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20 Best Books On Irish History (2023 Update)
Are you looking for the Best Books On Irish History? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Books On Irish History can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Nike, Penguin Random House, WHSmith, Amazon.com. We have done a lot of research to find the Top 20 Best Books On Irish History available.
The average cost is $20.88. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $2.99 to a high of $77.74.
Based on the research we did, we think How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe [Book] is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best Books On Irish History (19 Sellers)
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Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: random house usa inc
- Year published: 1999-03-31
Features:
- Over 20 million americans claim some sort of irish heritage.
- This book aims to dispel the myths and tell the true stories of the irish.
- It talks about the lives of the ancient celts until the british invasions, the potato famine and immigration, irish music and dance, and more.
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2012-08-30
- Number of pages: 416
Features:
- Product details
- Martin's publishing group
- Publication date: 03-13-2012
Features:
- Mint condition
- Dispatch same day for order received before 12 noon
- Guaranteed packaging
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: gill
- Year published: 2012-06-22
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: st. martin's griffin
- Year published: 20160301
Features:
- Draws from a wide range of disciplines to bring together 36 leading scholars writing about 400 years of modern irish history.
- Binding type: paperback.
- Year published: 2017-04-06.
Features:
- Number of pages: 178
- Genre: history
- Sub-genre: europe
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2015-06-04
- Number of pages: 322
Features:
- Binding type: hardback.
- Year published: 1994-08-01.
- Number of pages: 132.
Features:
- Publisher: history press (sc)
- Publisher date: 2008-03-28
- Dimensions: 23.1 x 15.5 x 1.3 cm
Features:
- Series: the cambridge history of ireland
- Binding type: hardback
- Publisher: cambridge university press
Features:
- A magisterial survey of irish history from the end of the ice age to the peace settlement in northern ireland.
- Binding type: paperback.
- Year published: 2009-09-04.
Features:
- This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of…
$8.95
5.0
Features:
- Photographs and accompanying text present an overview of irish identity, including history, arts, way of life, and architecture.
- Binding type: paperback.
- Publisher: facts on file inc.
$2.99
5.0
Features:
- Binding type: hardback
- Publisher: random house usa inc
- Year published: 2002-04-01
$5.27
5.0
Features:
- Binding type: hardback
- Publisher: random house usa inc
- Year published: 2002-04-01
$19.80
5.0
Features:
- Series: palgrave essential histories series
- Binding type: hardback
- Publisher: palgrave macmillan
$22.84
4.0
Features:
- Series: illustrated guides
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: flame tree publishing
1. How The Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story Of Ireland's Heroic Role From The Fall Of Rome To The Rise Of Medieval Europe [Book]
Product Details:
National bestseller – the perfect st. patrick's day gift, and a book in the best tradition of popular history—the untold story of ireland's role in maintaining western culture while the dark ages settled on europe.every year millions of americans celebrate st. patrick's day, but they may not be aware of how great an influence st. patrick was on the subsequent history of civilization. not only did he bring christianity to ireland, he instilled a sense of literacy and learning that would create the conditions that allowed ireland to become "the isle of saints and scholars"—and thus preserve western culture while europe was being overrun by barbarians. in this entertaining and compelling narrative, thomas cahill tells the story of how europe evolved from the classical age of rome to the medieval era. without ireland, the transition could not have taken place. not only did irish monks and scribes maintain the very record of western civilization — copying manuscripts of greek and latin writers, both pagan and christian, while libraries and learning on the continent were forever lost—they brought their uniquely irish world-view to the task. when the seeds of culture were replanted on the european continent, it was from ireland that they were germinated. in the tradition of barbara tuchman's a distant mirror, how the irish saved civilization reconstructs an era that few know about but which is central to understanding our past and our cultural heritage. but it conveys its knowledge with a winking wit that aptly captures the sensibility of the unsung irish who relaunched civilization.
Reviews:
This book is pretty good because the Irish are so under appreciated in history. Though the author does get off topic occasionally, he really makes a great point. The book really hit home for me since I toured the country earlier this year and got the chance to see some of these landmarks.madison.g
Cahill presents history as though he were writing a movie script capable of drawing the most anti-history critic right into the action and appreciation of the way the material is presented. Being a history buff, I found myself stopping to research some of his statements, which only increased my appreciation of Cahill's work. This was my first of Cahill's works I have read. I have made it a point to acquire all the series The Hinges o History.S Herron
2. 101 Things You Didn't Know About Irish History: The People, Places, Culture, And Tradition Of The Emerald Isle [Book]
Product Details:
Discover the truth behind the myths of the emerald isle – forget about shamrocks, leprechans, and all that blarney; 101 things you didn't know about irish history dispels the myths and tells the true story of the irish. – inside, you'll learn about:lives of the ancient celts before the british invasions – famous irish including michael collins, charles parnell—and bono! the potato famine and emigration (were there really gangs of new york?) irish music and dance – complete with an irish language primer and pronunciation guide, 101 things you didn't know about irish history is an informative reference for anyone who loves the irish.
