Customer Reviews

A Military History of Ireland

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This as a military resource on Irish warfare this publication is mediocre at best. The book is exhaustive to read and opinionated. One would suggest the book is written for the Diaspora audience with romatic notions of Irishness. As an avide historian I would suggest, this as a last ditch option to read (if you have no internet or library near by). Barlett's editiorial style is condescending and arrogant, which is normal; but this publication is a real dissapointment.

This is a complete, detailed reference on the military history of Ireland. While very technical discussions can be undertaken at times, the book is accessible to the average reader, although some basic knowledge of Irish history contributes greatly to understanding, as limited background information is provided.

I have only read the first five chapters of this book, as I'm interested primarily in Medieval Irish Military history, but I must say that the book is very well-researched and well-written. The complicted Celtic names bog it down for the non-Irish reader, such as myself (and thus for the "lay" researcher, I only gave the book 4 stars). I found this book to be full of great information, but it's very academically minded and, therefore, best for the serious enthusiast.
The editors wrote in the preface that they sought to focus, not solely on combat, but on the social history of the military as well - a perspective which I found to be interesting and innovative. Check out the Table of Contents and you will see how comprehensive this book is.