F. S. L. Lyons (1923–1983)

First read '89, at the time I was used it as a supplementary text book for the leaving certificate history (irish state exams). Its a very coherent read of the history of the period. As with all history books keep in mind they are products of the times that they were written in. This was last revised in the early 70s so is showing its age and doesn't benefit from recent research in the area (releases from the government archives, etc) until I can find a better alternate I'd recommend this to show more anyone as a starting point. show less

1517 Charles Stewart Parnell, by F. S. L. Lyons (read 20 May 1979) On Oct 22, 1974, I read a biography of Parnell, much more popularized a study than is this book, and was bowled over by the great interest I found in his life and career. I knew this would be a great book, because I have read Lyons' Ireland Since the Famine. I was in no way disappointed . The book is excellently organized, well-researched, has an excellent attitude to the Church, and is easily one of the best books I've read show more this year. The study of British parliamentary history has always fascinated me, and this book abounds in that. I found I was not as sympathetic to Parnell, and I felt I could definitely be anti-Parnell in the days after the divorce, in 1891. It is a great story, and I really reveled in it. Irish history is really something that fascinates me. I wish I could leave for Ireland tomorrow, and visit the scenes in the book: Avondale (Parnell's home), his grave at Glasnevin, Parnell Square. Whenever I find a good book on Ireland I shall want to read it. show less

1461 Ireland Since the Famine, by F. S. L. Lyons (read 1 Sep 1977) Except for a few boring chapters this was an absorbing book and told the story of Ireland--so very, very interesting--since 1846 very well. I read The Green Flag: The Turbulent History of the Irish National Movement, by Robert Kee in December of 1972 and was so taken up by its account that I deemed it the best book I read in 1972. But it only went up to 1916. This book is very good on the period from 1916 to 1948. The subject show more is sheerly fascinating, even if it has no genealogical significance for me. (At the time I read this book genealogy was a new and overriding passion of mine.) show less

This is one of the most engrossing books I have ever read. (And such a title! But it's a reference to a series of periodical essays by Matthew Arnold.) It is a book that sets you on a quest for knowledge, and it has done that for me since I read it about 20 years ago.