The Easter Rising of 1916 was instrumental in getting the Irish to obtaining freedom from the British. Although, it did not ultimately take place until the 1920's. It turned the tide of Irish opinion in favor of the rebels. General Maxwell's arrogance in executing the rebels caused more to turn the tide than the rebellion itself.
William, there are many books on this subject and more show up in the book stores each year. I have not read any of late however I have read a number beginning in the mid 90's. For awhile I could not get enough books on the topic. My favorite author on the subject is Tim Pat Coogan. Out of all of the authors I think he outlines in detail the pulse of history and the players on that stage during those uncertain times.
ReplyDeleteThere is also some excellent historical fiction on the subject and of course poetry
such as Yeat's "1916".
I have been to the GPO and Kilmainham Jail in an attempt to feel some of the emotion of those days, but I can only imagine what it was like.
Good luck on your quest. The topic you have chosen never seems to get old.
Bill, I've recently seen the new edition of a book published just on County Laois by a man called Michael J. Rafter and he has traavelled the length and breadth of the county tracking down photographs and stories for this book. It's not just any ordinary general history with the names of the main players in it and it is full of photographs which give depth to the story such as I have never seen before. Jane
ReplyDeleteHi Bill;
ReplyDeleteI find any site dealing with Irish history fascinating. I have both Catholic and Protestant Irish ancestors on my Dad's side, but always assumed that the Straights were originally English (earliest known Straight ancestor is Henry Straight who showed up in R.I. ca 1675 or so), so imagine my surprise when my Y-DNA revealed a haplotype most common among the Basque and the good folks of N.W. Ireland. Anyway, keep up the good work.
Cheers, Masugu (aka Wayne J. Straight)
Carmen,
ReplyDeleteI have just finished “Rebels: The Irish Rising of 1916”. Prior to that, I read “Malachy McCourt’s “The History of Ireland”. I also recently read “I Never Knew that About Ireland”. I cannot seem to get enough of Irish history lately.
I stand in awe of those men who stood against the British Goliath. I only hope I have that much courage to stand against my Goliaths. Mine may not be British, but still a Goliath all the same.
In the “Rebels”, it appears that Padraic Pearse is somewhat egomaniacal, but comes to his senses when he sees innocent being killed by what is going on at the GPO and all around Dublin. The others who followed him in death did so for the glory of Ireland and not for their own personal glory, as Pearse is portrayed.
Jane,
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to look that one up, although, I do not know of any rellies I have from County Laois.
Bill