The Making of Ireland: From Ancient Times to the Present

Front Cover
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.

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Contents

Early Christian Ireland
1
2 The Viking impact
20
3 Church reform and political change
37
4 The feudal lordship
62
5 The two nations
84
6 The Geraldine supremacy
107
7 The end of the old order
129
8 A new Ireland
163
11 The emergence of Catholic Ireland
239
12 Revolution and emancipation
265
13 The genesis of home rule
290
14 The struggle for independence
318
15 Towards a Republic
356
The new Ireland
390
Further reading
398
Index
407

9 A Protestant kingdom 166091
197
10 Protestant nationalism and the Anglican ascendancy
218

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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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