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Books Related to Ireland, 1912-1985 Joseph J. Lee - ISBN: 0521377412
A brilliant account of contemporary Irish history - Rated
Although almost thirty years old, this book is still the best account of Ireland's history in the twentieth century. Lee's account takes a critical look at many familiar episodes in the nation's history, and casts a sceptical eye on the more orthodox - i.e. nationalist - interpretation of these events. In particular, the sheer verve and wit of Lee's narration means that this book will be of interest not only to students of Irish history but also to the general reader. The book begins with the constitutional crisis in Britain, provoked by Asquith's decision to pilot the third Home Rule Bill through Parliament, and then moves on to discuss the effects of the First World War, the revolution and struggle for independence. Lee's account focuses on Ireland's political history, though it is also sensitive to the wider social and economic context in which these events took place. Moreover, Lee dispassionately assesses Ireland's 'performance' in comparison with other small European countries, in the process debunking several national myths. Lee takes his account right up until the 1980s, finishing with a discussion of the 1985 Anglo-Irish agreement. The final chapter is a lengthy assessment of the social, economic and political development of the country throughout the period. There are, though, two minor weaknesses in the book. The first is the relative absence of any discussion of Ireland's foreign policy, even though this dimension became relatively important from the mid-1950s with Ireland's admission into the UN, and especially after 1973 with its admission into the European Economic Community. Another area which might have received a little more attention is the events in Northern Ireland. Although Lee does devote a chapter discussing the North after 1945, most of that is examines the development of the conflict from the late 1960s onwards. Nevertheless, this remains the best account of twentieth century Irish history written to date.
