'A companion to be cherished', 'judicious and authoritative', 'informative and entertaining', an 'invaluable work of reference' - these are just some of the phrases used by reviewers to describe the Oxford Companion to Irish History. The history of Ireland has long been at the epicentre of political and academic debate. Interest in Irish culture, politics, and society, both ancient and modern, never seems to falter, not only in scholarly circles but also among the general public. With over 1,800 entries, this Companion - now available in the Oxford Paperback Reference series - offers a comprehensive and authoritative guide to all aspects of Ireland's past from earliest times to the present day. There is coverage not only of leading political figures, organizations, and events but also of subjects such as dress, music, sport, and diet. Traditional topics such as the rebellion of 1798 and the Irish Civil War sit alongside entries on newly developing areas such as women's history and popular culture. In addition to A-Z entries the Companion includes a section of maps showing the shape of modern Ireland, post-reformation ecclesiastical divisions in Ireland, political divisions circa 800, Ireland circa 1350, Ireland in the late 15th century, and the pattern of transport and communications in Ireland. There is also a subject index, which groups headwords into thematic batches to provide an alternative way to access the entries. The Oxford Companion to Irish History is invaluable to students as a work of general reference and to the general public with an interest in the history and culture of Ireland. It also appeals to academics both for the longer analytical entries and as a source of reference for topics outside their immediate area of expertise.

About the Author
Sean Connolly is Professor of Irish History at the School of History and Anthropology, Queen's University, Belfast. His previous posts have included Archivist at the Public Record Office of Ireland, Lecturer at St Patrick's College, Dublin, and Lecturer and later Reader in History at the University of Ulster. He is the author and editor of a number of titles.

Reviews
The mix of entries...is truly eclectic and surprising * Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine *
excellent reference book * 01/06/11 *
essential reference tool. * Your Family History *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199691869
Author S.J. Connolly
Format Paperback
Page Count 672
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 492g
Dimensions(mm) 192mm * 134mm * 49mm