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The Green Flag
The Green Flag: A history of Irish nationalism
Covering Irish history from the beginnings of Irish Nationalism through 1973, Robert Kee's treatment ranges from the Protestant Plantations through Wolfe Tone and the Great Famine to the founding of the Fenian Movement and the Irish Free State. His authoritative and comprehensive history is masterly in its detail and judicious analysis. A classic in its field, this is essential reading for anyone attempting to understand the complex historical forces that have shaped Ireland.
896 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1972
67 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Robert Kee
57 books12 followersRobert Kee, CBE was a broadcaster, journalist and writer, known for his historical works on World War II and Ireland.
He was educated at Stowe School, Buckingham, and read history at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was a pupil, then a friend, of the historian A.J.P. Taylor.
During World War II he served in the Royal Air Force as a bomber pilot. His Hampden was shot down by flak one night while on a mine-laying operation off the coast of German-occupied Holland. He was imprisoned and spent three years in a German POW camp. This gave him material for his first book A Crowd Is Not Company. It was first published as a novel in 1947 but was later revealed to be an autobiography. It recounts his experiences as a prisoner of war and his various escapes from the Nazi camp. The Times describes it as "arguably the best POW book ever written."
His career in journalism began immediately after the Second World War. He worked for the Picture Post, then later became a special correspondent for The Sunday Times and The Observer. He was also literary editor of The Spectator.
In 1958 he moved to television. He appeared for many years on both the BBC and ITV as reporter, interviewer and presenter. He presented many current affairs programmes including Panorama, ITN's First Report and Channel 4's Seven Days. He was awarded the BAFTA Richard Dimbleby Award in 1976.
Kee wrote and presented the documentary series Ireland – A Television History in 1980. The work was widely shown in the United Kingdom and the United States and received great critical acclaim, winning the Christopher Ewart-Biggs Memorial Prize. Following its transmission on RTÉ, the Irish national broadcaster, Kee won a Jacob's Award for his script and presentation.
He was educated at Stowe School, Buckingham, and read history at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was a pupil, then a friend, of the historian A.J.P. Taylor.
During World War II he served in the Royal Air Force as a bomber pilot. His Hampden was shot down by flak one night while on a mine-laying operation off the coast of German-occupied Holland. He was imprisoned and spent three years in a German POW camp. This gave him material for his first book A Crowd Is Not Company. It was first published as a novel in 1947 but was later revealed to be an autobiography. It recounts his experiences as a prisoner of war and his various escapes from the Nazi camp. The Times describes it as "arguably the best POW book ever written."
His career in journalism began immediately after the Second World War. He worked for the Picture Post, then later became a special correspondent for The Sunday Times and The Observer. He was also literary editor of The Spectator.
In 1958 he moved to television. He appeared for many years on both the BBC and ITV as reporter, interviewer and presenter. He presented many current affairs programmes including Panorama, ITN's First Report and Channel 4's Seven Days. He was awarded the BAFTA Richard Dimbleby Award in 1976.
Kee wrote and presented the documentary series Ireland – A Television History in 1980. The work was widely shown in the United Kingdom and the United States and received great critical acclaim, winning the Christopher Ewart-Biggs Memorial Prize. Following its transmission on RTÉ, the Irish national broadcaster, Kee won a Jacob's Award for his script and presentation.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 12, 2016
an unsympathetic account, laced with sarcasm in a few places. All nations are constructs, and there is no reason why Ireland should be an exception to the rule. But there are always particular reasons why a nation comes into being in the time that it does. Robert Kee does not address these reasons in any detail, if at all, while he cannot help gloating at all the failed attempts at revolution. Still, as I don't know as much about the subject as I would like, it was a useful read, particularly for the first half of the 19th century.
April 9, 2012
A very solid work on a very confusing people (that I proudly claim ancestry from). To sum it up: the Irish didn't know they were Irish or what they wanted, but the Protestants/English were pretty damn intent on making sure whatever the Irish wanted they didn't get. And when the Protestants/English finally figured out they were screwing themselves and decided to play nice with the Irish, they made things even worse. At which point, the Irish gained a semi independence and proceeded to shoot the shit out of each other.
Seriously, though, this is a good book for a thorough understanding of Irish history up to 1923 but isn't the easiest of reads. Very detailed. And given the controversy over hundreds of years, I have to give Kee credit for his evenhanded account. There are so many parts of this book that caused me to curse or sadly shake my head.
