Book description
Each of Foster's books has generated vigorous discussion, but in THE
IRISH STORY he breaks fresh ground even by his own standards. Driven
by his sense of the seriousness of history and a fascination with
those who distort it, THE IRISH STORY examines how key facets of
Ireland's past have been tampered with to serve a multiplicity of
purposes.
THE IRISH STORY is endlessly varied, surprising and funny. It is
also a rallying cry for those anxious that contemporary Ireland may be
in danger ofturning itself into a meretricious historical theme-park.
R. F. Foster is Carroll Professor of Irish History at Oxford
University. His books include MODERN IRELAND 1600-1972 and the first
volume of W. B. YEATS: A LIFE. In 2000 he was a Booker Prize judge. THE
IRISH STORY was shortlisted for the 2001 Orwell Prize.