Reviews:
Interesting tidbits and easy to readMaureen
I gave this book to my niece who recently visited Ireland and she loved it!Kim
3. Making Sense Of The Troubles: A History Of The Northern Ireland Conflict [Book]
Product Details:
First published ten years ago, making sense of the troubles is widely regarded as the most comprehensive, considered and compassionate history of the troubles in northern ireland. written by a distinguished journalist and a teacher of history in northern ireland, it surveys the roots of the problems from 1921 onwards, the descent into violence in the late sixties, and the three terrible decades that followed. david mckittrick and david mcvea have now fully updated the book to take into account the momentous events of the last ten years, including the disbanding of the ira, ian paisley's deal with the republicans and the historic power-sharing government in belfast.
Specifications:
| Imprint | Penguin Books |
| Pub date | 30 Aug 2012 |
| DEWEY edition | 23 |
| Language | English |
| Spine width | 31mm |
Reviews:
My Grandparents were Irish Catholics , they were there for the potato famine not the troubles . I was confused have a small beautiful country could be so divided . This book explains the truth behind those dark horrible years when Irish men fought other Irish men for the sack of religion and loyalty to the Crown . I heading to Ireland soon and definitely going to understand both areas more now after reading this book .Madirishwomon
Came quickly very nicejosep_tobi
The best account of the Irish Troubles I have read. The impact on society of famine, emigration, disease and land tenure is covered as a background to the "troubles" which followed the attempted revolution. The role of British imperial rule and the religious divisions are analysed in depth.peter*spider
4. The Story Of Ireland: A History Of The Irish People [Book]
Product Details:
In this groundbreaking history of ireland, neil hegarty presents a fresh perspective on ireland's past. comprehensive and engaging, the story of ireland is an eye-opening account of a nation that has long been shaped by forces beyond its coasts. the story of ireland re-examines irish history, challenging the accepted stories and long-held myths associated with ireland. transporting readers to the ireland of the past, beginning with the first settlement in a.d. 433, this is a sweeping and compelling history of one of the world's most dynamic nations. hegarty examines how world events, including europe's 16th century religious wars, the french and american revolutions, and ireland's policy of neutrality during world war ii, have shaped the country over the course of its long and fascinating history. with an up-to-date afterword that details the present state of affairs in ireland, this is an essential text for readers who are fascinated by current events, politics, and history. spanning irish history from its earliest inhabitants to the country's current financial crisis, the story of ireland is an epic and brilliant re-telling of ireland's history from a new point of view.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | March 2012 |
| Length | 400 Pages |
| Dimensions | 1.0" x 6.1" x 8.9" |
5. How The Irish Became White [Book]
Product Details:
'…from time to time a study comes along that truly can be called 'path breaking,' 'seminal,' 'essential,' a 'must read.' how the irish became white is such a study.' john bracey, w.e.b. du bois department of afro-american studies, university of massachussetts, amherstthe irish came to america in the eighteenth century, fleeing a homeland under foreign occupation and a caste system that regarded them as the lowest form of humanity. in the new country – a land of opportunity – they found a very different form of social hierarchy, one that was based on the color of a person's skin. noel ignatiev's 1995 book – the first published work of one of america's leading and most controversial historians – tells the story of how the oppressed became the oppressors; how the new irish immigrants achieved acceptance among an initially hostile population only by proving that they could be more brutal in their oppression of african americans than the nativists. this is the story of how the irish became white.
