Historical Dictionary of Ireland

The Historical Dictionary of Ireland provides a succinct yet comprehensive introduction to Ireland and its history from earliest times to the present day. Following a description of the physical environment and landscapes, a narrative summary of the colonization of the island traces the development of population and settlement through successive periods, emphasizing continuity of relationships with Britain and mainland Europe while simultaneously identifying Ireland's distinctive features in polity, economy and culture. A detailed chronology itemizes key events occurring within, or directly relating to, Ireland up to the end of 1995. The core of the book consists of over 400 alphabetical, cross-referenced entries on the most significant places, people, institutions and trends in the country's development during its pre- and post- independence history. While paying appropriate attention to past and present political issues affecting both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the volume adopts a broader approach to the understanding of the country's economy, society, and culture by including factual data and many features on influential artistic, literary and scientific figures and movements whose underlying achievements and ideas deserve wider recognition beyond the shores of this colorful divided land of only 5 million inhabitants. As such, it will offer a broad non-specialist readership the most up-to-date guide to focal themes and published interpretations of Irish history.