Irish and Postcolonial Writing: History, Theory, Practice

Although controversy has surrounded Postcolonial discourse, its impact on Irish studies has been uneven, with many writers and readers either embracing or rejecting it outright. This collection demonstrates the usefulness of a postcolonial mode of analysis by considering a number of comparative texts and moments. These essays, which appraise Ireland in relations to the Caribbean, the Orient, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, present an accessible and innovative survey of the field.

Insisting that the postcolonial models of analysis used in studies of British-governed territories in Africa and Asia are applicable to examinations of Ireland (if not directly isomorphic), Hooper (Irish and Scottish studies, U. of Aberdeen) and Graham (Irish writing, Queen's U., Northern Ireland) present 12 essays that compare the literature and history of Ireland with those of other postcolonial cultures, examine the impact of Irish history on it's literature, and explore the rhetorical strategies of Irish historiography and literature in constructing competing discourses of Irish identity. Annotation c. Book News, Inc.,Portland, OR

Glenn Hooper is Research Fellow in the Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies at the University of Aberdeen.

Colin Graham is Lecturer in Irish Writing at Queen’s University, Belfast.