Grace O'Malley: The Biography of Ireland's Pirate Queen 1530-1603
by Anne Chambers
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Description
Grace O'Malley is the story of one remarkable woman's quest for survival and fulfilment, by land and by sea. In 1979, Anne Chambers' original biography of Ireland's pirate queen, airbrushed from historical record over the centuries, put her on the map once again. The biography became a milestone in Irish publishing and the catalyst for the restoration of Grace O'Malley to political, social and maritime history, as well as establishing her as an inspirational female role model. In the 40th show more anniversary edition of this international bestselling biography, drawn from rare contemporary manuscript records, the author presents Ireland's great pirate queen not as a vague mythological figure but as one of the world's most extraordinary female leaders. Political pragmatist and tactician, rebel, intrepid mariner and pirate, wife, lover, mother, grandmother and matriarch, the 'most notorious woman in all the coasts of Ireland', Grace O'Malley challenged and triumphed over the social and political barriers she encountered in the course of her long, pioneering life. This updated edition brings one of the world's first recorded feminist trailblazers to a new generation awakened to the global focus on gender equality as well as positive ageing. Praise for Anne Chambers' Granuaile: 'Draws a vivid picture of the trailblazing pirate queen.' Irish Examiner 'You cannot be what you cannot see, and with women all too often airbrushed from history, the importance of this biography cannot be underestimated.' Orla O'Connor, Director, National Women's Council of Ireland 'A superbly researched work ... it salvages the 16th century Mistress of the Western Waves from the rather frivolous folklore which surrounds her.' The Irish Times 'A historical reality which is equally if not more compelling than the legend.' Sunday Tribune 'Grace O'Malley ... a woman who can truly claim to have been 400 years before her time ... and Anne Chambers' biography is as innovative as its subject.' Enda Kenny, former Taoiseach of Ireland show lessTags
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Member Reviews
This was an interesting read. I learned about the politics, customs and history of Éire during the 1500s. The author did a good job of letting the reader know what life was like at the time of Granuaile.
The author wanted the reader to understand what an amazing woman Granuaile was; maybe she was all that, and maybe she wasn't, but it felt at times like projection of what the author wanted her to be. I was worried by the forward that the book would be a treatise on feminism, female power, and men be damned, but the story didn't play out that way. It did seem like she was trying to flesh an essay into a book though. Too little documented history for her to draw from, hence it seemed repetitive.
The author wanted the reader to understand what an amazing woman Granuaile was; maybe she was all that, and maybe she wasn't, but it felt at times like projection of what the author wanted her to be. I was worried by the forward that the book would be a treatise on feminism, female power, and men be damned, but the story didn't play out that way. It did seem like she was trying to flesh an essay into a book though. Too little documented history for her to draw from, hence it seemed repetitive.
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Read Irish Women Challenge 2023
11 works; 3 members
Author Information
10 Works 655 Members
Anne Chambers is a best-selling biographer.
Some Editions
Common Knowledge
- People/Characters
- Grace O'Malley
Classifications
- Genres
- Nonfiction, History, Biography & Memoir, General Nonfiction, Sexuality and Gender Studies
- DDC/MDS
- 910.45 — History & geography Geography & travel modified standard subdivisions of Geography and travel Pirates & Shipwrecks Ocean voyages, pirates
- LCC
- DA936 — History of Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania Great Britain History of Great Britain Ireland History By period Early and medieval to 1603
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 44
- Popularity
- 675,744
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (3.33)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 2
- ASINs
- 1
