Malachy McCourt's History of Ireland (paperback)

Heavy/light reading. Fantastic history.

I can tell you that the best thing about McCourts wideranging view of Irish History is that he has painted a balanced history. There is no leaning one way or the other to highlight Cathlic vs Protestant, English vs Irish, Native vs Settler, Irish Clanship vs English Aristocratic, Native vs Old Irish vs Settlers vs Sinn Fein vs IRA vs Provisionals... because they all have their place in the telling. I come away from it much more appreciative of people from all those various factions who, risked their lives and careers not so much for their fundamental beliefs as their recognition that they all are Irish and were proud to be Irish, even if to many they had to become exiles to preserve what they knew was the best of it. Yes, if you were to close your eyes and envision Ireland as it is... you will get a much better picture of it after this book than after reading a score of books written from the perspective of any one else representing history from any one of the parochial histories that I just mentioned. Jim

Really great book. Really a collection of short biographies organized into time periods with introductory information for each period. The magic though is that Malachy McCourt takes these people and bios and tells a real story with each one. It is less biography and more vignette a real sense of the person comes across. At the end of the book a real sense of the Irish comes through and furthering the storytelling lyric nature of the people is McCourt's own storytelling. Really just like sitting on a barstool hearing a tale. Just lovely. Besides that though there is actual dissemination of Irish history just done in an unconventional fashion

At first I was dismissive of Malachy McCourt's "History" of Ireland, assuming he was writing just to take advantage of his brother's fame (Frank McCourt, Angela's Ashes), but once I started reading the "History," I realized Malachy has his own style which is equally engaging, and that, in his own way, he knows his country's history. I do keep checking his facts against other, less entertaining texts, just to be sure I'm not falling for any blarney, though! It's a fun approach to a complex subject and perfect for younger students of Irish history. I wish I had chosen it as required reading in my Irish Studies course this spring; I will certainly keep it in mind for subsequent classes!

Mr. McCourts Journey through Ireland's past leaves me wanting more. The information and legacies imparted in such a way that informs as well as delights the reader. I've been a fan of the McCourt Bros for years and this book by Malachy surpassed my expectationsI had held off reading it for some time ,I have been drawn to books addressing the more volatile topics of passionate Irish Republicanism , The cover alone , the image enchanted me the contents engaged me. I will read it again !

I feel it would be much more appropriate if this book were entitled "Collection of Biographies of Ireland." To call this a history is misleading. The author himself in the bibliography says it wasn't intended to be an academic work. Instead, it is a collection of biographies that seem based more on the author's personal knowledge, which is why I feel to call it a history is inappropriate. McCourt writes entertainingly, but I feel than in making an effort to include 50 people in this book, certain details I wanted resolution on ended up not being included. He would start to tell a story, but then failed to follow up on it. This book focuses heavily on the 19th and 20th centuries, so I do not feel it earns the distinction of being a true history of Ireland. He also writes with an assumption that the reader knows a little of Irish history to begin with. As someone who was using this book to get a background on the island before I visit, I do not feel it was a good first choice of book.

Usually history books are rather dull, but this one was most interesting. There were humorous parts and very serious parts. Very readable and enjoyable. Really prepared me for my trip to Ireland.

As noted by others this is more biographies than history but does provide some context for events. Best paired with a solid history - which I am still looking for. Also, slopoy editing.

Oh dear. He says he left school at 13 and it shows. It’s neither history nor entertainment and becomes very dull

Very enjoyable read—like fireside chats

What a wonder fun way of completing a life hazed by inherited alcohol habitual consumption.

Great book. Absolutely PERFECT conditions.

Book was as advertised . Fast delivery.