The Encyclopedia of Ireland An A-Z Guide to it's People, Places, History, and Culture

by Brady, Ciaran

• ISBN13: 9780195216851
• ISBN10: 0195216857
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-12-16
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Curious about Gaelic football? Ever wonder where the myth of the Leprechauns comes from or who the Molly Maguires are? Accessible, informative, and easy to use, the Encyclopedia of Ireland is a single-volume compendium of information about the Emerald Isle--its history, people, places, culture, heritage, and politics. An impressive list of scholars and writers have contributed clear and thoughtful entries on all aspects of the country--including more than 300 biographies of well-known and influential Irish people throughout history; 500 historical entries, 400 geographical entries, from towns to archaeological sites, including key sightseeing attractions; 15 chronologies on various developments in Irish history; and 200 quotations on the country and their way of life--more than 2,000 entries in all. In depth essays on key Irish themes comprise a unique feature of the encyclopedia, and provide the extra detail needed for a full understanding of Ireland's big picture. The selection of essay topics reflects the knowledge most interesting and valuable to readers, such as the "Troubles," tracing Irish ancestors, and the meaning of classic Irish symbols. Main entries on the nation's modern-day institutions, politics, and government add reliable information on today's Ireland and its place in a rapidly consolidating Europe. The book also places a special emphasis on the contributions of the Irish Diaspora, such as Irish Americans, to the rich cultural heritage of the country. Containing more than 150 historical photographs, several spectacular color-photography sections, and numerous maps and tables, the Encyclopedia of Ireland is a reference work without parallel and a necessity for everyone interested in the Emerald Isle.

Author Biography

Ciaran Brady is a senior lecturer in Modern History in the Department of Modern History, Trinity College Dublin. He is the author of several books and joint editor of the journal Irish Historical Studies.

Table of Contents

List of contributors	viii
Map of Ireland - Physical	ix
Map of Ireland - counties	x
A-Z Entries	1	(388)
Feature essays
Agriculture - shaped by climate, tenancy, and market needs	4	(3)
The dream and ambition of many - tracing Irish ancestors	7	(56)
How the Celts influenced Ireland	63	(4)
The early film industry, hampered by censorship and a lack of cash	67	(1)
Cinema in the 1990s - new talent that is celebrating Irishness	68	(26)
From kitchen hearth and ceilidh to the renown of Riverdance	94	(32)
The Irish diaspora and its far-reaching cultural impact	126	(6)
Transformed into a model economy - the emergence of the Celtic tiger	132	(4)
The Great Famine and its legacy of poverty, emigration, and death	136	(12)
Folklore - a vast heritage kept alive by the love of stories	148	(34)
Ireland after independence - from isolation to modernization	182	(3)
Irish literature - a unique voice	185	(61)
Traditional Irish music - distinctive, vibrant, and played by thousands	246	(10)
Northern Ireland's complex history from creation to devolution	256	(32)
Rebellions and plantations - 200 years of conflict	288	(16)
Republicanism - the historic wish for a whole and separate state	304	(20)
Social change as the Republic has grown more outward-looking	324	(3)
Great moments for Irish sport, from football to snooker	327	(25)
The Vikings and Normans invade	352	(17)
APPENDICES
Chronology of Ireland	369	(12)
Web sites	381	(8)
Picture credits	389