The Presidents' Letters: An Unexpected History of Ireland

The Presidents Letters is a collection of over 400 letters to and from our nine presidents from 1938 to the present day, revealing a personal and unexpected story of Ireland since the inauguration of our first president, Douglas Hyde. The letters are letters of congratulations, resignation, sympathy, joy, loss, begging, and threatening, sent from palaces, parliaments, prisons, war zones, refugee camps, and homeless shelters. The book is divided into thematic sections and features contributions from David McCullagh, Rory Montgomery, Martina Devlin, Catriona Crowe, Samantha Barry, Joseph OConnor, Harry McGee, Lise Hand, Justine McCarthy, Paul Rouse, and Terri Kearney.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2022
Publisher: New Island Books

A TREASURY TROVE OF LETTERS TO AND FROM OUR NINE PRESIDENTS FROM 1938 TO THE PRESENT DAY




With over 400 letters, memos, cards, telegrams, drawings, notes, and photographs, The Presidents Letters offers a captivating and unexpected narrative of Ireland since the inauguration of our first president, Douglas Hyde. Most of these letters have never been published before, and a handful have never been seen by the public. They encompass a range of emotions, from heartfelt congratulations to heartfelt resignation, from sympathetic messages to poignant farewells. From handwritten notes to messages sent to the moon, from fond farewells to letters of joy and loss, these correspondences vividly portray the lives and legacies of our presidents, Áras an Uachtaráin, and all those who have passed through its doors.




Meticulously researched and hand-picked for this unique book, these correspondences bring to life our presidents and the individuals who have graced its halls. The Presidents Letters serves as a beautiful tribute to the art of letter-writing, delving into how each of our presidents defined their eras and how they strengthened the bonds between Ireland and all those who identify as Irish. Rather than presenting separate chapters on individual presidencies, the book is organized into thematic sections, each with one-page chapter introductions to provide context for the correspondence.




Contributors to this remarkable collection include:


David McCullagh, Rory Montgomery, Martina Devlin, Catriona Crowe, Samantha Barry, Joseph OConnor, Harry McGee, Lise Hand, Justine McCarthy, Paul Rouse, and Terri Kearney.




Their contributions enrich the narrative and offer a deeper understanding of the historical significance of these letters.




The Presidents Letters is a must-read for anyone interested in Irish history, politics, and the art of letter-writing. It provides a unique glimpse into the personal and professional lives of our nation's leaders, shedding light on their achievements, challenges, and the enduring relationships they built with both Ireland and the world.

Weight: 800g
Dimension: 228 x 170 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848408746