-
The Irish Identity: Independence, History, and Literature
- Narrated by: Marc C. Conner
- Length: 18 hrs and 41 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed

Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $36.50
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The American Civil War
- By: Gary W. Gallagher, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Gary W. Gallagher
- Length: 24 hrs and 37 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Between 1861 and 1865, the clash of the greatest armies the Western hemisphere had ever seen turned small towns, little-known streams, and obscure meadows in the American countryside into names we will always remember. In those great battles, those streams ran red with blood-and the United States was truly born.
-
-
Excellent Series
- By Rodney on 07-09-13
By: Gary W. Gallagher, and others
-
Celtic Mythology: Fascinating Myths and Legends of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes and Monster from the Ancient Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Brittany Mythology
- By: Simon Lopez
- Narrated by: Neil Hamilton
- Length: 5 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Celtic mythology entrances many people as it has so many tales of heroism. It is steeped in history, mythology, wonder, adventure, and even romance. Some of the stories included are: Irish myths: "Children of Lir", "The Wooing Of Étain", "The Cattle Raid of Cooley", and "The Salmon of Knowledge"; Welsh myths: The four branches of Mabinogi and stories of Lyr’s descendants; Scottish myths: "Blue Men of Minch", "Sawney Bean", and "Myth of the Selkie"; Breton myths: "Sword of Arthur" and "Arthur’s Giant"; and many other amazing tales!
-
-
wonderful!
- By Puffcat on 04-24-21
By: Simon Lopez
-
The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World
- By: Robert Garland, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Robert Garland
- Length: 24 hrs and 28 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Look beyond the abstract dates and figures, kings and queens, and battles and wars that make up so many historical accounts. Over the course of 48 richly detailed lectures, Professor Garland covers the breadth and depth of human history from the perspective of the so-called ordinary people, from its earliest beginnings through the Middle Ages.
-
-
Tantalizing time trip
- By Mark on 08-21-13
By: Robert Garland, and others
-
1066: The Year That Changed Everything
- By: Jennifer Paxton, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Jennifer Paxton
- Length: 3 hrs
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With this exciting and historically rich six-lecture course, experience for yourself the drama of this dynamic year in medieval history, centered on the landmark Norman Conquest. Taking you from the shores of Scandinavia and France to the battlefields of the English countryside, these lectures will plunge you into a world of fierce Viking warriors, powerful noble families, politically charged marriages, tense succession crises, epic military invasions, and much more.
-
-
History brought to life
- By Joshua on 07-10-13
By: Jennifer Paxton, and others
-
Warriors, Queens, and Intellectuals: 36 Great Women Before 1400
- By: Joyce E. Salisbury, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Joyce E. Salisbury
- Length: 17 hrs and 53 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Throughout history, women have played integral roles in family, society, religion, government, war - in short, in all aspects of human civilization. Powerful women have shaped laws, led rebellions, and played key roles in dynastic struggles. Some were caught up in forces beyond their control, while others manipulated and murdered their way to the top. However, unearthing their stories from the historical record has been a challenge, with the ordinary difficulties of preserving information across the generations increased by centuries of historical bias and gendered expectations.
-
-
Subpar Course
- By Hennypenny on 07-23-19
By: Joyce E. Salisbury, and others
-
The Foundations of Western Civilization
- By: Thomas F. X. Noble, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Thomas F. X. Noble
- Length: 24 hrs and 51 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What is Western Civilization? According to Professor Noble, it is "much more than human and political geography," encompassing myriad forms of political and institutional structures - from monarchies to participatory republics - and its own traditions of political discourse. It involves choices about who gets to participate in any given society and the ways in which societies have resolved the tension between individual self-interest and the common good.
-
-
Not Engaging or Very Interesting
- By Tommy D'Angelo on 03-05-17
By: Thomas F. X. Noble, and others
-
The American Civil War
- By: Gary W. Gallagher, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Gary W. Gallagher
- Length: 24 hrs and 37 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Between 1861 and 1865, the clash of the greatest armies the Western hemisphere had ever seen turned small towns, little-known streams, and obscure meadows in the American countryside into names we will always remember. In those great battles, those streams ran red with blood-and the United States was truly born.
