Malachy McCourt's History of Ireland (paperback)

Good summary of Irish families It helped verify some info about my great grandfather and his 7 brothers who were banished from Ireland about 1860. Each sent to a different country. Bob McMahon

Really great book. Really a collection of short biographies organized into time periods with introductory information for each period. The magic though is that Malachy McCourt takes these people and bios and tells a real story with each one. It is less biography and more vignette a real sense of the person comes across. At the end of the book a real sense of the Irish comes through and furthering the storytelling lyric nature of the people is McCourt's own storytelling. Really just like sitting on a barstool hearing a tale. Just lovely. Besides that though there is actual dissemination of Irish history just done in an unconventional fashion

Mr. McCourts Journey through Ireland's past leaves me wanting more. The information and legacies imparted in such a way that informs as well as delights the reader. I've been a fan of the McCourt Bros for years and this book by Malachy surpassed my expectations I had held off reading it for some time ,I have been drawn to books addressing the more volatile topics of passionate Irish Republicanism , The cover alone , the image enchanted me the contents engaged me. I will read it again !

I can tell you that the best thing about McCourts wideranging view of Irish History is that he has painted a balanced history. There is no leaning one way or the other to highlight Cathlic vs Protestant, English vs Irish, Native vs Settler, Irish Clanship vs English Aristocratic, Native vs Old Irish vs Settlers vs Sinn Fein vs IRA vs Provisionals... because they all have their place in the telling. I come away from it much more appreciative of people from all those various factions who, risked their lives and careers not so much for their fundamental beliefs as their recognition that they all are Irish and were proud to be Irish, even if to many they had to become exiles to preserve what they knew was the best of it. Yes, if you were to close your eyes and envision Ireland as it is... you will get a much better picture of it after this book than after reading a score of books written from the perspective of any one else representing history from any one of the parochial histories that I just mentioned. Jim

Excellent history of Ireland by a well known Irish author.

Usually history books are rather dull, but this one was most interesting. There were humorous parts and very serious parts. Very readable and enjoyable. Really prepared me for my trip to Ireland.

Read this prior to, during and after a trip to Ireland this spring. What a great book; I particularly liked the earliest parts of the book with battles, names of Irish people to remember, and the lead-up to the 20th century. Full of great information.

It's like being there and listening to this marvelous storyteller when you read this book. Interesting way of presenting history. He tells the story from his heart. Makes you Irish at heart even when you're not Irish. I loaned my first copy and never had it returned, so this one will re-complete my library.

Very enjoyable read—like fireside chats

The book was what I wanted and delivery was quick

Nothing ….all good

What a wonder fun way of completing a life hazed by inherited alcohol habitual consumption.

Book was as advertised . Fast delivery.