The Making of Ireland: From Ancient Times to the Present

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Psychology Press, 1998 - History - 425 pages

The Making of Ireland by James Lydon provides an accessible history of Ireland from the earliest times. James Lydon recounts, in colourful detail, the waves of settlers, missionaries and invaders which have come to Ireland since pre-history and offers a long perspective on Irish history right up to the present time.

This comprehensive survey includes discussion of the arrival of St. Patrick in the fifth century and Henry II in the twelfth, as well as that of numerous soldiers, traders and craftsmen through the ages. The author explores how these settlers have shaped the political and cultural climate of Ireland today. James Lydon charts the changing racial mix of Ireland through the ages which shaped the Irish nation. The author also follows Ireland's long and troubled entanglement with England from its beginning many centuries ago.

The Making of Ireland offers a complete history in one volume. Through a predominantly political narrative, James Lydon provides a coherent and readable introduction to this vital complex history.

 

Contents

Early Christian Ireland
1
The Viking impact
20
Church reform and political change
37
The feudal lordship
62
The two nations
84
The Geraldine supremacy
107
The end of the old order
129
A new Ireland
163
A Protestant kingdom 166091
197
Protestant nationalism and the Anglican ascendancy
218
The emergence of Catholic Ireland
239
Revolution and emancipation
265
The genesis of home rule
290
The struggle for independence
318
Towards a Republic
356
Copyright

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About the author (1998)

James Lydon, formerly Lecky Professor of Modern History, Trinity College Dublin, and Fellow Emeritus, Trinity College Dublin.

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