-
-
Excellent Series
- By Rodney on 07-09-13
By: Gary W. Gallagher, and others
-
Celtic Mythology: Fascinating Myths and Legends of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes and Monster from the Ancient Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Brittany Mythology
- By: Simon Lopez
- Narrated by: Neil Hamilton
- Length: 5 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Celtic mythology entrances many people as it has so many tales of heroism. It is steeped in history, mythology, wonder, adventure, and even romance. Some of the stories included are: Irish myths: "Children of Lir", "The Wooing Of Étain", "The Cattle Raid of Cooley", and "The Salmon of Knowledge"; Welsh myths: The four branches of Mabinogi and stories of Lyr’s descendants; Scottish myths: "Blue Men of Minch", "Sawney Bean", and "Myth of the Selkie"; Breton myths: "Sword of Arthur" and "Arthur’s Giant"; and many other amazing tales!
-
-
wonderful!
- By Puffcat on 04-24-21
By: Simon Lopez
-
The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World
- By: Robert Garland, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Robert Garland
- Length: 24 hrs and 28 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Look beyond the abstract dates and figures, kings and queens, and battles and wars that make up so many historical accounts. Over the course of 48 richly detailed lectures, Professor Garland covers the breadth and depth of human history from the perspective of the so-called ordinary people, from its earliest beginnings through the Middle Ages.
-
-
Tantalizing time trip
- By Mark on 08-21-13
By: Robert Garland, and others
-
1066: The Year That Changed Everything
- By: Jennifer Paxton, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Jennifer Paxton
- Length: 3 hrs
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With this exciting and historically rich six-lecture course, experience for yourself the drama of this dynamic year in medieval history, centered on the landmark Norman Conquest. Taking you from the shores of Scandinavia and France to the battlefields of the English countryside, these lectures will plunge you into a world of fierce Viking warriors, powerful noble families, politically charged marriages, tense succession crises, epic military invasions, and much more.
-
-
History brought to life
- By Joshua on 07-10-13
By: Jennifer Paxton, and others
-
Warriors, Queens, and Intellectuals: 36 Great Women Before 1400
- By: Joyce E. Salisbury, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Joyce E. Salisbury
- Length: 17 hrs and 53 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Throughout history, women have played integral roles in family, society, religion, government, war - in short, in all aspects of human civilization. Powerful women have shaped laws, led rebellions, and played key roles in dynastic struggles. Some were caught up in forces beyond their control, while others manipulated and murdered their way to the top. However, unearthing their stories from the historical record has been a challenge, with the ordinary difficulties of preserving information across the generations increased by centuries of historical bias and gendered expectations.
-
-
Subpar Course
- By Hennypenny on 07-23-19
By: Joyce E. Salisbury, and others
-
The Foundations of Western Civilization
- By: Thomas F. X. Noble, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Thomas F. X. Noble
- Length: 24 hrs and 51 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What is Western Civilization? According to Professor Noble, it is "much more than human and political geography," encompassing myriad forms of political and institutional structures - from monarchies to participatory republics - and its own traditions of political discourse. It involves choices about who gets to participate in any given society and the ways in which societies have resolved the tension between individual self-interest and the common good.
-
-
Not Engaging or Very Interesting
- By Tommy D'Angelo on 03-05-17
By: Thomas F. X. Noble, and others
-
The Rise of Rome
- By: The Great Courses, Gregory S. Aldrete
- Narrated by: Gregory S. Aldrete
- Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Roman Republic is one of the most breathtaking civilizations in world history. Between roughly 500 BCE to the turn of the millennium, a modest city-state developed an innovative system of government and expanded into far-flung territories across Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. This powerful civilization inspired America's founding fathers, gifted us a blueprint for amazing engineering innovations, left a vital trove of myths, and has inspired the human imagination for 2,000 years.
-
-
Very good, but doesn't stand out
- By Christopher on 02-08-18
By: The Great Courses, and others
-
The Celtic World
- By: The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor Jennifer Paxton PhD
- Length: 12 hrs and 52 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Following the surge of interest and pride in Celtic identity since the 19th century, much of what we thought we knew about the Celts has been radically transformed. In The Celtic World, discover the incredible story of the Celtic-speaking peoples, whose art, language, and culture once spread from Ireland to Austria. This series of 24 enlightening lectures explains the traditional historical view of who the Celts were, then contrasts it with brand-new evidence from DNA analysis and archeology that totally changes our perspective on where the Celts came from.