Seriously, though, this is a good book for a thorough understanding of Irish history up to 1923 but isn't the easiest of reads. Very detailed. And given the controversy over hundreds of years, I have to give Kee credit for his evenhanded account. There are so many parts of this book that caused me to curse or sadly shake my head.
February 11, 2011
The major part I remember about sifting through Kee's tome is him passing off the penal laws as something that could be easily discarded as long as people changed their religion. To eschew the eternal implications,a s that is not my purview, he is saying that people could choose to not be systematically starved by turning their back on their own culture in a vain effort to join another culture that considered them less than human. Once past this bit of claptrap, Kee is informative is readable. I read this as a teenager and kept it as a reference. A must for those who want to know more of the depressing crush of Irish history.
June 9, 2016
Okay, this will be brief; Kee's work is worth reading for all who are interested in Irish History and politics, however he's approach is very dismissive--I believe unfairly-- of Irish Republicanism--and its really, really long.
June 4, 2025
This is an excellent book on the development of Irish Nationalism up to the mid-1920s. The book is particularly compelling in the period covering the Home Rule bills through to the 1916 Rising and the Anglo-Irish and Civil Wars, as this covers the sequence of events leading to eventual Irish independence, and the context for where Ireland is today.
Some of the most interesting points are:
- The complexities of Irish nationalism, as the majority of Irishmen saw it, as working out within the context of some kind of ongoing formal connection to Britain and the Crown. This leads to the conclusion that the entire struggle for Irish self-rule had characteristics of a civil war between a moderate nationalist majority and a separatist republican minority.
- The fact that Republican separatists who were willing (and even keen) to use violence were always a small minority, who never had the backing of the majority of the Irish people (even in 1918, Sinn Fein were elected on a moderate, nonviolent agenda). This makes it all the more interesting that it was this very minority who finally achieved Irish independence, by violent means.
- The analysis of the impact of the 1916 rising is convincing, in that it initially added urgency to the push for Home Rule, and only after this was frustrated by the government did it increase support for the separatist, republican minority.
- The presentation of the eventual success of violent republicanism in achieving Irish independence is both fascinating and tragic, presented both in terms of the approach (prolonged guerrilla tactics rather than general uprising) and historical context (frustration with the failure of non-violent means to deliver some measure of self-rule).
- The background given to Northern Unionism is also excellent, particularly how this fits within the wider context of Irish nationalism and identity.
Overall, this is a very well-written, balanced, detailed and compelling book that provides an excellent introduction to the complexity, contradictions and tragedy of Irish nationalism and modern Irish history, and how these directly relate to where we find ourselves in Ireland today, both North and South.
Some of the most interesting points are:
- The complexities of Irish nationalism, as the majority of Irishmen saw it, as working out within the context of some kind of ongoing formal connection to Britain and the Crown. This leads to the conclusion that the entire struggle for Irish self-rule had characteristics of a civil war between a moderate nationalist majority and a separatist republican minority.
- The fact that Republican separatists who were willing (and even keen) to use violence were always a small minority, who never had the backing of the majority of the Irish people (even in 1918, Sinn Fein were elected on a moderate, nonviolent agenda). This makes it all the more interesting that it was this very minority who finally achieved Irish independence, by violent means.
- The analysis of the impact of the 1916 rising is convincing, in that it initially added urgency to the push for Home Rule, and only after this was frustrated by the government did it increase support for the separatist, republican minority.
- The presentation of the eventual success of violent republicanism in achieving Irish independence is both fascinating and tragic, presented both in terms of the approach (prolonged guerrilla tactics rather than general uprising) and historical context (frustration with the failure of non-violent means to deliver some measure of self-rule).
- The background given to Northern Unionism is also excellent, particularly how this fits within the wider context of Irish nationalism and identity.
Overall, this is a very well-written, balanced, detailed and compelling book that provides an excellent introduction to the complexity, contradictions and tragedy of Irish nationalism and modern Irish history, and how these directly relate to where we find ourselves in Ireland today, both North and South.
June 8, 2022
I wish I could rate this higher. I truly do.
I've no idea how books get transcibed from paperback to Kindle but this one was done an injustice. The amount of typos is shocking and sometimes requires rereading just to get the point. For instance, land transfers from tenant to landlord are mentioned when in fact the opposite took place. Eamon de Valera becomes Edward de Valera and Eoin MacNeil John MacNeil.
The book itself is otherwise a solid overview of Irish nationalism. There's little of anything else here but that's fine. The title is quite self-explanatory.
