Ireland's holy wars : the struggle for a nation's soul, 1500-2000 / Marcus Tanner.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Tanner, Marcus.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Nationalism--Ireland--History.

Nationalism.

Ireland.

History.

Ireland--History.

Ireland--Religion--History.

Local Subjects:

Ireland--Religion--History.

Physical Description:

x, 498 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, maps, portraits ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

New Haven ; London : Yale University Press, [2001]

Summary:

For much of the twentieth century, Ireland has been synonymous with conflict, the painful struggle for its national soul part of the regular fabric of life. And because the Irish have emigrated to all parts of the world -- while always remaining Irish -- the 'troubles' have become part of a common heritage, well beyond their own borders.

Within the immense literature on the Irish 'problem', the focus most often is on the political rivalry between Unionism and Republicanism. But the roots of the Irish conflict are profoundly and inescapably religious. As Marcus Tanner shows in this vivid, warm and perceptive book, only by understanding the consequences -- over five centuries -- of the failed attempt by the English to make Ireland into a Protestant state can the pervasive tribal hatreds of today be seen in context. Tanner traces the creation of a modern Irish national identity through the popular resistance to imposed Protestantism and the common defence of Catholicism by the Gaelic Irish and the Old English of the Pale, who settled in Ireland after its twelfth-century conquest.

In addition to an exhaustive examination of the written sources, the book is enriched by a personal encounter with today's Ireland, from Belfast to Dublin to Cork. Tanner has walked with the Apprentice Boys of Derry and explored the so-called 'Bandit Country' of South Armagh. He has visited churches and religious organisations across the thirty-two counties of Ireland, spoken with priests, pastors and their congregations, and has crossed and re-crossed the lines that for centuries have isolated the faiths of Ireland and their history.

Contents:

Introduction: If Stones Could Speake 1

Chapter 1 The Hart of the English Pale 15

Chapter 2 It is Necessary that we Eradicate Them 35

Chapter 3 Myn Auctoritie is Litle Regarded 51

Chapter 4 The Kings Most Godlie Procedings 74

Chapter 5 The Devil's Service 90

Chapter 6 Seminaries beyond the Seas 105

Chapter 7 The Scum of Both Nations 122

Chapter 8 Such Dangerous Persons 148

Chapter 9 Furious Demagogues of Rebellion 176

Chapter 10 The Crash of a Great Building 203

Chapter 11 The Agitating Priest 231

Chapter 12 Flags Flying and Drums Beating 263

Chapter 13 Soutaned Bullies of the Lord 294

Chapter 14 A Tendency towards Defeatism 312

Chapter 15 Most Fruitful of Mothers 335

Chapter 16 Till Boyne Rivers Run Red 353

Chapter 17 I Never Asked for a Pedestal 380

Chapter 18 A Family Quarrel 411.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0300090722

OCLC:

47356473