Books on Ireland 1600 to 1969

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General Irish History - Before 1600 - 1600 to 1969 - The 'Troubles' - Maps - Discovery Maps - Other Books

A detailed study and analysis of the revolutionary period 1905-25, which saw the War of Independence, Partition and the Irish Civil War. Beginning in 1870, Dr Rees sets the scene with a detailed history of the rise of Nationalist and Unionist movements up to 1905. He then begins the main story, discussing the period with not only his own fresh analysis but also that of other historians in the field, which results in a balanced and scholarly account of this formative period of modern Irish history. Illustrated with photographs, the book is designed to be accompanied by volume 2, which contains additional historical sources (see below). An essential read for anyone interested in tracing the roots of the Irish conflict.

A history of Nationalism, this is one of the most critically acclaimed books of the past decade. At last the 3 books that made up Robert Kee's The Green Flag have been compiled together into one volume. Book 1, "The Most Distressful Country", asks the question: "Who are the Irish?" and traces the history of the Irish nation from earliest times, through the Plantation and the United Irishmen to the Famine of 1845. Book 2, "The Bold Fenian Men" takes the story through the Fenian movement, partition and the formation of the Irish Free State. Book 3, "Ourselves Alone" brings the story up to date by tracing Nationalism through the 20th century to the campaigns by the IRA and the rise of Sinn Fein. A fantastic history of Nationalism by a highly respected author, The Green Flag is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the conflict in Ireland.

While discussing the immediate period of the Great Irish Famine of 1845-49 (see details of the Famine), Ó Gráda also studies the causes and consequences of these disastrous years. In this book, he studies the Irish economy, poverty, agriculture and several other factors to lead to an understanding of how the famine was caused. In discussing the famine, he discusses the starvation, malnutrition and disease that claimed approximately 1 million lives, and the extent of the relief measures taken by the government. He then goes on to debate whether or not the Famine could have been averted, before discussing the emigration of several million in the coming century, with particular emphasis on how this affected Ireland. While perhaps not detailed enough for someone who wants to spend a considerable amount of time studying the famine, this book is an excellent introduction to this tragic period of Irish history.

Almost lengendary in Irish history, the Battle of the Boyne of 1690 was in reality very different from the way in which it is often portrayed. Firstly, it was almost coincidental that the battle happened to be fought in Ireland: it was between two rival English monarchs involved in a European war. Secondly, only a few of the troops who fought were actually Irish and the situation in Ireland had little real bearing on the battles. This book peels away the layers of hearsay to discuss the miltary and political facts surrounding this fascinating period of conflict. The weaponry and tactics used are examined in detail. Particularly useful for anyone reading the background of the Protestant-Catholic divide in Ireland and the background to Orange culture.

The Easter Rising of 1916 has gone down in Irish history as the last serious attempt to break away from British rule before independence in 1921. After a week of fighting, when the rebels surrendered to the British, a large part of central Dublin lay in ruins. The authors begin with an analysis of the circumstances leading up to the Rising before taking each of the leaders individually and examinging their motives and objectives. After this, there is a detailed chronology of the Rising itself from the point of view not only of the rebels, but the military and civilians also involved. Following the death sentences imposed on most of the rebels, the authors describe the executions in detail. The book contains transcripts of the trials, letters and eyewitness accounts. A thoroughly enjoyable read and essential for anyone studying the revolutionary period at the start of the 20th century.

Designed to accompany volume 1 (see above), this book contains a fascinating collection of contemporary letters, articles and constitutional documents from the revolutionary period 1905-25. Each provides an insight into the innermost workings of the Irish people and establishment in this period. Professor Hepburn has accompanied the sources with an informative commentary. For anyone particularly interested in this period of Irish history, which covers the War of Independence, Partition and the Irish Civil War, this book will be a valuable addition to their collection.

Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscape
Editors: FHA Aalen, K Whelan; Hardback; Univ of Toronto Pr / Cork Univ Press; ISBN: 0802042945; 352 pages.

This stunning and under-recognised book charts the dynamics of all parts of rural Ireland from the ravages of the Ice Age, through the Neolithic and Celtic periods, the Normans, the Plantation through to modern developments. At all stages, it is made abundantly clear how the Irish landscape is intertwined with human history and many chapters are devoted to the churches, castles and houses that characterise rural Ireland. As well as an invaluable reference book, this will give hours of enjoyment for the browser. In their balanced, but not detached, account the editors have put together an intimate portrayal of the Irish rural landscape that deserves to sit proudly on the shelf of anyone who loves Ireland.