Edited by well-respected historian Roy Foster, this authoritative work provides a lively and challenging synthesis of Irish history from pre-Christian times to the present-day troubles. Written by an expert team of scholars, all known for their innovative work, it is lavishly illustrated with over 200 pictures in colour and black and white.
This is the first complete history of the Irish Post Office, an institution which has been at the heart of Irish life for over 300 years. It tells the story of how a small letter office grew into one of the greatest departments of State, influencing developments in areas of life which ranged from transport and communications to economics, technology and national identity. From the early days of postboys and packet ships to the introduction of the telegraph and telephone, the Post Office has played a vital role in communications, delivering mail to all parts of the island, maintaining precious links between Ireland and its emigrants, and representing, through the friendly face of a local postman or postmistress, an approachable facet of Government. Always a commercial enterprise as well as a public service, the Post Office has had to deal with the tensions that arise in that relationship and which today pose particularly serious challenges. At the heart of the book are the men and women whose fascinating stories and sympathetic characters have moulded the shape of the department and ensured its survival in the face of personal turmoil, rebellion and political intrigue. Drawing on much unpublished material, The Post Office in Ireland: An Illustrated History reveals an organisation that has been quietly influential in the development of Irish society and pays tribute to those who have faithfully served it. From letters and telegrams, to railways, radio and the GPO itself – this history of the Irish Post Office tells the story of our nation and its people in a unique and accessible way.
Margaret Anna Cusack (1832-1899), who also wrote as MFC, Sister, Mary Frances Cusack, and Vigilant, was a Catholic nun and the founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. She was a strong advocate for the poor and oppressed, especially women. At the age of 29 she was received into the Catholic Church and immediatey joined the Poor Clares in Newry, County Down. During her stay at Kenmare she dedicated herself to her writings, which ranged from biographies of saints to pamphlets on social issues. She wrote 35 books, including many popular, pious and sentimental texts on private devotions, poems, Irish history and biography and founded Kenmare Publications, through which 200,000 volumes of her works were issued in under ten years. Chief amongst her works are: A Student's History of Ireland (1870), Woman's Work in Modern Society (1872), The Liberator (1872), The Pilgrim's Way to Heaven (1873), The Book of the Blessed Ones (1874), A Nun's Advice to Her Girls (1877) and St. Patrick, St. Columba, and St. Bridget (1877). Two autobiographies are The Nun of Kenmare (1888) and The Story of My Life (1893).
The unique history of The Micks – the Irish Guards – is chronicled in over 1000 images, starting with their formation in 1900 and taking the reader through to the recent war in Afghanistan. It is the story of a remarkable family regiment that continues to enhance the values, standards and reputation of the British infantry in an ever-changing world. The two world wars are covered in detail with dramatic pictures. The First World War – the brick stacks at Cuinchy under fire, where O’Leary won his VC – and the Second World War – the inferno of the transport ship Chobry off the coast of Norway and the first ever German King Tiger tank seen in action brought to a halt by the Irish Guards without firing a shot. More recently, the Micks were involved in internal security duties in Palestine, Cyprus, Malaya, Aden, Northern Ireland and the Balkans. They led the way into Iraq in the Second Gulf War and shed blood in Afghanistan. The book shows the development of regimental soldiering from the rigidity of the Victorian era, through the horrors of the trenches to armoured warfare in Europe and light infantry soldiering worldwide – all the time upholding the finest traditions of the Foot Guards. In an army that prides itself on the strength of the regimental system, the Irish Guards have created a distinctive and enduring ethos of their own. This is not just a cold regimental history but has been compiled to show the Micks’ ability to find humour even in the most adverse conditions while demonstrating excellence at both operational and ceremonial soldiering. It also contains, in an extensive set of appendices, a remarkable record of facts about the regiment – the people, places and events in the history of the Irish Guards – which will serve as an invaluable source of information for future generations.
Discover the pivotal political, military, and cultural events that shaped British and Irish history, from Stone Age Britain to the present day, in this revised and updated ebook. Combining over 700 photographs, maps, and artworks with accessible text, the History of Britain and Ireland is an invaluable resource for families, students, and anyone seeking to learn more about the fascinating story of the England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Spanning six distinct periods of British and Irish history, this ebook is the best way to find out how Britain transformed with the Norman rule, fought two world wars in the 20th century, and faced new economic challenges in the 21st century. DK's visual guide places key figures - from Alfred the Great to Winston Churchill - and major events - from Roman invasion to the Battle of Britain - in their wider context, making it easier than ever before to learn how they influenced Britain and Ireland's development through the age of empire into the modern era.
Presents an illustrated history of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. This title takes the reader on a journey from prehistoric times onwards, examining such topics as the spread of literacy, the development of transport, and the evolution of country houses on the way. It provides an introduction to British and Irish history.
This book showcases the stories of Ireland's unsung movers: actors, dancers, choreographers, playwrights, directors, and the few academics who dare to go where no words have gone before.
The perfect book for the Irish enthusiast, history buff, or armchair travelerMore than just a history book, The Illustrated History of Ireland is a fascinating combination of text, color maps, photographs, illustrations, and specially commissioned artwork that tells the story of Ireland from earliest times to the present in a compelling fashion. This is a stunning book with accessible text that is supported with artwork on every two-page spread. In addition to serving as a historical reference, it is a guide to various collections of artifacts and sites of historical significance.In his clearly written text, Sean Duffy stresses the enduring themes of history: the long cultural continuity, the central importance of Ireland's relationships with Britain and mainland Europe, and the intractability of the ethnic and national divisions in modern Ulster. It is a book that both students of Irish history and lay readers will treasure.