-
-
I wish this had a different title
- By Kindle Customer on 06-20-18
-
The New Testament
- By: Bart D. Ehrman, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Bart D. Ehrman
- Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Whether taken as a book of faith or a cultural artifact, the New Testament is among the most significant writings the world has ever known, its web of meaning relied upon by virtually every major writer in the last 2,000 years. Yet the New Testament is not only one of Western civilization’s most believed books, but also one of its most widely disputed, often maligned, and least clearly understood, with a vast number of people unaware of how it was written and transmitted.
-
-
If you want a balanced overview this is not it
- By Amazon Customer on 02-27-16
By: Bart D. Ehrman, and others
-
Thinking Like an Economist: A Guide to Rational Decision Making
- By: Randall Bartlett, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Randall Bartlett
- Length: 6 hrs and 11 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Economic forces are everywhere around you. But that doesn't mean you need to passively accept whatever outcome those forces might press upon you. Instead, with these 12 fast-moving and crystal clear lectures, you can learn how to use a small handful of basic nuts-and-bolts principles to turn those same forces to your own advantage.
-
-
Great for beginners, nothing you for an economist
- By V. Taras on 07-08-15
By: Randall Bartlett, and others
-
Years That Changed History: 1215
- By: Dorsey Armstrong, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Dorsey Armstrong
- Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What is so important about the year 1215? There are some history buffs who may be able to tell you that 1215 is the year the Magna Carta was signed, but there are even fewer who know that King John of England’s acceptance of this charter was only one of four major, world-changing events of this significant year. In fact, the social, cultural, political, geographical, and religious shifts that occurred in this year alone had such a huge impact on the entire world, it warrants an entire course of study for anyone truly interested in the pivotal points of history....
-
-
1215 -- Before and Beyond
- By Carol on 08-16-19
By: Dorsey Armstrong, and others
-
The Great Trials of World History and the Lessons They Teach Us
- By: Douglas O. Linder, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Douglas O. Linder JD
- Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
No understanding of the past is complete without an understanding of the legal battles and struggles that have done so much to shape it. Inside a survey of world history's greatest trials are the key insights to critical issues we still talk about today, including freedom of speech, the death penalty, religious freedom, and the meaning of equality. Join Professor Linder for these 24 lectures that investigate important legal cases from around the world and across the centuries.
-
-
Interesting material, but . . .
- By Mark on 12-29-17
By: Douglas O. Linder, and others
-
England: From the Fall of Rome to the Norman Conquest
- By: Jennifer Paxton, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor Jennifer Paxton
- Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
England: From the Fall of Rome to the Norman Conquest takes you through the mists of time to the rugged landscape of the British Isles. Over the course of 24 sweeping lectures, Professor Jennifer Paxton of The Catholic University of America surveys the forging of a great nation from a series of warring kingdoms and migrating peoples. From Germanic tribes to Viking invasions to Irish missionaries, she brings to life an underexamined time and place.
-
-
Wonderful
- By Anonymous User on 12-10-22
By: Jennifer Paxton, and others
-
The Iliad of Homer
- By: Elizabeth Vandiver, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Vandiver
- Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For thousands of years, Homer's ancient epic poem the
Iliad has enchanted readers from around the world. When you join Professor Vandiver for this lecture series on the Iliad, you'll come to understand what has enthralled and gripped so many people. Her compelling 12-lecture look at this literary masterpiece -whether it's the work of many authors or the "vision" of a single blind poet - makes it vividly clear why, after almost 3,000 years, the
Iliad remains not only among the greatest adventure stories ever told but also one of the most compelling meditations on the human condition ever written.
-
-
Vandiver never disappoints
- By Machteacher on 07-23-13
By: Elizabeth Vandiver, and others
-
A Day's Read
- By: The Great Courses, Emily Allen, Grant L. Voth, and others
- Narrated by: Arnold Weinstein, Emily Allen, Grant L. Voth
- Length: 18 hrs and 25 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Join three literary scholars and award-winning professors as they introduce you to dozens of short masterpieces that you can finish - and engage with - in a day or less. Perfect for people with busy lives who still want to discover-or rediscover-just how transformative an act of reading can be, these 36 lectures range from short stories of fewer than 10 pages to novellas and novels of around 200 pages. Despite their short length, these works are powerful examinations of the same subjects and themes that longer "great books" discuss.
