Customer Reviews

Northern Ireland: The Orange State

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Farrell's "Northern Ireland: The Orange State" is tough to find but well worth the effort for those seriously interested in the history and politics of Northern Ireland. Written in 1976 by a committed Irish republican and socialist, this not the book for someone with no prior background in Northern Irish history. Yet the same characteristics that make it unsuitable for newcomers to the topic -- its age and biased viewpoint -- make it valuable for students of Northern Ireland.

Farrell's history is not simply a curiosity, however. His treatment of Northern Ireland's early history (1920s through 1950s) is far more in-depth than more recent texts, which tend to gloss over the state's formation and pick up the story with the beginning of the present "Troubles" in the late 1960s. Additionally, Farrell is a good history writer and his narrative style is often more engaging than more recent, balanced accounts. Those who read extensively on Northern Ireland and wish to add a unique volume to their shelves would do well to track down a copy of this book.