In In Search of Ancient Ireland; published by Ivan R. Dee in 2002; Carmel McCaffrey traced the history; archaeology; and legends of ancient Ireland from 9000 B.C. to the Norman invasion. Now; in an engaging sequel; Ms. McCaffrey tells the story of the struggle between English and Irish aspirations in the centuries since the first English incursions into Ireland in the twelfth century. This is a narrative history filled with powerful personalities and families who fought in battle and through constitutional means to free Ireland from English control. With an extensive use of original sources―letters; personal accounts; and parliamentary documents―Ms. McCaffrey brings these individuals to life and tells their story. We meet the intrepid O'Neills; the colorful O'Donnells; the wily Fitzgeralds; and many others whose passion for freedom and for Ireland could not be conquered. The Irish; as the book recounts; struggled over many generations to hold on to ancient lands only to lose their fight in the Elizabethan wars. In the early 1600s the ancient Irish Brehon laws were extinguished; and it seemed as if the Gaelic past had been washed from memory. Yet the story of Irish determination did not end there. Other generations took up the effort to establish an Irish parliament free of English control that would answer the needs of all citizens. To this stirring history Ms. McCaffrey brings the same adroitness that prompted Terry Golway of the New York Observer to call her first book "marvelous...fine storytelling and analysis." With 25 black-and-white photographs and a map.
#1026761 in Books Pelican Publishing 1999-01-31 1999-01-31Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 1.50 x 6.50l; 1.88 #File Name: 1565543319448 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. One of those books you will read and reread again; and againBy WhirldWorksI can't tell you how many times I have gone back to this book to better understand the "big picture" of the US Civil War. So much propaganda that vilifies the South lives on; but the lesser known negative truths about the Northern atrocities have been shuffled to the side. This book does not take sides or place blame; but it lets the reader understand the facts and make an informed decision for themselves.Meticulous research is presented in a clear and concise format that makes this book an essential reference book for anyone interested in the subject.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Well written and factual......By vintageharperExcellent history! Well written; factual; interesting. I bought it because of reference I discovered while working on genealogy. Decided to check the footnotes and bibliography for accuracy. Have not discovered any problems. Material quoted is correctly quoted; that which is paraphased is likewise correct. This is a history that every history teacher should be using in the classroom when talking about the Civil War.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I thought the conditions there were severe but this was illuminating.By Spence M. ArmstrongI bought the book because my great grandfather; George Dickey Armstrong; died there. It is recorded on page 72. I have a copy of the letter that the prison chaplain sent to my great grandmother. I have put it in digital form so if George Levy or anyone else would like to read it; I can oblige'Spence M. Armstrong