-
-
Stories not included, only discussed
- By Julie Jester on 01-15-16
By: The Great Courses, and others
-
What Darwin Didn’t Know: The Modern Science of Evolution
- By: Scott Solomon, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Scott Solomon
- Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Since the publication in 1859 of Charles Darwin's remarkable On the Origin of Species, the modern science of biology and genetics has added surprising new dimensions to evolutionary theory. In this course, you’ll discover what Darwin didn’t know, covering much of the curriculum of an introductory college course in evolutionary biology. No background in science is needed to follow these engaging lectures, delivered by Professor Scott Solomon of Rice University, a gifted teacher and widely traveled field biologist.
-
-
Amazing journey.
- By Amazon Customer on 01-22-19
By: Scott Solomon, and others
-
The Life and Writings of C. S. Lewis
- By: Louis Markos, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Louis Markos
- Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What can we still learn from C.S. Lewis? Find out in these 12 insightful lectures that cover the author's spiritual autobiography, novels, and his scholarly writings that reflect on pain and grief, love and friendship, prophecy and miracles, and education and mythology.
-
-
Basically a collection of sermons
- By Richard on 11-20-13
By: Louis Markos, and others
-
Ancient Writing and the History of the Alphabet
- By: John McWhorter, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: John McWhorter
- Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Embark on a journey to the very beginning of writing as a tool of language and see how the many threads of history and linguistics came together to create the alphabet that forms the foundation of English writing. Your guide is Professor John McWhorter of Columbia University and in the 16 lectures of Ancient Writing and the History of the Alphabet, he will help you navigate the complex linguistic and cultural history behind one of our most crucial tools of communication.
-
-
Fantastic narration & interesting content
- By Shelby on 06-06-23
By: John McWhorter, and others
Publisher's summary
Many political and cultural events sent shock waves through the Irish world in the 19th and early 20th centuries as Ireland gradually shook off the shackles of British rule. Alongside a long and painful political process arose one of the greatest flourishings of literature in modern times - a spirited discourse among those who sought to shape their nation's future, finding the significance of their bloody present intimately entwined with their legendary past. As nationalists including Charles Stewart Parnell, Patrick Pearse, and Michael Collins studied their political situation and sought a road to independence, writers such as W. B. Yeats, James Joyce, J. M. Synge, Lady Gregory, and many others examined the emerging Irish identity and captured the spirit of the nation's ongoing history in their works.
Delve into this remarkable period with The Irish Identity: Independence, History, and Literature. After laying the groundwork of ancient Irish history and centuries of British rule - from the Norman invasion in the 12th century through the brutal Penal Laws and the Great Famine - Professor Conner brings you inside the Irish Renaissance, also called the Irish Revival. Around the turn of the 20th century, a group of writers began taking a keen interest in the uniquely Irish culture, from its language to its art to its mythology. This fascination fed into the growing demand for Irish nationhood, and the arts, culture, and politics of the time are inextricable.
The Irish Renaissance fused and elevated aesthetic and civic ambitions, fueling a cultural climate of masterful artistic creation and resolute political self-determination reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance. Over the course of 36 enthralling lectures, Professor Conner reveals the multifaceted story of the Irish Renaissance through an exploration of its complex history and remarkable literature.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
More from the same
What listeners say about The Irish Identity: Independence, History, and Literature
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dana Payne
- 08-23-16
More Literature with a little history thrown in.
This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?
If you're a fan of Irish "Renaissance" literature and academic literary analysis this is for you. It focuses mostly on a small group of writers that seem to have created said renaissance with special attention paid to James Joyce.
What could The Great Courses have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?
