The Origins of Sectarianism in Early Modern Ireland [Hardcover]

Alan Ford (Editor), John McCafferty (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521837553 | ISBN-13: 978-0521837552 | Publication Date: January 16, 2006

Within a country where religious divisions have both a long history and a direct contemporary relevance, this book examines how they first emerged in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Leading Irish historians examine how separate Catholic and Protestant church structures and communities were created both nationally and locally. They analyze the ways in which the rival institutions influenced perceptions of religious difference, resulting in a pattern in Irish history of Protestants and Catholics living together as separate denominations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a remarkably ambitious anthology on a question of enduring significance, one which examines 'the extent to which the Irish people were indeed divided into two religious camps by the mid-seventeenth century, and also their surprising ability to transcend such stark decisions.' But the essays benefit more from original research into the archives than from a relfective remodeling of religious paradigms, such as the debate over whether the therm should be 'confessionalization' or 'sectarianism'."
Sixteenth Century Journal, Jon Crawford, Roanoke College

"...the collection's emphasis on the complex and contingent nature of emerging communal identities is welcome indeed. In sum, this is a very strong collection of essays, and a must read for anyone interested in early modern British and Irish history."
Sean Farrell, Northern Illinois University

"...this collection of essays makes a most useful contribution to what has long been an 'under-researched' topic (pp. 237-239). Decades of conflict both stifled and polarized such debate. It is to be hoped that, in today's more open Irish political climate, this book will give rise to further publications on the subsequent development of sectarianism and confessionalization."
H-Catholic, Benjamin Hazard, Department of History, National University of Ireland, Maynooth

Book Description

Ireland is a country where religious divisions have both a long history and a direct contemporary relevance. This book examines how these divisions first emerged in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Leading Irish historians examine how separate Catholic and Protestant church structures and communities were created both nationally and locally, the ways in which these rival institutions shaped people's perceptions of religious difference, and the resultant pattern in Irish history of Protestants and Catholics both living together and whilst living apart as separate denominations.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 260 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (January 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521837553
• ISBN-13: 978-0521837552
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,363,803 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)