Kee begins with the migration of Gaels to Ireland, briefly covers Ireland under the Stuarts and Cromwell. The real meat of the book begins with the United Irishmen rebellion of 1798, the 1848 uprising and the 1867 Fenian rising. Daniel O'Connell, the land leagues, rural gangs and the origins of modern Irish nationalism.
It's an excellent starting point for anyone with a burgeoning interest in Irish history. It is somewhat dated now, having been originally published in 1972. It ends with the civil war and the securing of the Irish free state by Cumann na nGael. Anyone looking for a more detailed history of twentieth century Ireland would be well advised to consult the works of Diarmaid Ferriter, T. Ryle Dwyer, David McKittrick & David McVea among others.
As it stands, a very solid overview riddled with irksome though not ruinous typos.
I've no idea how books get transcibed from paperback to Kindle but this one was done an injustice. The amount of typos is shocking and sometimes requires rereading just to get the point. For instance, land transfers from tenant to landlord are mentioned when in fact the opposite took place. Eamon de Valera becomes Edward de Valera and Eoin MacNeil John MacNeil.
The book itself is otherwise a solid overview of Irish nationalism. There's little of anything else here but that's fine. The title is quite self-explanatory.
Kee begins with the migration of Gaels to Ireland, briefly covers Ireland under the Stuarts and Cromwell. The real meat of the book begins with the United Irishmen rebellion of 1798, the 1848 uprising and the 1867 Fenian rising. Daniel O'Connell, the land leagues, rural gangs and the origins of modern Irish nationalism.
It's an excellent starting point for anyone with a burgeoning interest in Irish history. It is somewhat dated now, having been originally published in 1972. It ends with the civil war and the securing of the Irish free state by Cumann na nGael. Anyone looking for a more detailed history of twentieth century Ireland would be well advised to consult the works of Diarmaid Ferriter, T. Ryle Dwyer, David McKittrick & David McVea among others.
As it stands, a very solid overview riddled with irksome though not ruinous typos.
August 26, 2017
Not for someone with a passing interest, but especially detailed and fair (in that the author expresses a certain amount of disdain for all participants). The parliamentary procedure stuff can be a slog, but is not too much of the book. Some of my favorite parts were the often amusing vignettes that found various republicans headed off to try to drum up support in Europe. The book also does a fine job of showing the very real toll on the Irish people over centuries. Considering that continued long after the story here ends - the book itself was published during the early years of The Troubles - it's astonishing to think the island is at peace today. Also, the author identifies a few key moments where had one or two people just been able to swallow their pride, thousands and thousands of innocent lives could have been saved. That tragedy of war is not unique to Ireland, but its worth considering nonetheless.
May 6, 2025
The greatest work of Irish history that I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
Kee brings the reader from the Battle of Clontarf and the days of Strongbow to witness growing English influence - he guides us through the penal laws to the victory of 1782 and the crushing of the 1798 rebellion. We see the rise of fall of such titans as O’Connell and Parnell, the horrors of the great famine, the growth of the American diaspora, 3 home rule bills and the 1916 rising. Finally, the decisive acts of the Anglo-Irish relationship are played out: The war for independence and the treaty- even then, violence does not abate as the new nation swiftly falls into civil war and must come to terms with the grim realities of partition.
An essential work of history.
Kee brings the reader from the Battle of Clontarf and the days of Strongbow to witness growing English influence - he guides us through the penal laws to the victory of 1782 and the crushing of the 1798 rebellion. We see the rise of fall of such titans as O’Connell and Parnell, the horrors of the great famine, the growth of the American diaspora, 3 home rule bills and the 1916 rising. Finally, the decisive acts of the Anglo-Irish relationship are played out: The war for independence and the treaty- even then, violence does not abate as the new nation swiftly falls into civil war and must come to terms with the grim realities of partition.
An essential work of history.
January 30, 2022
Writer does a good job of describing events. But his interpretations, analysis or opinions are often questionable and quite annoying.
For example, concerning Daniel O’Connell and his political “Emancipation” movement to allow Catholics to hold elective office and participate in government he writes, “It was of direct interest only to those Catholics who might aspire to the relatively few high offices and functions, including membership in Parliament, from which they were still disbarred”.
This is like saying that Obama becoming President of the US was only of “direct interest” to Obama himself.
For example, concerning Daniel O’Connell and his political “Emancipation” movement to allow Catholics to hold elective office and participate in government he writes, “It was of direct interest only to those Catholics who might aspire to the relatively few high offices and functions, including membership in Parliament, from which they were still disbarred”.