Reviews:
6. Atlas Of Irish History [Book]
Product Details:
'out on the western edge of europe, a first glance at the map makes ireland seem a small and isolated place. however, many peoples have by turns established themselves on this remote island, creating an historical dynamic whose dispersed voices are now heard in almost every major city of the globe, in accents unmistakably from cork or connemara, donegal or dublin. this atlas attempts to explain in a visual, accessible way ireland's unfolding story, and how this small country's remarkable worldwide impact has come about.' from the foreword the bestselling atlas of irish history tells the story of the irish past in graphic cartography, beautifully rendered and augmented by an authoritative text. it is an essential reference tool for any student of irish history. this new edition covers recent momentous events such as the transformative boom and bust of the republic's economy and the extraordinary course of developments in northern ireland that resulted in the power-sharing administration of the dup and sinn féin
Specifications:
| Weight | 1.03 lb |
Reviews:
Excellent, Well laid out with clear type,, Pictures and diagrams.vper5812
I purchased this to inform my Family History research and found this take on Irish history fascinating,. Excellently produced overview of Irish history through the various maps and information printed alongside, which also added data not found easily in the usual factual accounts. Gave an insight into changing demographics with facts on the movement of people since before Medieval times and the changes this brought to the Irish mainland, as well as the political interventions which made Ireland today.45northstar
An excellent publication and reasonably priced. An asset to anyone interested in Irish history.MARGARET C
7. I Never Knew That About Ireland [Book]
Product Details:
A fascinating journey through the lesser known details of irish historypacked full of myths, legends, inventions, and adventures, i never knew that about ireland visit’s each of the island’s four provinces, unearthing hidden gems of history. discover where ideas were born, where dreams were inspired, and where unforgettable figures from ireland's past now slumber. did you know… – that the holy mountain croagh patrick is where st patrick is said to have driven all the snakes in ireland into the sea? – that the burial chamber at newgrange is the oldest solar observatory in the world? – that there is a bathroom in lismore castle dedicated to fred astaire? – that coca cola began its path toward success on the emerald isle? – that the designs for the white house, the sydney opera house, and the louvre pyramid sprang from the minds of irishmen? famous for their culture, the irish are full of facts and stories you never knew. this compendium sheds light on those little-known historical gems, giving captivating insight into ireland, its people, and its past. a perfect companion for an irish vacation, for reminiscing on past visits, or for those whose hearts have never left, this book will have you exclaiming again and again: "well, i never knew that!"
Reviews:
This is a great book to read, if you are interested in the history of Ireland. It contains interesting facts about people, places and events, that have moulded Ireland into the Country it has become. A great addition to my I Never Knew That About collection on the four countries that make up the UK. Enjoy….penny-farthing_coins
8. The Oxford Handbook Of Modern Irish History [Book]
Product Details:
The study of irish history, once riven and constricted, has recently enjoyed a resurgence, with new practitioners, new approaches, and new methods of investigation. the oxford handbook of modern irish history represents the diversity of this emerging talent and achievement by bringing together 36 leading scholars of modern ireland and embracing 400 years of irish history, uniting early and late modernists as well as contemporary historians. the handbook offers a set of scholarly perspectives drawn from numerous disciplines, including history, political science, literature, geography, and the irish language. it looks at the irish at home as well as in their migrant and diasporic communities. the handbook combines sets of wide thematic and interpretative essays, with more detailed investigations of particular periods. each of the contributors offers a summation of the state of scholarship within their subject area, linking their own research insights with assessments of future directions within the discipline. in its breadth and depth and diversity, the oxford handbook of modern irish history offers an authoritative and vibrant portrayal of the history of modern ireland.
9. The Great Book Of Ireland: Interesting Stories, Irish History & Random Facts About Ireland [Book]
Product Details:
How much do you know about ireland? there's so much to learn about the emerald isle that even its residents don't know. in this trivia book, you'll learn more about ireland's history, pop culture, folklore, and so much more! in the great book of ireland, you'll learn: how did ireland get its name? why is it known as the emerald isle? who was st. patrick really? what do leprechauns and shamrocks have to do with st. patrick's day? which irish company had a 9,000-year lease? what is ireland's top attraction? which movies have been filmed in ireland? which famous novel may have been based on an irish myth? which legends did the irish believe in? and so much more! this book is packed with trivia facts about ireland. some of the facts you'll learn in this book are shocking, some are tragic, and others will leave you with goosebumps. but they're all interesting! whether you're just learning about ireland or you already think you're an expert on the state, you'll learn something you didn't know in every chapter. your history teacher will be interesting at all of your newfound knowledge. so what are you waiting for? get started to learn more about ireland!
10. A History Of The Irish Language: From The Norman Invasion To Independence [Book]
Product Details:
In this book, aidan doyle traces the history of the irish language from the time of the norman invasion at the end of the 12th century to independence in 1922, combining political, cultural, and linguistic history. the book is divided into seven main chapters that focus on a specific period in the history of the language; they each begin with a discussion of the external history and position of the irish language in the period, before moving on to investigate the important internal changes that took place at that time. a history of the irish language makes available for the first time material that has previously been inaccessible to students and scholars who cannot read irish, and will be a valuable resource not only for undergraduate students of the language, but for all those interested in irish history and culture.
Specifications:
| Pub date | 04 Jun 2015 |
| DEWEY edition | 23 |
| Language | English |
| Spine width | 18mm |
11. Out Of Ireland: The Story Of Irish Emigration To America [Book]
Product Details:
Out of ireland, a remarkable collaboration between academy award-winning filmmaker paul wagner and prominent historian kerby miller, explores the history of irish emigration between 1841 and 1926, when 7 million people fled ireland to come to the united states. the book traces the political, economic, and societal forces at work on these individuals in their homeland and in their adopted country. it also explores the psychology of an immigrant population whose native tongue has no other word for emigration than exile.out of ireland is based on a documentary film developed for public television and funded by the national endowment for the humanities. through excerpts from personal memoirs and letters and rare archival photographs, the book focuses on eight families. these eight come to represent not only their fellow immigrants, but anyone who has ever felt torn between hopes for the future and longings for the past.out of ireland is a powerful story that speaks to the hearts of the 40 million americans who trace their ancestry back to the emerald isle — and to anyone who has ever dared to pursue a dream.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | January 1997 |
| Length | 132 Pages |
| Dimensions | 0.5" x 9.2" x 11.1" |
Reviews:
A sensitively documented and very readable large print presentation with a panoramic view of Irish history, emigration, immigration, and assimilation. Great eye appeal as a conversation piece on a table, but not bulky or heavy to use. Will fit well on a shelf. Only 132 pps. thru index. Made many appreciated gifts of this bookjeburke1216
12. Hidden History Of The Boston Irish: Little-Known Stories From Ireland's Next Parish Over [Book]
Product Details:
When it comes to irish america, certain names spring to mind kennedy, o'neill and curley testify to the proverbial footsteps of the gael in boston. however, few people know of sister mary anthony o'connell, whose medical prowess carried her from the convent to the civil war battlefields, earning her the nickname the boston irish florence nightingale, or of barney mcginniskin, boston's first irish cop, who proudly roared at every roll call, mcginniskin from the bogs of ireland present! along with acclaim or notoriety, many forgotten irish americans garnered numerous historical firsts. stevens offers an entertaining and compelling portrait of the irish immigrant saga and pays homage to the overlooked, yet significant, episodes of the boston irish experience.
Specifications:
| Imprint | The History Press |
| Pub date | 28 Mar 2008 |
| DEWEY edition | 22 |
| Language | English |
| Spine width | 10mm |
13. The Cambridge History Of Ireland 4 Paperback Volume Set [Book]
Product Details:
This authoritative, accessible and engaging four-volume history vividly presents the irish story – or stories – from c.600 to the present, within its broader atlantic, european, imperial and global contexts. while the volumes benefit from a strong political narrative framework, they are distinctive also in including essays that address the full range of social, economic, religious, linguistic, military, cultural, artistic and gender history, and in challenging traditional chronological boundaries in a manner that offers new perspectives and insights. each volume examines ireland's development within a distinct period, and offers a complete and rounded picture of irish life, while remaining sensitive to the unique irish experience. bringing together an international team of experts, this landmark history both reflects recent developments in the field and sets the agenda for future study.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | April 2020 |
| Length | 2800 Pages |
| Dimensions | 5.7" x 5.9" x 8.9" |
14. A History Of Ireland In 250 Episodes [Book]
Product Details:
Jonathan bardon covers all the obvious things: the invasions, battles, development of towns and cities, the reformation, the georgian era, the famine, rebellions and resistance, the difference of ulster, partition, the twentieth century. what makes his book so valuable, however, are the quirky subjects he chooses to illustrate how history really works: the great winter freeze of 1740 and the famine that followed; crime and duelling; an emigrant voyage; evictions. these episodes get behind the historical headlines to give a glimpse of past realities that might otherwise be lost to view. the author has retained the original episodic structure of the radio programmes.