I would have preferred the history of the independence movement and the average Irish citizen to have taken a larger role in the lectures. Instead they were occasional seasoning next to a group of writers that the professor stresses were not like the average Irishman at all. I was expecting more actual history and connections between the literature and the actual independence movement given the description. While the professor does try to connect them it doesn't work. We're given academic and disconnected analysis of pretentious writing not a real look at Irish Identity.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
31 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- ELG
- 11-13-16
Need to recommend a prerequisite
If one was familiar with all the writings of all the Irish authors perhaps one might have understood what he was talking about. Was like being at a party where all they did was name drop. Yes I would like to learn more about my Irish roots but most of this was awful unless you know the writings of the authors he is talking about. Not a history, more a fan club. Disappointed , couldn't finish after several tries.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
25 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Brett P. Ziller
- 12-29-18
Title is misleading, this is a lecture on literature
The lectures focus on Irish literature more than any historical events or political history. This is an English professor talking about lit history. I was extremely disappointed that there were two chapters combined on Collins and DeValero and ten chapters on Lady Gregory. I learned more about Irish independence and Irish civil war on Wikipedia. Good listen if you want to deep dive on James Joyce chapters, stay away if you want to learn about Irish history
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
20 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mr. Tim Skirvin
- 12-30-16
Please lose the background music
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
This course was interesting enough, though I was expecting a much greater focus on history rather than literature. Still, the thing that really annoyed me was the occasional foray into background music - ~20-30 second clips of background material played under the main narration. I find this distracting and tedious, and it takes away from the overall experience. I would really like it if the Teaching Company would stop doing this!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
15 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Andrew
- 12-29-16
Too heavy on literature
I was looking for more of a history lesson, over 50% reviewing Irish literature which to be honest was not as interesting as the lecturer made out.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
14 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Tracie Smith
- 09-08-16
Entertaining and educational... Especially for literature buffs
The narrative of the first few lectures was a little hard to follow, but after that this course was very entertaining, educational and interesting. I gained a strong appreciation for Irish literature and history and their role in shaping the national identity. After having traveled trough the country, this was a very rewarding course.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon04
- 10-16-16
Terrific!
A wonderful blend of Irish history, literature, theater, politics and the people who lived through it all. Professor Conner is an excellent narrator and I was sorry when it came to an end! I enjoyed his Shakespeare course, too. More, Please!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- DCray
- 02-14-20
history?
this is all about authors, a little of the other arts, and a tiny bit of history. I still need to find a book about the history of Ireland
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Heather H.
- 01-30-19
Great choice for history and literature of Ireland
If you've been thinking about this, or have done research on Ireland/have ancestors there, do it. This has been in my queue a year but once I started I couldn't stop. Was afraid it would be dry, but the lilt and language and passion make it almost enthralling.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Tricia
- 08-13-18
Great content, bad pronunciation
The content relayed is accurate and historically accurate. However, in what I’m assuming is an attempt to speak clearly, the speaker mispronounced names of most ancient gods and famous tales For example, “Lug” is was pronounced “Luke”, when it should have been pronounced like the name “Lou”.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- MC
- 06-12-17
Well.
I have found the book to be very interesting. I am Irish so have learned a lot of the history and literature in school which provided me a better foundation to follow along in the listening but I wouldn't say it was necessary. I really like how the author ties in art and culture in order to explain the political processes because it is an extremely accurate depiction and still quite relevant today.
My only real negatives are:
1. There is a lot of repetition. He mentions some points 3 or 4 times. It's only a sentence or two that gets repeated, but I picked up on it immediately even though I listened to the book over several weeks.
2. Sometimes the audio would jump or skip back for a few seconds- less than 5 but still annoying.
3. The narrator's pronunciation; it killed me. I'm sure it wouldn't bother non-Irish but it grated on me every time he would say O'Mahony or Pearce or Dail Eireann and absolutely massacre them. Weirdly enough there is a part where he reads out a short poem in Irish and the was pronounced properly so I'm not sure why he was not able to properly pronounce places and people.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
16 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Réamonn Ó Ciaráin
- 08-23-16
In depth, incisive & invaluable account of Ireland's story
I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book. It is well written & well read. The series of lectures seemed to flow naturally from the story of Ireland's earliest inhabitants to the huge influence of Seamus Heaney. The listener is guided backwards & forwards through the material in an entertaining & informative way. I highly recommend this fascinating & balanced overview of Irish Identity. I have walked, driven & exercised my way through five thousand years of my country's history in the company of a master teacher. Mo mhíle buíochas Marc c. Conner. Réamonn Ó Ciaráin - Ard Mhacha.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
12 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Tina McCloskey
- 05-09-22
Really accessible
This is a great summary but he gets some things wrong either accidentally or does it for the American market. Eg he refers to the celtic revival but it was the gaelic revival. The irish are Gaels not celts. He refers to Irish slaves sent to the America's. This is also for the American market. The irish were sent as indentured servants, and treated badly but were not chattel slaves and their children were not slaves. Irish scholars who've looked at genetics of bodies found in Irish bogs have concluded that the celts never invaded nor took over Ireland but came and traded and brought art and tools etc but did not make a genetic input to Ireland. Re the famine, reasons why the populace were so dependent on potatoes is not dealt with significantly enough to counter the idea that we were stupid to have done so. Also he glossed over the importance of why DeValera kept Ireland neutral in the WW2. And very much glossed over why the provisional IRA started up, almost like they started up for no reason rather than in response to severe oppression and violence from ulster unionists upon the irish in NI and violence from the British government/army who incited sectarian violence by sending in plain clothes army men at night to catholic areas to shoot random victims and drive back to protestant areas, stoking up fear and hatred. But despite these failures of is very much worthwhile listening to and he writes of Lady Gregory in a lovely way. I've no sympathy nor love for the Anglo irish who stole irish land, kept themselves apart for generations and took part in Irish oppression but she was a woman apart.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- James
- 07-16-20
really Great.
