Clicking a "read more" link below allows you to order the book and check prices or just search Amazon. It does not commit you.
Read more at Amazon about The Story of IrelandWilliam Magan tells the story of Irish history in a very balanced and interesting fashion, especially as it impacts the author's ancestors. The Magans are a branch of the O'Connors and so a part of one of the most ancient Celtic families. By hedging their bets (part of the family converted and part remained Roman Catholic), they managed to retain the ancient family lands. These circumstances may contribute to the author's unusually balanced view of Irish history. The family angle makes for a more interesting story than the just a recitation of events.
I thought the book well written and very interesting. It seems that all living Mangans are descendents of one Mangan from the time of Cromwell. I imagine if the reader was a Mangan or a related family, it would be a fascinating book.
Unfortunately availability of this book is spotty. It was out of print when I first wrote about it may may be available form time to time. So but check this link periodically to see it it is available. You might also get lucky and find a copy elsewhere.
Read more at Amazon about Mary Carbery's West Cork Journals; 1898-1901A great book! A young Englishwoman marries and moves to a castle on a remote headland in west Cork. Her husband soon dies of consumption and the widow stays in her castle, raises her child, interacts with the local population, and keeps a journal. She learns Irish and has many observations about the people and place. The journal is found years later and editted by her grandson. I completely enjoyed it.
Mary Carbery also wrote "The Farm by Lough Gur" which is in my Limerick section and below.
It is a book to be slowly enjoyed. Recollections of life in 19th century Ireland on a farm on Knockfennel (the hill next to Lough Gur). Stories told to Mary Carbery by Mary O'Brien Fogarty. First published in 1937.Read more at Amazon about The Farm by Lough Gur
Read more at Amazon about Making Sense of the Molly MaguiresI've not read this but it sounds like a wonderful book. Amazon has the first chapter online so you can sample the book.
Synopsis from Amazon - In Pennsylvania in the 1870s, 20 Irish immigrants, suspected of comprising a secret terrorist organization called the Molly Maguires, were executed for the murder of 16 men. Combining social and cultural history, this work offers a new explanation of who the Molly Maguires were and in the process, vividly retells one of the classic stories of American labor and immigration. Photos .
A very enjoyable book. The United Irishmen were a middle class organization. In contrast, Lord Edward Fitzgerald was a member of one of Ireland's top Ascendancy families. Read about the formation of this interesting and unusual character who played a major role in the United Irishmen and their rebellion (1798) against his class. Like the movie Titanic, it was enjoyable despite knowing the ending in broad outline. In the movie the ship sank and in the book the Irish lost.Read more at Amazon about Citizen Lord: The Life of Edward Fitzgerald, Irish Revolutionary
Great reviews on Amazon. If Amazon doesn't show them, just click on their READ MORE link.Read more at Amazon about The Parting Glass
I've not even ordered this yet. I'm presently just too backed-up on my reading but it does sound interesting. Sean O Riada is often called the father of the rebirth of Irish traditional music. I just found this because someone asked me about it and figured it should be listed here.Read more at Amazon about Sean O Riada: His Life and Work
An excellent short history of Ireland. A small book you can carry on your trip.Read more at Amazon about Neville's A Traveller's History of Ireland
A controversial and defining period in Irish history. And the reason many of our ancestors left Ireland.
I read this last year. Gripping stories of the ships and their passengers. Includes several lists of passengers.Read more at Amazon about The Famine Ships : The Irish Exodus to America
The Ballykilcline rebellion (refusal to pay rents), the famine and their results in Ballykilcline, Roscommon. A fascinating view of life in this period. Focuses on this townland but provides considerable insight into the life of the rural poor throughout Ireland. Not a quick read. Heavy going at times but very worthwhile in my opinion. I would read a chapter or 2 and then let the book sit a week or so until I was again in the mood. In some cases the author used terms without giving sufficient background (at least to my satisfaction). But overall I think this is well written and anyone with an interest in the pre-famine and famine years would like this. If you have ancestors from Ballykilcline you will savor the details. If not, you might skim over some of the details but will enjoy the big picture.Read more at Amazon about The End of Hidden Ireland : Rebellion, Famine, and Emigration
I've read several books about this fascinating man. If he had not been assasinated the history of modern Ireland would probably be very different. There is a web site with information about Michael Collins.
A re-release of a book about Collins by the well known Irish author and his contemporary. Had been out of print for 30 years.Read more at Amazon about The Big Fellow in Paperback ($9.60)
In his own words. Mostly essays written by Michael Collins during a very crucial period of Irish history.Read more at Amazon about Michael Collins' The Path to Freedom
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