Diarmaid Ferriter - The Transformation of Ireland 1900-2000

THE TRANSFORMATION OF IRELAND 19002000

Ferriters book has set a new standard, unlikely to be surpassed for many years and he carries his scholarship lightly. Thisis no stuffy or over-erudite work, but one which is immensely readable from start to finish an impressive achievement.Marianne Elliott

It works grippingly his approach is judicious and empathetic he also has a fine ear for the ridiculous one of the greatstrengths of the book is to place very recent history against the experience of the whole century a rich and provocativestudy. Roy Foster, Guardian

A treasure-chest of images the books main joys are its scope and ability to fill in the social and cultural changes thatwere often masked by larger political events. It is a book that refuses easy answers to complex questions and reopens debateon almost every decade of twentieth-century life in Ireland. Dermot Bolger, Sunday Business Post

A marvellous read. Like no other recent history book, it brings out the deep class divisions that have always marked thisapparently conservative country. It also provides ample material to show that beneath the polar ice cap of nationalist politicsthere has lurked an irreverent, witty and rebellious spirit Ferriters book stands out because it presents a much more texturedview. Kieran Allen, Sunday Tribune

Deeply honest A rich study of Ireland in the twentieth century.

It is based on a thorough combing of the available literature and an examination of key primary sources. The judgments areusually fair and convincing. The author honestly grapples with the darker aspects of Irish history as well as those whichengender national pride It is a veritable mine of information. Tom Devine, Herald (Glasgow)

An extraordinary book most readable and often highly entertaining.

His prose is lively. He can deploy a general irony. He uses quotations, often brilliantly, as a narrative technique. [But]to say that the book is entertaining is not to underrate is scholarly credentials.

Richard Collins, Irish Examiner

Ferriter deserves great credit for taking a holistic approach to the narrative of twentieth-century Ireland. Paul Bew, Sunday Times

This is Ireland from below, seen through the lives that, throughout a turbulent century, still had dinner at lunchtime Ferriter places political events within the context of a complex mesh of social, cultural and economic history a major achievement.Ray Ryan, New Statesman

Like the candle from which Dev made his gaol key, the Ireland of the early twentieth century was made of soft wax, waitingto be moulded to bear the imprint of strong men. Ferriter traces these impressions skilfully, pulling up satisfying gems fromthe well of the past Ferriters research is wonderfully widely-sourced. Dubliner

This is total history, history from below as well as above Ferriter has delved into the often ignored subjects, combedhis primary sources thoroughly and consequently is able to present the reader with some fascinating insights. Patrick West,Literary Review

Ferriters superb study recognises that there was much more to Irish life in the period than high politics, cultural renaissanceor religious conflict. Scotsman

The Transformation of Ireland is that rare work in history in possession of both the width of research and information required by the form, and the depthof theme and feeling expected from more narrow and focused books. As an achievement, it bears comparison to Eric HobsbawmsAge of Extreme: A History of the World19141991. Charles Foran, AsianReview of Books

DIARMAID FERRITER was born in Dublin in 1972. He is a lecturer in history at St Patricks College, Dublin City University. He is the authorof A Nationof Extremes: the Pioneers in Twentieth-century Ireland and Lovers of Liberty? Localgovernment in Twentieth-century Ireland, and co-author with Colm Tibn of TheIrish Famine. He is a regular broadcaster with RT.

THE TRANSFORMATION
OF IRELAND

19002000

DIARMAID FERRITER

For Sheila Maher: my love, my life

CONTENTS