Ireland and the Great War

Description

This book explores the impact, both immediate and in its longer historical perspective, of the First World War upon Ireland across the broadest range of experience - nationalist, unionist, Catholic, Protestant - and in civilian social, economic and cultural terms, as well as purely military. Underscoring the work is a belief that the Great War is the single most central experience in twentieth-century Ireland and that the events of the war years, whether at home in Dublin during the Easter Rising or at the European battlefront, constitute a 'seamless robe' of Irish experience. The book also explores cultural responses to the war and its commemoration since 1918, up to the dedication of the Irish 'Peace Tower' in Belgium in November 1998. It argues that identifying and exploring the Irish Great War experience can contribute to the contemporary Irish peace process.

'... a wise and beautifully researched study into the most sombre period in Ireland's history of the last century. It is an essential guide which steers a careful political and military path'. Kevin Myers, Irish Times 'Modern Irish history has been graced by wonderful books which are adaptations of lecture series ... This elegant work belongs in that tradition.' Adrian Gregory, The English Historical Review ' ... a scholarly contribution ... a must read for lovers of Irish history'. Irish Times 'Keith Jeffery's pioneering and splendid attempt to resurrect the war as a social and historical phenomenon in Ireland.' British Army Review 'These elegant essays bring a sense of gentle closure to an era both tragic and heroic. Ireland and the Great War will occupy a prominent place on the shelf of Irish historical literature.' Stand To 'Keith Jeffery's work is attractively produced and reasonably priced, and is sure to remain the standard work on Ireland and the Great War for many years to come.' War in History '... important new book ... It is the first book on Ireland and the Great War which can meaningfully serve as an undergraduate textbook or a guide to Ireland's experience of the war for the interested general reader ... sure to remain the standard work on Ireland and the Great War for many years to come.' War in History