Diarmaid Ferriter Knihy

A major appraisal of the crucial decade in Ireland's recent history

Presents the history of Ireland (1900-2000). This book examines politics and political parties. It deals with the North in a comprehensive way, focusing on the social and cultural aspects, not just the obvious political and religious divisions.

BRITISH & IRISH HISTORY. Packed with violence, political drama and social and cultural upheaval, the years 1913-23 saw the emergence in Ireland of the Ulster Volunteer Force to resist Irish home rule and in response, the Irish Volunteers, who would later evolve into the IRA. World War One, the rise of Sinn Fein, intense Ulster unionism and conflict with Britain culminated in the Irish War of Independence, which ended with a compromise Treaty with Britain and then the enmities and drama of the Irish Civil War. Drawing on an abundance of newly released archival material, witness statements and testimony from the ordinary Irish people who lived and fought through extraordinary times, A Nation and not a Rabble explores these revolutions.

The islands off the coast of Ireland have long been a source of fascination. Seen as repositories of an ancient Irish culture and the epitome of Irish romanticism, they have attracted generations of scholars, artists and filmmakers, from James Joyce to Robert O'Flaherty, looking for a way of life uncontaminated by modernity or materialism.But the reality for islanders has been a lot more complex. They faced poverty, hardship and official hostility, even while being expected to preserve an ancient culture and way of life. Writing in her 1936 autobiography, Peig Sayers, resident of Blaskets island, described it as 'this dreadful rock'. In 1841, there were 211 inhabited islands with a combined population of 38,000; by 2011, only 64 islands were inhabited, with a total population of 8,500. And younger generations continue to leave.By documenting the island experiences and the social, cultural and political reaction to them over the last 100 years, On the Edge examines why this exodus has happened, and the gulf between the rhetoric that elevated island life and the reality of the political hostility towards them.It uncovers, through state and private archives, personal memoirs, newspaper coverage, and the author's personal travels, the realities behind the "dreadful rocks", and the significance of the experiences of, and reactions to, those who were and remain, literally, on the very edge of European civilisation.

Charting the Irish sexual experience throughout the 20th century, this book utilizes a diverse range of sources to explore both public and private aspects of sexuality. It addresses critical topics such as abortion, contraception, homosexuality, and the influence of the Catholic Church, revealing the tension between conservative morality and personal experiences. By engaging with often-overlooked subjects, it provides a comprehensive social history that challenges mainstream narratives and uncovers the complexities of Irish life related to sexuality.

The history and possible future of the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland.

The history and legacy of the war that shaped the Irish political landscape for decades, by Ireland's most prominent historian.

History did not have to work out the way it actually did. Ferriter looks at twenty events in twentieth-century Irish life and wonders how they might have been different: What if Joyce and Beckett had stayed in Ireland? What if Britain had blocked Irish immigration in the 1950s? What if there had been no 'Late Late Show'?

The book delves into the complex relationship between the Irish and alcohol, focusing on the Pioneer Total Abstinence of the Sacred Heart, founded in 1898 to promote sobriety. By the mid-1950s, the organization boasted nearly half a million members, symbolized by a distinctive pin. Despite this, the stereotype of heavy drinking persisted, highlighting a cultural clash between abstinence and alcohol consumption. Utilizing unpublished sources, the author examines the temperance movement's role within broader Irish society, revealing the nuances of these opposing cultures.

This comprehensive history chronicles the profound transformation of Ireland over a quarter-century, offering insights into the political, social, and cultural changes that shaped the nation. The narrative is enriched by the author’s expertise and deep understanding of Ireland's past, providing readers with a nuanced perspective on key events and figures that influenced its evolution. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the book captures the essence of a country in flux, making it an essential read for anyone interested in modern Irish history.