IRISH CIVILIZATION: An Introduction

Irish Civilization provides a descriptive and analytical approach both to the history of Ireland until 1921 and the development of the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland since 1921. The examination will consider those areas of the two societies which have developed in common and also those elements where there have been, and continue to be, substantial differences. The history focuses on certain central structural, aspects such as physical geography, the people, political and governmental structures, cultural contexts, economic and social institutions, education and media. The book is intended to illustrate how the two countries have evolved at these levels and discusses the present state of the relationship between them. The book is intended as an introduction to the complex story of Irish history and attempts to present that story in an accessible manner to students who may be approaching Irish Studies for the first time. In treating both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, John Oakland suggests comparisons as well as contrasts and emphasizes what they have (and might increasingly have) in common. It is consequently factual and descriptive as well as an attempt to present the vary varied and contested critical response to life in the island both at present and over the centuries. An essential resource for students of Irish Studies and Irish History.

Arthur Aughey is Professor of Politics at the University of Ulster and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Centre for British Politics at the University of Hull. His previous publications include Politics of Northern Ireland: Beyond the Belfast Agreement (2005), Nationalism, Devolution and the Challenge to the United Kingdom State (2001) and Northern Ireland Politics, edited with Duncan Morrow (1996). John Oakland was a Senior Lecturer in English at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. His previous publications include British Civilization (2010), American Civilization, co-authored with David C. Mauk (2009), British Civilization: A Student's Dictionary (2003) and Contemporary Britain: A Survey With Texts (2001).