The Story of Ireland

by Emily Lawless

Irish history is a long, dark road, with many blind alleys, many sudden turnings, many unaccountably crooked portions; a road which, if it has a few sign-posts to guide us, bristles with threatening notices, now upon the one side and now upon the other, the very ground underfoot being often full of unsuspected perils threatening to hurt the unwary.

To the genuine explorer, flushed with justified self-confidence, well equipped for the journey, and indifferent to scratches or bruises, one may suppose this to be rather an allurement than otherwise, as he spurs along, lance at rest, and sword on side. To the less well-equipped traveller, who has no pretensions to the name of explorer at all, no particular courage to boast of, and whose only ambition is to make the way a little plainer for some one travelling along it for the first time, it is decidedly a serious impediment, so much so as almost to scare such a one from attempting the rôle of guide even in the slightest and least responsible capacity.

Genres: History, Ireland, Nonfiction, Irish Literature, Reference, Historical

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

The Hon. Emily Lawless (17 June 1845 – 19 October 1913) was an Irish novelist and poet from County Kildare. According to Betty Webb Brewer, writing in 1983 for the journal of the Irish American Cultural Institute, Éire/Ireland: "An unflagging unionist, she recognised the rich literary potential in the native tradition and wrote novels with peasant heroes and heroines, Lawless depicted with equal sympathy the Anglo-Irish landholders."

Reviews

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

Despite being a history buff and especially a fan of Irish history, I found this book to be as dull as ditch water...

[Major Doug · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to this book via Kindle: I don't know why the Irish are considered so lucky...

[Mark O'Donnell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written almost 150 years ago the intervening years has changed the narrative of this book enormously

This book is indicative of the time it was written. The tone is condescending and there is a lot of narrative opinion. Having said that naval gazing at Irish history tends to make patriots republicans and martyrs so this version balancing opinions maybe welcomed.

[Philip Labossiere]

This book was so dry, I drank 3 liters of water when I finished it.

[Vandita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early 1900s written 'History' of Ireland so obviously does not capture the momentous events which shaped Irish history of late 19th and early 20th century. Though well intentioned, a biased view of this nation ravaged through internal discord and external attacks. Quite dry so read if looking for a 'dated' history book!

[Fionnuala Callan · Rating 4 out of 5]

History retold as chronicles of hero's brought alive

Brings early irish pre-history and history alive. Lyrical descriptions that would not be found today but that bring a charm and fantasy to the tale. Undoubtedly an expansive erudite study, but also a fireside tale, the tale of the origins of this Celtic, passionate character, Ireland.

[Terri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started it before the trip to Ireland and finally finished it. It's on my Kindle, so I only read it on planes. I learned quite a bit, but the story ended in 1912 because the book was published in 1913. I don't know how Ireland earned its independence.

[Amie Cross]

Wasn't in the mood for history but I'll come back to it.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

painfully dull