This is like saying that Obama becoming President of the US was only of “direct interest” to Obama himself.
September 21, 2020
If you want a detailed history of Ireland, and particularly the struggle for independence, then this is the book for you. Heavy going, but worth the effort. As a Scotsman of Irish descent I have an inherent interest in the subject. The author is a BBC journalist of good repute. He does not fail in his effort to distill fact from fiction in relation to the history of that island.
June 26, 2009
The book chronicles Ireland's nationalist history from James II through the 1920s. It's a very frustrating four centuries of failed rebellions and uninspired people. Then comes the last couple chapters where the Irish actually accomplish something politically tangible. It's a very interesting, very frustrating history of oppression.
Lee manages to tell it well though, occasionally throwing in a bit of humour and always comparing the historical realities of Ireland's history with Ireland's contemporary popular myths.
Lee's "Ireland- A History" is better written, and includes the 1920s-1990s, which is of course more topical today.
Lee manages to tell it well though, occasionally throwing in a bit of humour and always comparing the historical realities of Ireland's history with Ireland's contemporary popular myths.
Lee's "Ireland- A History" is better written, and includes the 1920s-1990s, which is of course more topical today.
March 4, 2023
Though dense and at times repetitive, the knowledge and detail contained in this book is extremely impressive. My understanding of Irish history has notably increased from reading. Sadly, Kee's analysis is held back from its full potential by his own bias against Irish Republicanism. While he is typically fair to the individuals involved, his broad stroke dismissal and slant is jarring at times. Nonetheless, it is to Kee's credit that the information itself seems to be balanced, and when taken with a critical eye, one will find more than enough details to come to their own conclusions.
August 26, 2010
Didn't get to finish the book since it's really long and I only had it from the library, but it was good and satisfied my need for a basic overview of Irish history from before the English started messing with it up to about 1800. Good writing and good at highlighting themes throughout--Nationalism is completely a modern invention, but this does not of course mean that the English didn't behave very badly in Ireland.
March 25, 2015
I do not have a significant Irish heritage but I have always been fascinated by the Irish character. This book taught me a lot about the great Irish heroes - Protestant and Catholic - Gaelic, Norman, Anglo, and Scotch - Nationalist, Republican, and Unionist. The heroes Wolf Tone, Emmet, Parnell, Pearse, Collins, de Valera, and hundreds of others are brought to vibrant life. The book is very dense but well worth the effort.
August 15, 2016
Very comprehensive, but unsympathetic to Irish nationalism. Worth a read, but as an introduction. I read the original trilogy in the 80s. It was a little more accessible in that format. Published in the 70s, it would have been a creditable attempt to understand Irish history. In this attempt, it falls short.
October 14, 2008
A wealth of information. Close to being objective, but during the Revolution (1916-23) you can kind of gather that it was written by an Englishman, which it was.
Nonetheless good stuff.
Up the Republic!
Nonetheless good stuff.
Up the Republic!
October 20, 2013
This wonderful book has been a constant companion on my journeys to and from work for the last 4 months.
Kee approaches the complexities of Irish Nationalism with the eye of a liberal, democratic neutral and captures its evolution, ascendancy and nemesis in a thoroughly compelling narrative.
Kee approaches the complexities of Irish Nationalism with the eye of a liberal, democratic neutral and captures its evolution, ascendancy and nemesis in a thoroughly compelling narrative.
March 5, 2025
This read so much like a textbook that it was hard to really get a feeling for the mood of the period. The dry approach made lovable historical figures seem dull. The history is awesome, the delivery is academic and tough to bite through.
January 23, 2008
The best parts are the romanticized and stumbling attempts at rebellion
Want to read
November 9, 2009Just bought it today. Maybe I'll be able to work my way through it while I'm a nursing this baby all the time.
March 10, 2013
Best Irish history book I've read. Very objective which is a difficult task when writing about Irish history. It's a long book but it's well worth the investment of time.
March 3, 2013
My favourite book in this most excellent trilogy. McKee gives a sound and balanced view of Irish Nationalism.
June 9, 2013
This book is very detailed and at times hard work. It is however fascinating and I now understand much more about Ireland and its relationship with England and religion.
May 28, 2015
One of the most depressing but also important books about Ireland that I have ever read.
December 9, 2015
An excellent history, especially concerning the historical division between "physical force" Irish nationalists and political nationalists.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews