Ireland 1798–1998: War, Peace and Beyond

When first published, Alvin Jackson′s Ireland 1798–1998 received widespread critical acclaim for its analytical, sceptical and humane view of modern Irish history. Jackson s re–evaluation of the field, exploration of the varieties of Irish political experience, and his particular attention to the (often highly productive) tension between nationalism and Unionism continue to stand as an impressive achievement.

Now in its second edition, Ireland 1798–1998 has been updated to include coverage of the most recent political developments. It continues to offer readers an elegantly written, accessible and impartial interpretation of modern Irish political history, providing fresh and perceptive insights into some familiar issues and personalities of the period.

Jackson has provided a new epilogue to cover the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement, the restoration of devolution under the Paisley–McGuinness partnership, and the years of Bertie Ahern s political ascendancy. With an updated bibliography and chronology, Ireland 1798–1998 remains a highly stimulating and influential survey of 200 years of Irish history.

List of Plates.

List of Maps.

Acknowledgements.

List of Abbreviations.

1 Introduction.

1.1 Ends of the Century.

1.2 Modes and Frameworks of Interpretation.

2 The Birth of Modern Irish Politics, 1790 8.

2.1 The Origins of the Crisis.

2.2 Constitutional Radicalism to Revolution, 1791 8.

3 Disuniting Kingdoms, Emancipating Catholics, 1799 1850.

3.1 The Union, 1799 1801.

3.2 The Catholic Question, 1799 1829.

3.3 Justice for Ireland, 1830 41.

3.4 Utilitarians and Romantics, 1841 8.

3.5 The Orange Party, 1798 1853.

4 The Ascendancy of the Land Question, 1845 91.

4.1 Guilty Men and the Great Famine.

4.2 Pivot or Accelerator?

4.3 Brigadiers and Fenians.

4.4 Home Rule: A First Definition.

4.5 Idealists and Technicians: The Parnellite Party, 1880 6.

4.6 A Union of Hearts and a Broken Marriage: Parnellism, 1886 91.

5 Greening the Red, White and Blue: The End of the Union, 1891 1921.

5.1 The Irish Parliamentary Party, 1891 1914.

5.2 Paths to the Post Office: Alternatives to the Irish Parliamentary Party, 1891 1914.

5.3 The Parliamentarians and their Enemies, 1914 18.

5.4 Making and Unmaking Unionism, 1853 1921.

5.5 Other Men s Wounds: The Troubles, 1919 21.

5.6 Trucileers, Staters and Irregulars.

6 ′Three Quarters of a Nation Once Again′: Independent Ireland.

6.1 Saorstát Éireann, 1922 32.

6.2 Manifest Destiny: De Valera s Ireland, 1932 48.

6.3 Towards a Redefinition of the National Ideal, 1948 58.

6.4 The Age of Lemass, 1957 73.

7 Northern Ireland, 1920 72: Specials, Peelers and Provos.

8 The Two Irelands, 1973 98.

8.1 The Republic, 1973 98.

8.2 Northern Ireland, 1973 98.

9 Ireland in the New Millennium.

9.1 The Republic, 1998 2008.

9.2 Northern Ireland, 1998 2008.

9.3 The End of Irish History?

Notes.

Chronology.

Maps.

Select Bibliography.

Index.

Alvin Jackson is Richard Lodge Professor of History at the University of Edinburgh. He was previously Professor of Modern Irish History at the Queen′s University of Belfast, Lecturer in Modern Irish History at University College Dublin and John Burns Visiting Professor at Boston College. His earlier publications include The Ulster Party (1989), Colonel Edward Saunderson: Land and Loyalty in Victorian Ireland (1995) and Home Rule: An Irish History 1800–2000 (2003).

"The book is a formidable achievement. Logically organised, lucidly presented and stylishly written, this is a first–class study that will enthrall all those interested in the history of Ireland in the modern period." Thomas Bartlett, University College Dublin <!––end––>

"In Dr. Jackson′s book we have [a survey] of considerable breadth and flair... readers will find in it one of the most balanced and readable works on Irish political history to appear this decade." Marianne Elliott, University of Liverpool

"Alvin Jackson′s Ireland 1798–1998 provides a well–informed and thought–provoking commentary on Irish history since the 1790s. The work shrewdly negotiates the differences between revisionist and anti–revisionist interpretations. Focussing mainly on the high politics of Irish nationalism and unionism, Jackson also illuminates the complexities of Anglo–Irish relations from the heyday of Wolfe Tone to the recent cycles of violence in Northern Ireland exercising moderation and balance throughout." L.P. Curtis, Brown University

"Alvin Jackson′s Ireland 1798–1998 is a general history for the millenium: elegantly written, striving for a fierce impartiality, full of unexpected parallels and appositions." Roy Foster, New Statesman Books of the Year 1999

"Alvin Jackson offers an authoritative, reflective and refreshing analysis." Irish News

"Jackson presents a survey of modern Irish political history that is up–to–date and even–handed in its perspective ... An important contribution that belongs in all college libraries." CHOICE

"Jackson′s measured and ironic approach is breath of fresh air. This book confirms his position in the leading rank of Irish historians." History

"Jackson′s book will take its place amongst the most important, influential and highly regarded accounts of modern Irish history." Owen Dudley Edwards, University of Edinburgh

"This is an outstanding book." New Hibernian Review

"A brief review cannot do justice to the richness and complexity of Ireland: 1798–1998. Jackson′s gracefully written interpretations of events, forces and personalities are based upon an extensive reading of secondary sources and thoughtful, perceptive, and impartial judgements." Irish Studies Review

"Jackson′ book cannot be bettered as the most up to date, comprehensive and readable account of the last 200 years." History Review

"A flowing narrative and sharp historical analysis ... Jackson is to be congratulated for producing a finely researched, well–written survey, which scholars, advanced under–graduates, and the general reader will find immensely informative and thought–provoking." Albion