Ireland cover art

Ireland

A Concise History from the Twelfth Century to the Present Day

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Ireland

By: Paul Johnson
Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon
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About this listen

Ireland is inarguably a beautiful, enchanted place. But its history is more turbulent, fascinating, and terrible than any other. From the first English presence in Ireland in the 12th century, through siege, rebellion, and civil war, to Irish ascendancy, home rule, and the present-day troubles, best-selling author Paul Johnson tells, with remarkable clarity and concision, the compelling story of this most remarkable island.

©1980 Paul Johnson (P)1995 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Europe Ireland Civil War War Great Britain

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Critic reviews

“A lively, intelligent, sometimes provocative but always stimulating account of Ireland from the 12th century to our own….” ( Sunday Telegraph)
All stars
Most relevant  
early facts were wrong,but the rest was good. Justin McCarthy was a very well written account, and had a structure to it

comparison

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I was looking forward to what I hoped would be a compelling story of the history of Ireland. The book may be factually correct but it is ruined by the narrator seeming to rush through the book as if she couldn't wait to get to the end. It certainly could not hold my attention. To cap it all, Wanda McCaddon evidently had not researched the book beforehand as on several occasions she pronounced some of the towns incorrectly! Reminded me of the worse kind of history lesson ... could have been fascinating but ruined by the delivery.

Very badly narrated

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Would you try another book written by Paul Johnson or narrated by Wanda McCaddon?

Yes and no

Would you recommend Ireland to your friends? Why or why not?

This book, whilst interestingly written, is in essence the history of the English in Ireland. Little or nothing of the "native" Irish appears except insofar as they interact with Normans and English. After the act of union I felt it was a more integrated and satisfactory history. However if you wish a recent history of the "troubles" note that the book ends in the mid 1970's with a heavy concentration on c1964 to 1974.

What didn’t you like about Wanda McCaddon’s performance?

Couldn't be bothered to find out the pronunciation of irish names and terms. She pronounced the difficult "Gaelic " name Coalisland as Coal-is-land. Risible!

An English perspective

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