Specifications:
Reviews:
Very detailed and informative. The fact that it is in small sections helps a lot.echoes-photography
15. Keatings History Of Ireland [Book]
Product Details:
This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.this work is in the public domain in the united states of america, and possibly other nations. within the united states, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.as a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | August 2017 |
| Length | 188 Pages |
| Dimensions | 9.2" x 0.4" x 6.1" |
16. Heritage Of Ireland: A History Of Ireland & Its People [Book]
Product Details:
Heritage of ireland is a celebration of irish life and culture. the history of the emerald isle is as fascinating as the heroic myths enshrines in the irish imagination. beginning even before the arrival of the celts, the stirring and often tragic events of irish history are chronicles, from the impact of the viking, norman and tudor conquests to the effects of the reformation, the famine and the political struggles of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | January 1998 |
| Length | 159 Pages |
| Dimensions | 0.8" x 9.1" x 11.7" |
Reviews:
17. The Story Of The Irish Race: A Popular History Of Ireland [Book]
Product Details:
Everyone knows that st. patrick drove the snakes from irish soil, that dean swift's "a modest proposal," on the sufferings of the irish people in the age of queen anne, is one of the masterpieces of satire on governmental stupidity and cruelty, that the irish are a great race of fighters and poets and singers and saints, that tristan's isolde came from ireland, that deirdre of the sorrows was a great legendary beauty and heroine, that somewhere along the line were irish heroes, and that from time immemorial the irish and english have been at loggerheads and still are. but the average person knows little more of the great history of the irish people- a history too important to ignore, and a chronicle too fascinating to miss. this book presents the whole saga of the irish from the earliest times to our own. it gives not only the facts and dates and names, but a real sense of the mind and temperament of a people, their way of life, ideals, and an understanding account of their culture. this is an indispensable work for anyone who wants to understand the irish people- their political struggle, their magnificent literature, and their whole great contribution to western civilization. — publisher description
Specifications:
Reviews:
SUPER INTERESTING BOOK I love it.valencia107
History 101 quality reading for history buffs out there.hyby_72
This book is so good. Ordered it for download on my Kindle and had to buy 2 hardback books. One for my library and 1 for a gift. It really paints a picture for those out there, like me, who have DNA tested and looked at their origins. Explains how some places, like Greece, or Spain ends up in your DNA and you had no idea of such. This book tells you how it came to be and so much more. Begins about 3000 years before Christ. Highly recommend.kateymynnk1
18. The Story Of The Irish Race: A Popular History Of Ireland [Book]
Product Details:
Everyone knows that st. patrick drove the snakes from irish soil, that dean swift's "a modest proposal," on the sufferings of the irish people in the age of queen anne, is one of the masterpieces of satire on governmental stupidity and cruelty, that the irish are a great race of fighters and poets and singers and saints, that tristan's isolde came from ireland, that deirdre of the sorrows was a great legendary beauty and heroine, that somewhere along the line were irish heroes, and that from time immemorial the irish and english have been at loggerheads and still are. but the average person knows little more of the great history of the irish people- a history too important to ignore, and a chronicle too fascinating to miss. this book presents the whole saga of the irish from the earliest times to our own. it gives not only the facts and dates and names, but a real sense of the mind and temperament of a people, their way of life, ideals, and an understanding account of their culture. this is an indispensable work for anyone who wants to understand the irish people- their political struggle, their magnificent literature, and their whole great contribution to western civilization. — publisher description
Specifications:
Reviews:
SUPER INTERESTING BOOK I love it.valencia107
History 101 quality reading for history buffs out there.hyby_72
This book is so good. Ordered it for download on my Kindle and had to buy 2 hardback books. One for my library and 1 for a gift. It really paints a picture for those out there, like me, who have DNA tested and looked at their origins. Explains how some places, like Greece, or Spain ends up in your DNA and you had no idea of such. This book tells you how it came to be and so much more. Begins about 3000 years before Christ. Highly recommend.kateymynnk1
19. A History Of Ireland [Book]
Product Details:
A tiny island in the north atlantic, ireland has had an astonishingly powerful impact on the world, both at the height of its independent power in the early middle ages, as the key exporter of christianity to europe, and at the depth of its colonial subjugation by britain, as the primary source of settlers in north america. a history of ireland explores the story of ireland from the twelfth century to the end of the twentieth century. written chronologically, it explores the period of the english invasion of ireland, the emergence of a gaelic culture, the religious conflicts across the centuries, the struggle over home rule, and the complex nature of the country's modern troubles. available now for the first time in paperback, a history of ireland explores economic, social, political, and cultural events and offers a fascinating glimpse into ireland's past.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | January 2003 |
| Length | 293 Pages |
| Dimensions | 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.7" |
Reviews:
Very good buy and it arrived in fine conditions. Thank you for a good service.Jill C.
20. Irish History: An Illustrated A–z [Book]
Product Details:
The history of ireland is one of oppression and emancipation, characterized by foreign rule and the fight for freedom. it is a history in which religious and political conflicts sit side by side with a shared love of the ancient magic that enshrouds the island. the irish have a great sense of national identity and this is reflected in their history: their heritage is ancient and their culture unique. irish history offers a complete a to z journey through a turbulent past that has shaped the country today. every entry is tagged by one of seven themes, such as culture and politics, which can then be followed as threads throughout the book. this way, it provides a comprehensive background to, and a deeper understanding of, a great many characters and events.
