Synopses & Reviews
Eamon de Valera is one of the most famous characters in Irish history. He commanded troops during the famous 1916 Easter Rising, co-authored the present-day Irish constitution, and in 1926, he founded Fianna Fáil, which continues to be the largest political party in Ireland today. In June 1919, he arrived at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel pronouncing himself the "President of Ireland." He was on a mission to convince the United States to recognize Ireland as an independent nation, and also to fund the independence movement, which would be a clear affront to Britain. De Valera went on to give speeches in some of America's largest venues, including Madison Square Garden and Fenway Park, where he drew crowds of 60,000 people. Over the course of that year, he accumulated fame and scandal, but more importantly, he gained essential financial support for the fledgling Irish Republic.
Here, for the first time, award-winning journalist Dave Hannigan follows de Valera on his controversial trip across America, exploring his questionable personal and political relationships, and the costs and benefits of his perilous crusade. From newspaper headlines to cloak and dagger antics, Hannigan delivers a truly unique slice of Irish Americana, bringing to life this pivotal moment in history.
Review
“Compelling reading for everyone with an interest in this fascinating period in Irelands history.”—Brian Cowen, Taoiseach [Prime Minister] of Ireland, leader of the Fianna Fáil party
"Dave Hannigan knows how to tell a story, and what a story! This is a tale of political intrigue, ethnic politics, and revolution that will captivate history buffs and general readers alike. "De Valera in America" sheds new light on a memorable episode in Irish-American history."--Terry Golway, author of Irish Rebel and The Irish in America"The book has harvested marvellous material from an impressive range of newspapers...Hannigan has a clear appreciation for detail, and his book is populated with an interesting, if shadowy, supporting cast...An accessible exploration of de Valera's visit to America, this book is certainly an entertaining read."--Irish Times "An intriguing account of de Valera's epic fund-raising mission to America in 1919. This is a scintillating read by a superb writer who knows how to bring a good story to life."--Western People "David Hannigan has written a good, solid account of de Valera's lengthy sojourn in America during the Anglo-Irish war."--Tim Pat Coogan, Irish Independent "A real page-turner. Offering a unique take on a familiar figure, and containing facsinating new information and photographs, this book details an intriguing and largely unknown episode in the career of Ireland's most famous politician."--Waterford News & Star "This is a wonderful read."--Sunday Tribune "Hannigan is a fine writer...He has produced a very accessible account of Dev's often frenetic time in the States."--Evening Echo "A Thoroughly researched book that brings the story to life in all its colourful detail....It's a highly enjoyable read that sheds valuable new light on an important part of Dev's political education."--Irish Mail on Sunday "[An] intriguing story...written in a lively and exciting way. The award winning and highly praised author Dave Hannigan offers a clearly written and well documented book."--Irish American News "Journalist Hannigan vividly recreates Eamon de Valera's mission to the US between June 1919 and December 1920... Well written and researched... Recommended." —
About the Author
Dave Hannigan is a columnist at The Sunday Tribune in Dublin, the Evening Echo (Cork) and The Irish Echo. A former Irish young journalist of the year, he is also an adjunct professor of history at Suffolk County Community College on Long Island. He lives in Rocky Point, New York.
Table of Contents
Chapter One Freeborn Man of the USA
Chapter Two The Irish Lincoln Struts Down Peacock Alley
Chapter Three Fenway's Green Monsters
Chapter Four A Hundred Thousand Welcomes
Chapter Five Go West, Young Man
Chapter Six Sailing Stormy Waters
Chapter Seven Fighting Irishmen and Dressing Feathers
Chapter Eight Flag of Inconvenience
Chapter Nine Home Thoughts From Abroad
Chapter Ten Freedom and the Hard Sell
Chapter Eleven Doctrine of Open Warfare
Chapter Twelve St. Patrick's Day Massacre
Chapter Thirteen Not so Gentle Southern Swing
Chapter Fourteen Cold Comfort in the Windy City
Chapter Fifteen Oilmen and Archbishops
Chapter Sixteen Family Matters
Chapter Seventeen Hunger Strikes From Far Away
Chapter Eighteen All That Glitters is Not Gold
Chapter Nineteen Return of the Native
Epilogue