Contested Island: Ireland 1460-1630 (Oxford History of Early Modern Europe) - Softcover

Connolly, S. J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199563713 ISBN 13: 9780199563715

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2009

Synopsis

Between the 1460s and the 1630s Ireland was transformed from a medieval into a modern society. A poor society on the periphery of Europe, dominated by the conflicts of competing warlords-Irish and English-it later became a centralised political unit with a single government and code of laws, and a still primitive, but rapidly developing, market economy. These changes, however, had been achieved by brutal wars of conquest, while large scale colonisation projects had created lasting tensions between old inhabitants and recent settlers. At the same time the great religious divide of the Reformation had introduced a further source of conflict to Ireland, dividing the population into two hostile camps, while at the same time giving it a new and dangerous role in the conflict between England and its continental enemies. Against this confused and constantly changing background, individuals and groups had repeatedly to adapt their customs and behaviour, their political allegiances and aspirations, and their sense of who they were. A long and complex story, with many false starts and numerous dead ends, it is the story of the people who became the modern Irish.

About this title

About the Author

S.J. Connolly is Professor of Irish History at Queen's University, Belfast.

Review

"Regularly itemizing exquisite details of much political intrigue, Connolly provides lucid accounts of the growing corruption, duplicity and profiteering of New English officials."--William J. Smyth, Irish Times

"Smart and insightful."--Patrick Griffin, Field Day Review

"[Connolly is] a historian of exacting standards...[He] unobtrusively picks his way through the contested historiography, entering a footnoted caveat here and offering a sensible qualification there...[all] with his customary craftsmanship."--The Historian

"[An] impressive book. Connolly has written a volumem that will be of enduring value both to teachers and students of early modern Ireland for many years to come."--Europe: Early Modern and Modern

"The sheer breadth of information and attention to detail are comng the greatest strengths and most rewarding characteristics of Connolly's books."--World History Bulletin

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0199563713
• ISBN 13: 9780199563715
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 440