A Short History of Ireland

by Richard Killeen

Superbly illustrated with over 150 photographs, paintings and drawings this is a crisply written, succinct summary of Ireland's past from Viking and Norman invasions to the present day. It is designed as an introduction to Irish history. Other books by Richard Killeen Dublin Dublin - French Edition Dublin - German Edition Ireland A Short History of Ireland - French Edition A Short History or Ireland - German Edition A Short History of Scotland A Short History of Scotland - French Edition A Short History of Scotland - German Edition.

Genres: Ireland, History, Nonfiction

72 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killeen's history is indeed very short, yet, despite that, the author manages to provide an accessible and interesting overview of key groups, individuals, and events that helped to shape the Irish isle from pre-Celtic settlements to the rise of the Republic of Ireland. Always engaging and beautifully illustrated, this small volume is an excellent introduction to Ireland for the curious or the potential tourist.

[Ian Major · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful potted history of Ireland. I learned so much of the key facts in one sitting. We all depend on the historian's honesty and accuracy, but we can test that a bit by looking at the history we have experienced and comparing his/her account. Killeen seems spot-on to me in his survey of our own time, so I've no problem accepting his account of the rest.

[John Geddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun little read on a subject I apparently knew a lot less about than I thought. The picture selection in this edition is really neat too.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little volume works well as a brief introduction to the history of Ireland up to approximately 2005 and is ideal for anyone wanting a primer before a first visit. As a result of the pocket-guide style, the images are small and the details thin in places, i.e. more space could be devoted to larger events, though, again, the format, a two-page spread per topic, necessitates brevity.

For anyone wanting a detailed modern history of Ireland, Fintan O'Toole's "We Don't Know Ourselves" would be a great next read after this introductory volume.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple reading, for the most part, w/ great pics, maps, & illustrations. Would like to see more to it. Good for reading a little on who's-who in Ireland's history.

I bought this book at the annual Scottish-Irish Faire mid-March 2011 in Midland, Texas, as an attempt to get in touch w/ my Irish heritage.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure how the author manages to pack in such a short space so much information. Yet he does this with some solid interpretation attending his narrative. Never dry, always clear. His bias is both mild and, given the subject, commendable. He has taken the time to study the 'other Irish' of Ulster--being relatively fair to them.

Loved it.

[Allison Burris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, highly readable introduction to Irish history with lots of lovely photographs.

[Richard Domann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short clear concise history of Ireland ... a very good primer.

[Renee Gordos · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect length and amount of detail to get you grounded

[Seraffyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect for a quick timeline and who's who in Irish history before I traveled to and spent nearly two weeks wandering that beautiful, storied country. Captivating and easy to get through.