Irish History

Hand-bells are emblematic of early Christianity in Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Produced between the fifth century and the twelfth, they survive in large numbers and were used originally to regulate monastic time and to punctuate the liturgy. Several are attributed to specific saints - including Patrick and Columba (Colum Cille) in Ireland, Kentigern (Mungo) in Scotland and David in Wales. This two-part book brings together for the first time all the hand-bells that exist or are known to have existed in Ireland and Britain. The first part deals with the morphology, production and distribution of bells, with their archaeological and historical contexts and with their enduring significance in late medieval times. The second part is a catalogue of all existing and recorded bells, offering both physical descriptions and individual case histories.

2nd Edition - published in 2021

Damaged cover, book is otherwise new.

Between 1885 and 1921 the question of Irish Home Rule became increasingly focused on the province of Ulster, and especially on Ulster Unionist responses to a Dublin parliament.

Attempts to formulate a 'solution' have been governed by the British perception of what the problem is, and by the structures, as well as the ideas of British party politics and British political life: Ireland was never a laboratory in which dispassionate political experiments could be conducted.

The Little Book of Ireland is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of fascinating, frivolous and fantastic information which no one will want to be without.

In this work, the author applies his first-hand experience of both the potential and the limitations of minor parties in government and in coalition. At a time when global politics is being reshaped, our understanding of the results of who we put in power has never been more vital. This book powerfully contributes to that understanding.