really Great he mispronounced some names and places but really great. I learned a lot more than in school it was particularly interesting getting an outside perspective.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Rebecca Kelleher
- 08-09-18
Ahhhhh....
Content is good but the pronunciation is horrific. Don’t get if this would annoy you
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mr J A G Lees
- 01-26-18
Sycophantic
I was really disappointed by this, perhaps the first of the Great Courses I have been. The run through of Irish history was so unbalanced and lacking in any attempt to provide context or an opposing view that it falls far short of the usual standard.
The Irish heros of old, and literary greats are all perfect, their adversaries are all as bad as can be. During the famine the English are all simply evil. There is no consideration if laissez faire norms of the time could in part explain, if not justify the lack of response; or that though slow to start, the relief when it did come was unprecedented in scale for that point in history. The other great courses on the industrial revolution covers this with far more nuance.
Although probably more a course on Irish literature than history, in the end I gave up on the book without finishing as it was just frustrating me.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Borders1
- 08-07-16
Intelligent and engaging
Refreshing perspective on all things Irish. Succinct and illuminating. I liked the authors intent and delivery and could easily forgive his occasionally dodgy pronunciation. Very much enjoyed. Thanks!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mark
- 08-22-20
An Informative and Enjoyable Listen
As a native Irishman and student of English, I found this audiobook from Prof. Conner hugely informative. The material covered in this mammoth listen is not covered in Irish secondary schools and is therefore recommended for any student seeking to fully capture Ireland's identity and culture. I came to this book with the goal of discovering my nation's identity but came away with so much more. Through Prof. Conner's course, I discovered in my own country's history and literature a wealth of agonised soul-searching which resulted in the creation of artists the likes of which Europe had never before seen. Such writers as James Joyce, J.M. Synge, Lady Gregory, W.B. Yeats, and G.B. Shaw crafted works which properly illustrated the angst and suffering of a people oppressed by British rule.
As a creative writing student at University College Dublin myself, I found the chapters on Joyce particularly insightful and surprisingly enjoyable, an adjective I never thought to use in connection with Joyce. I study in the James Joyce library on campus every day and have visited MoLI (The Museum of Literature Ireland) many times. While these structures brim with Joyce’s legacy, Conner’s book more accurately brought the man and his work to life. To be guided through 'A Portrait' and 'Ulysses' in an hour or two is intensely satisfying and sparked my curiosity to perhaps one day complete these challenging masterpieces.
I don’t want to give the impression that this listen is only for those of a literary bent. As the title suggests, this book is chock full of history and will definitely satisfy the historians amongst you. I don’t agree with some reviewers that this book does not contain enough history - for to accurately depict our country’s history, we of course must cover literature and Prof. Conner does this expertly. To be guided through the Neolithic period right up until the 1930s was illuminating and something which is undoubtedly missing from the Irish secondary curriculum.
Overall, 'The Irish Identity: Independence, History, and Literature' was informative and enjoyable. While I agree that some names and places were poorly pronounced, this hardly diminishes the wealth of information contained within this book. If you are in any way interested in Ireland’s history, its people or its literature, I highly recommend this well-structured listen.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- tony
- 08-26-16
absolutely brilliant
I was glued from start to finish. Very entertaining and informative review of Irish history and identity
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Colin
- 12-04-22
Fantastic
An excellent course for anyone wishing to understand irish history and link past events together
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Fi
- 04-11-23
Well Researched.
This was great revision of the events surrounding Ireland’s independence and history. There was also great detail surrounding some of the most prominent authors, poets and dramatists and their work. Overall, this was well researched. As an Irish speaker I found myself getting very frustrated with the total mispronunciation of many of the Irish names.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Meg Beaty
- 12-21-22
Concise, broad, and thorough
More literature examination than I expected but that only enhanced and supported the topic premise.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
People who viewed this also viewed...
