Elizabethan Conquest of Ireland

The Elizabethan Conquest of Ireland by James Charles Roy offers a unique and challenging perspective on Irish history, exploring the war, conquest, and attempted settlement of the country during the Elizabethan era. The book also delves into the intellectual efforts of Englishmen to understand and control Ireland, depicting it as exotic, seductive, savage, and religiously subversive. Roy's book is a richly textured, impressively researched, and powerfully involving story that sheds light on the tortuous and often brutal story of English rule in Ireland and the themes that would characterize the relationship between the two countries for centuries to come.

Format: Hardback
Length: 648 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2021
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

James Charles Roy's approach to Irish history is always original, thought-provoking, and artistically unconventional. His examination of the Elizabethan government's efforts to suppress the nation is no different. The Elizabethan Conquest of Ireland provides a comprehensive survey and analysis of various aspects of the conflict, including war, conquest, attempted settlement, and the efforts of Elizabethan soldiers and politicians to establish (or undermine) a local aristocracy. The book also delves into the intellectual endeavors of Englishmen to understand and reconcile their perception of Ireland as exotic, seductive, savage, irreconcilable, and religiously subversive.

Roy's book not only outlines the complex and often brutal history of English rule in Ireland during this transformative period but also identifies themes that would shape the intricate relationship between the two countries for centuries to come. These themes encompass religious, intellectual, and psychological dimensions, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of the relationship.

Written with a profound awareness of its tragic and haunting relevance for future generations, this narrative is a rich tapestry of historical detail, meticulously researched, and compellingly engaging. Roy Foster, author of Modern Ireland, 1600-1972, and other notable works, praises the author's ability to create a compelling atmosphere while maintaining a swift narrative pace. He also notes the author's up-to-date scholarship, extensive use of primary sources, and the pleasure of reading a work that is both informative and enjoyable.

Nicholas Canny, author of Making Ireland British: 1580-1650, and other titles, also commends the author's expertise and scholarship. He praises the author's intellectual range, erudition, penetrating analysis, capacity for sustained research, and deep familiarity with sources related to Elizabethan Ireland. Canny believes that Roy's book will make a significant contribution to the field, which is already well-served by numerous outstanding scholars.

David Fitzpatrick, author of The Two Irelands, and other notable works, likewise praises the author's exceptional scholarship and contributions to the study of Elizabethan Ireland. Fitzpatrick notes that Roy's book will undoubtedly enhance the existing body of scholarship in the field, demonstrating his deep understanding of the subject matter and his ability to present complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner.

In conclusion, James Charles Roy's Elizabethan Conquest of Ireland is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on Irish history during the Elizabethan era. Through its comprehensive analysis of various aspects of the conflict, the book sheds light on the complex relationship between England and Ireland, highlighting the religious, intellectual, and psychological dimensions that shaped their interactions. Roy's meticulous research, engaging writing style, and profound awareness of historical significance make this narrative a valuable addition to the field of Elizabethan studies and a testament to the author's exceptional scholarship and intellectual prowess.

Weight: 1268g
Dimension: 168 x 240 x 65 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526770721