The Cambridge History of Ireland: Volume 1, 600–1550

Covering almost one thousand years, this volume explores the political, cultural, economic, religious and social history of medieval Ireland.

Brendan Smith (Edited by), Thomas Bartlett (General editor)

9781107110670, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 26 April 2018

680 pages, 36 b/w illus. 4 maps 2 tables
23.5 x 16 x 3.5 cm, 1.22 kg

'… presents an up-to-date summary of research and it hints towards new avenues for investigation. It will be a useful addition to the bookshelves of any historian dealing with medieval Europe.' Clare Downham, Speculum

The thousand years explored in this book witnessed developments in the history of Ireland that resonate to this day. Interspersing narrative with detailed analysis of key themes, the first volume in the Cambridge History of Ireland presents the latest thinking on key aspects of the medieval Irish experience. The contributors are leading experts in their fields, and present their original interpretations in a fresh and accessible manner. New perspectives are offered on the politics, artistic culture, religious beliefs and practices, social organisation and economic activity that prevailed on the island in these centuries. At each turn the question is asked: to what extent were these developments unique to Ireland? The openness of Ireland to outside influences, and its capacity to influence the world beyond its shores, are recurring themes. Underpinning the book is a comparative, outward-looking approach that sees Ireland as an integral but exceptional component of medieval Christian Europe.

Introduction Brendan Smith
Part I. Christianity, Invasion and Conquest: 600–1200: 1. Communities and their landscapes Edel Bhreatnach
2. Learning, imagination and belief John Carey
3. Art and society Jane Hawkes
4. The Scandinavian intervention Alex Woolf
5. Perception and reality: Ireland c.980–1229 Máire Ní Mhaonaigh
6. Conquest and conquerors Colin Veach
Part II. English Lordship in Ireland: 1200–1550: 7. Angevin Ireland Nicholas Vincent
8. The height of English power: 1250–1320 Beth Hartland
9. Disaster and opportunity: 1320–1450 Brendan Smith
10. The political recovery of Gaelic Ireland Katharine Simms
11. Continuity and change: 1470–1550 Christopher Maginn
12. Late medieval Ireland in a wider world Michael Bennett
Part III. Religion, Economy and Culture, 1000–1550: 13. The Church, 1050–1460 Colmán Ó Clabaigh
14. The economy Margaret Murphy
15. Gaelic culture and society Katharine Simms
16. The structure of politics in theory and practice, 1210–1541 Peter Crooks
17. Material culture Rachel Moss
18. The onset of religious reform: 1460–1550 Mary Ann Lyons
19. Contexts, divisions and unities: perspectives from the Later Middle Ages Robin Frame.

Subject Areas: Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], British & Irish history [HBJD1]