A History of Ireland in the Eighteenth Century

Lecky's History of Ireland in the Eighteenth Century remains an important work, particularly for its use of lost archival sources.

William Edward Hartpole Lecky (Author)

9781108024440, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 17 February 2011

494 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.8 cm, 0.62 kg

W. E. H. Lecky (1838–1903) was one of the most distinguished Victorian historians. He was unusual in the extent to which he made use of archival sources, and noted for his ability of do justice to both sides of an argument. His History of Ireland in the Eighteenth Century was first published as part of A History of England in the Eighteenth Century, but was reissued in 1892 as a five-volume work. He has been described as the first revisionist Irish historian, as the aim of the book was partly to respond to Froude's The English in Ireland in the Eighteenth Century, which is markedly anti-Irish in its sentiments. Lecky was no nationalist, and opposed Home Rule, but wanted to provide a more truthful and balanced narrative, and his account of the United Irishmen and the events of 1798 was highly regarded. Volume 1 covers the period to 1760.

Part I. Ireland Before the Eighteenth Century: 1. The land war
2. Religious grievances
3. Rebellion of 1641
4. The revolution
Part II. 1700–1760: 1. Laws against Catholics in Ireland
2. Commercial legislation
3. Emigration of the more energetic Irishmen
4. Religious legislation
5. Social and political effects of the confiscations
6. Better aspects of Irish life
7. Description of the country
8. Irish crime
9. Conflict between the Anglicans and Dissenters
10. Conflict between the English and Irish interests.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]