History and Memory in Modern Ireland

Description

This volume addresses a subject of vital importance to the study of Irish history--literature and politics. Although collective memory and commemoration has attracted much attention from British, French and American scholars, this is the first major study of the relationship between history and memory in Ireland--closing a remarkable gap in the literature, considering the frequency with which Unionists as well as nationalists have invoked the past, erected monuments and observed anniversaries. This book helps define the main concepts and issues in an emerging field of inquiry.

Born in Armagh, Northern Ireland in 1967, Ian McBride is Lecturer at King's College London, having previously been Lecturer in Early Modern British History at the University of Durham, 1996-2000. He was educated at Jesus College, Oxford, University College London, and Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. Dr McBride's publications include The Siege of Derry in Ulster Protestant Mythology (1997), Scripture Politics: Ulster Presbyterians and Irish Radicalism in the Late Eighteenth Century (1998) - which was shortlisted for the Ewart-Biggs memorial prize - and, co-edited with Tony Claydon, Protestantism and National Identity: Britain and Ireland, c. 1650-c.1850 (1998).

'... a highly impressive work.' History 'There is much to be learned from the authors in this collection ... this book is a commendable and balanced attempt to relate perceived memory to actual history in the current political context.' Irish Democrat 'McBride is to be commended for compiling his universally contentious History and Memory in Modern Ireland.' Irish Political Studies 'This collection of essays, from a variety of perspectives, challenges assumptions and provides fresh ideas on the study of memory and its interactions with history, whether documented, oral or visual. The book is enhanced by excellent illustrations.' James Kelly, St. Patrick's College