-
The Celtic World
- By: The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor Jennifer Paxton PhD
- Length: 12 hrs and 52 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Following the surge of interest and pride in Celtic identity since the 19th century, much of what we thought we knew about the Celts has been radically transformed. In The Celtic World, discover the incredible story of the Celtic-speaking peoples, whose art, language, and culture once spread from Ireland to Austria. This series of 24 enlightening lectures explains the traditional historical view of who the Celts were, then contrasts it with brand-new evidence from DNA analysis and archeology that totally changes our perspective on where the Celts came from.
-
-
I wish this had a different title
- By Kindle Customer on 06-20-18
-
A Short History of Ireland, 1500-2000
- By: John Gibney
- Narrated by: Gerard Doyle
- Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Five centuries of Irish history are explored in this informative and accessible volume. John Gibney proceeds from the beginning of Ireland’s modern period and continues through to virtually the present day, offering an integrated overview of the island nation’s cultural, political, and socioeconomic history. This succinct, scholarly study covers important historical events, including the Cromwellian conquest and settlement, the Great Famine, and the struggle for Irish independence.
-
-
A great introduction to modern Irish history
- By Clint on 05-23-22
By: John Gibney
-
1066: The Year That Changed Everything
- By: Jennifer Paxton, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Jennifer Paxton
- Length: 3 hrs
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With this exciting and historically rich six-lecture course, experience for yourself the drama of this dynamic year in medieval history, centered on the landmark Norman Conquest. Taking you from the shores of Scandinavia and France to the battlefields of the English countryside, these lectures will plunge you into a world of fierce Viking warriors, powerful noble families, politically charged marriages, tense succession crises, epic military invasions, and much more.
-
-
History brought to life
- By Joshua on 07-10-13
By: Jennifer Paxton, and others
-
Celtic Mythology: Fascinating Myths and Legends of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes and Monster from the Ancient Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Brittany Mythology
- By: Simon Lopez
- Narrated by: Neil Hamilton
- Length: 5 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Celtic mythology entrances many people as it has so many tales of heroism. It is steeped in history, mythology, wonder, adventure, and even romance. Some of the stories included are: Irish myths: "Children of Lir", "The Wooing Of Étain", "The Cattle Raid of Cooley", and "The Salmon of Knowledge"; Welsh myths: The four branches of Mabinogi and stories of Lyr’s descendants; Scottish myths: "Blue Men of Minch", "Sawney Bean", and "Myth of the Selkie"; Breton myths: "Sword of Arthur" and "Arthur’s Giant"; and many other amazing tales!
-
-
wonderful!
- By Puffcat on 04-24-21
By: Simon Lopez
-
An Introductory Irish Gaelic Language Course
- A Guide to the Language of Ireland
- By: Hazel Ailen
- Narrated by: Hazel Ailen
- Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Welcome to your Irish Gaelic language course. Over the next month, across 28 sessions of approximately 20 minutes each, you will build a strong understanding of the Irish Gaelic language, from being a complete beginner to having an ability to speak and understanding this culturally and historically important language. The course begins with frequently used words and phrases such as answers to questions and greetings and then progressively builds to more complex vocabulary and sentence structures. Real-life conversations are included throughout in order to test your understanding in context.
By: Hazel Ailen
-
The American Civil War
- By: Gary W. Gallagher, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Gary W. Gallagher
- Length: 24 hrs and 37 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Between 1861 and 1865, the clash of the greatest armies the Western hemisphere had ever seen turned small towns, little-known streams, and obscure meadows in the American countryside into names we will always remember. In those great battles, those streams ran red with blood-and the United States was truly born.
-
-
Excellent Series
- By Rodney on 07-09-13
By: Gary W. Gallagher, and others
-
The Celtic World
- By: The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor Jennifer Paxton PhD
- Length: 12 hrs and 52 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Following the surge of interest and pride in Celtic identity since the 19th century, much of what we thought we knew about the Celts has been radically transformed. In The Celtic World, discover the incredible story of the Celtic-speaking peoples, whose art, language, and culture once spread from Ireland to Austria. This series of 24 enlightening lectures explains the traditional historical view of who the Celts were, then contrasts it with brand-new evidence from DNA analysis and archeology that totally changes our perspective on where the Celts came from.
-
-
I wish this had a different title
- By Kindle Customer on 06-20-18