The Immortal Irishman

The Irish Revolutionary Who Became an American Hero

By: Timothy Egan

Narrated by: Gerard Doyle

Length: 14 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

From the National Book Award-winning and best-selling author Timothy Egan comes the epic story of one of the most fascinating and colorful Irishmen in 19th-century America.

The Irish-American story, with all its twists and triumphs, is told through the improbable life of one man. A dashing young orator during the Great Famine of the 1840s, in which a million of his Irish countrymen died, Thomas Francis Meagher led a failed uprising against British rule, for which he was banished to a Tasmanian prison colony. He escaped and six months later was heralded in the streets of New York - the revolutionary hero, back from the dead, at the dawn of the great Irish immigration to America.

Meagher's rebirth in America included his leading the newly formed Irish Brigade from New York in many of the fiercest battles of the Civil War - Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg. Twice shot from his horse while leading charges, left for dead in the Virginia mud, Meagher's dream was that Irish-American troops, seasoned by war, would return to Ireland and liberate their homeland from British rule.

The hero's last chapter, as territorial governor of Montana, was a romantic quest for a true home in the far frontier. His death has long been a mystery to which Egan brings haunting, colorful new evidence.

©2016 Timothy Egan (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Gerard Doyle narrates the astonishing life story of Thomas Meagher with the lilting enthusiasm of an Irishman who has a fine yarn to tell. And how fine it is.... Infinitely listenable, Doyle delivers this remarkable biography with a clarity, pleasure, and ease that will entice even those who've never heard of Meagher." ( AudioFile)

Sadly Repeating History

Well narrated corner of our history and sadly the bigotry, violence, and prejudice is ongoing.

Montana's Hero

I often wondered who and why the statue of Thomas Meagher stood in front of our capital. I assumed some government bureaucrat owed a favor to honor a past friend. In this book you will find a story of principled living. A man filled with a fight for justice and denouncing oppression of humans at every turn. You will see for yourself why not just Montana debt of gratitude but so do several nations.

Recalls Irish Trials in US Hx.

I loved this book because it gave me a sense of what my ancestors went through coming to this great country. It also heralds the contributions the Irish gave in making the US both good and bad.

Wow! Yes!

Bravo! A great story from start to finish and the narration was perfectly done! I learned so much about the Immortal Thomas Mahrer and Ireland's struggle to be free from England's brutal tyrrany. Erin Go Braugh!

An engaging story covering multiple countries with

An engaging story covering multiple countries with colorful characters. Narration is top notch. A great listen.

Truly an Amazing Tale of the Life of Thomas Marr

Thomas Marr led an astonishing life that would have defeated most people early on. How he persevered in the face of utmost despair is a miracle. His character and focus on a future for the Irish is unparalleled and a tribute to the Irish people and the many and severe injustices that they have overcome.

Immortalized Irish Hero

I enjoyed this historical account of a young Irishman-Thomas Meaghan who fought for what he believed in- freedom, rights of citizens, and fairness. He was willing to die for his beliefs. He is immortalized in America and Ireland for his bravery, words and deeds.
It's a great book for history buffs, and has an inspirational message for us all.
Enjoy

Worth a listen.

I feel like the author did justice to the memory of the Thomas Meagher. For anyone wanting to learn more about the civil war I recommend " fierce patriot the tangled lives of Sherman". I mention this because the weakest part of this book is when the author speaks of individuals and other things on the perifory of the story. Sherman did say I'll shoot you like a dog". Anyone should be able to understand that while he was wrong, he had good reason for this threat. Meagher was not schooled in combat and should have brought up the subject in private. Sherman was a genius, he had the idea for the march. It won the war. He was brilliant and at times crazy. ironically Meagher and Sherman were similar type personalities. The author briefly mentions the "Mormon theocracy " and emphasize s pologomy. This is lazy stereo typing. . Ironically thousands of Irish immigrants were making a new start in the Salt lake valley after being evicted from their own country. Aside from these and a few other quibbles, the book was a delight.

who knew?

What did you love best about The Immortal Irishman?

The story itself. I had never heard of Thomas Marr; I'm surprised my Irish grandfather never talked about this interesting history.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Immortal Irishman?

His escape from the prison island, now Tazmania.

Which character – as performed by Gerard Doyle – was your favorite?

Marr!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The original fighting Irish of America.

Fantastic

What an engaging story. So great to hear of underdogs that rise to the top. And a true story. Loved everything about the book and reading