The Irish Question
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Overview
In this completely revised and updated edition of The Irish Question, Lawrence J. McCaffrey extends his classic analysis of Irish nationalism to the present day, including new information on the Irish Civil War, the formation of the Irish Republic, the bitter sectarian struggle in Northern Ireland, and the 1994 ceasefire. McCaffrey makes clear the tortured history of British-Irish relations and offers insight into the difficulties now facing those who hope to create a permanent peace in Northern Ireland. The bitter dissensions created by the Irish Question left permanent marks on British politics and institutions, contributing to political confusion and instability. And the 1921 partitioning of Ireland has resulted in decades of sectarian violence. McCaffrey traces how, beginning in the 1970s, politicians in London and Dublin gradually reached consensus in their approach to Northern Ireland, a consensus that produced the 1994 ceasefire and a promise of negotiations that may lead to permanent peace and a satisfactory political accommodation. Unfortunately, as he also makes clear, centuries of cultural conflict and unshared history do not suggest an easy solution. With an entirely new chapter covering recent events in Ireland and a new conclusion, this edition of The Irish Question will be a critical asset to anyone concerned with the history of Ireland. Students, scholars, and general readers alike will find this well written and accessible volume a welcome addition to their shelves.Synopsis
In this completely revised and updated edition of The Irish Question, Lawrence J. McCaffrey extends his classic analysis of Irish nationalism to the present day, including new information on the Irish Civil War, the formation of the Irish Republic, the bitter sectarian struggle in Northern Ireland, and the 1994 ceasefire. McCaffrey makes clear the tortured history of British-Irish relations and offers insight into the difficulties now facing those who hope to create a permanent peace in Northern Ireland. The bitter dissensions created by the Irish Question left permanent marks on British politics and institutions, contributing to political confusion and instability. And the 1921 partitioning of Ireland has resulted in decades of sectarian violence. McCaffrey traces how, beginning in the 1970s, politicians in London and Dublin gradually reached consensus in their approach to Northern Ireland, a consensus that produced the 1994 ceasefire and a promise of negotiations that may lead to permanent peace and a satisfactory political accommodation. Unfortunately, as he also makes clear, centuries of cultural conflict and unshared history do not suggest an easy solution. With an entirely new chapter covering recent events in Ireland and a new conclusion, this edition of The Irish Question will be a critical asset to anyone concerned with the history of Ireland. Students, scholars, and general readers alike will find this well written and accessible volume a welcome addition to their shelves.
Booknews
The first edition was published in 1968, just before the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland that escalated into nearly 30 years of war. McCaffrey (history, Loyola U.) updates his account of relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom since 1800 both with developments up to the 1994 ceasefire and with new information and insights about earlier events. He writes for American college students. A 20-page bibliographic essay replaces footnotes. Paper edition (unseen), $15.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Editorials
From the Publisher
"A shrewd, balanced, and richly informed history of Ireland from the 1800 Act of Union to the day before yesterday -- and with an informed glance into tomorrow.... Written with clarity, grace, and a concern for the lived experience of the Irish people, all of them.... Beyond question the one essential overview of the last two centuries." -- Thomas Flanagan, author of Tenants of Time
"An excellent and well-written survey of Irish history over the last two hundred years." -- Emmet Larkin, University of Chicago