F. X. Martin (1922–2000)

Kniha z edice Dějiny států nám tentokráte přináší minulost "zeleného ostrova" - Irska, a to od prvního osídlení po současnost – zahájení ulsterských mírových jednání.
Text líčí dějiny od pravěku, přes keltské období, boj proti anglické nadvládě, osamostatnění Irska až po současnost. Země, jejíž obyvatelé před hladomory často docházeli do emigrace, se na konci 20. století stala státem s nejrychleji rostoucí ekonomikou v Evropě, přezdívaný Keltský tygr, v současnosti se však potýká s následky hospodářské krize i s trvajícím napětím v Severním Irsku.… (más)

True confession time. Mea culpa. I received an ARC of this book as an early reviewer in 2012. I am an avid reader and an avid fan of Ireland. Supposedly written for both the academic and popular market, it came across only as a dry, boring and fusty old textbook. It is/was assigned reading for some college courses on Ireland. It definitely is not pop lit.

Interestingly, this book (the fifth edition) has a grand total of 15 reviews on Amzn - all glowing except one which also seemed the most discerning and accurate. Most Irish-Americans can't get enough of good Irish reads. With only 15 reviews, it appears I am not the only member of the pop lit market that is resoundingly uninterested in this text.

There are very few books I DNF. This is one of them. Yet I still have it on my shelves thinking (but not really believing) one day, I shall plow through it. Most likely, it shall just sit there for possible reference if ever needed.

There are 1250 books on Irish History rated on GoodReads. I'd recommend choosing a more reader-friendly text.

Or check out Marianne Elliott, director of the Institute of Irish Studies at Liverpool University and author, who recommends her top ten Irish History books.

Well, better late than never. I have finally eased my Irish - (formerly) Catholic guilt by finally posting this long past due review.… (más)

As most histories go, the focus is on the political and economical developments over the years and this book does not disappoint; though it should be noted that this history is very readable and approachable to the lay person, as each chapter is written by a different, authoritative author (i.e. Irish history professors who need work). The only problem I had was feeling a little lost in the latter fourth of the book and not having it clarified in a simple statement until a couple of chapters later. Also, it would have been better if the editors had switched the position of chapters 20 & 21, as the way chapter 20 (Northern Ireland 1921-66) was written (and given my lack of understanding of what was going on in that area at that time), I wasn't sure where the 'bigger picture' allegiances were.

All in all, I would recommend the book for someone looking for a comprehensive and readable history of Ireland.… (más)