm footing in everything leading up to modern times.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very basic, too bad it has not been updated. Basically ends in the 70's though republished in the 90's.

[JP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of the three I just read, I like this history best. It is indeed concise, and the photographs also add a lot of unspoken words.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's concise. It also requires much more knowledge going in than I have. So I need "concise" and "beginner."