Synopses & Reviews
This fourth edition of Joseph Coohills best-selling book has been fully updated to include the latest political, economic, and social developments in Ireland. Starting with the first prehistoric inhabitants of the island,
Ireland takes readers right up to the present day through the Great Famine, Home Rule, the Good Friday Agreement, and the economic struggles of the 21st century, covering the major events that have shaped the country. Clear and lucid, Coohills writing paints an engaging picture of a people for whom history is a key part of present-day reality. Highly accessible, yet demonstrating a sophisticated level of analysis, this book provides a valuable resource to students and all those wishing to acquaint themselves further with the complex identity of the Irish people.
Review
"The perfect book for an introductory course on modern Irish history." - Michael Salevouris, Professor Emeritus, Webster University
"Fair to both the Nationalist and Unionist tradition"
Jeremy Black, University of Exeter
"A brisk, fair and clear introduction to Irish history"
Cormac O'Grada, University College Dublin
"Hands-down the best textbook on the market." - Patrick McDevitt - Associate Professor at the University of Buffalo
Synopsis
From the first prehistoric inhabitants of the island to the St Andrews Agreement and decommissioning of IRA weapons, this uniquely concise account of Ireland and its people reveals how differing interpretations of history, ancient and modernm, have influenced modern Irish society. Combining factual information with a critical approach, Coohill covers all the key events, including the Great Famine, Home Rule and the Good Friday Agreement.
Updated with two new chapters expanding the discussion of pre-modern Ireland, as well as developments in the 21st century, this highly accessible and balanced account will continue to provide a valuable resource to all those wishing to acquaint themselves further with the complex identity of the Irish people.
About the Author
Joseph Coohill earned his doctorate in modern history from Oxford and teaches history at Duquesne University. He specializes in the history of 19th-century Britain and Ireland and has taught and published widely in these areas. He lives in Pittsburgh.