Over the past decade the historically strife-ridden and impoverished nation of Ireland has emerged as one of the economic and social miracles of Europe. A booming software-based economy dubbed "the Celtic Tiger" has spurred an escalating standard of living, an influx of diaspora returnees and other immigrants, enormous growth in housing and infrastructure, and an uncommon flourishing in the arts. As a result, the Irish find themselves confronted with a new set of questions about who they are, where they are going, and how they will get there.The present volume is the outgrowth (though not the proceedings) of an unprecedented conference featuring more than one hundred renowned Irish writers, scholars, artists, musicians, and political and religious figures, who converged in Charlottesville in May of 2003 under the auspices of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. Over four days, participants engaged in a broad and lively consideration of the present realities and future trajectory of Irish culture: Re-Imagining Ireland, the book, comprises a generous and varied sampling of their voices and views. Each of the ten main essays is followed and beautifully complemented by shorter, topically related pieces from the likes of Roddy Doyle, Colm Toibin, and Frank McCourt, among others. The essay by Declan McGonagle, chairman of the Department of Art and Design at the University of Ulster, is supplemented by a selection of images from the Irish Museum of Modern Art, which were featured in a special exhibition at the original conference. This volume also includes a DVD of the companion documentary film Re-Imagining Ireland, which has aired on several PBS stations as well as on RTE (Irish public television).

ContributorsFintan O'Toole * Helen Shaw * Peter McVerry * Liz O'Donnell * Peadar Kirby * Theo Dorgan * Colm Toibin * Frank McCourt * Larry Kirwan * Lenwood Sloan * Luke Gibbons * Roddy Doyle * Michael Collins * Noel Ignatiev * Angela Bourke * Aodan Mac Poilin * Declan McGonagle * Malcolm Maclean * Susan McKay * Fintan O'Toole * Arthur Aughey * Ed Moloney * Nuala O'Loan * Joe Lee * Kerby A. Miller * Patrick Griffin * Henry Glassie * Mary P. Corcoran * Pat Cooke * Roy Foster * Mick Moloney * Nicholas Carolan * Jean Butler * Martin McLoone * Trish McAdam * Rod Stoneman

Published in association with Virginia Foundation for the Humanities

THE CLASSIC HISTORY OF BRITAIN, FULLY UPDATED Roy Strong has written an exemplary introduction to the history of Britain, as first designated by the Romans. It is a brilliant and balanced account of successive ages bound together by a compelling narrative which answers the questions: 'Where do we come from?' and 'Where are we going?' Beginning with the earliest recorded Celtic times, and ending with the present day of Brexit Britain, it is a remarkable achievement. With his passion, enthusiasm and wide-ranging knowledge, he is the ideal narrator. His book should be read by anyone, anywhere, who cares about Britain's national past, national identity and national prospects.

The Black Door explores the evolving relationship between successive British prime ministers and the intelligence agencies, from Asquith's Secret Service Bureau to Cameron's National Security Council. Intelligence can do a prime minister's dirty work. For more than a century, secret wars have been waged directly from Number 10. They have staved off conflict, defeats and British decline through fancy footwork, often deceiving friend and foe alike. Yet as the birth of the modern British secret service in 1909, prime ministers were strangers to the secret world - sometimes with disastrous consequences. During the Second World War, Winston Churchill oversaw a remarkable revolution in the exploitation of intelligence, bringing it into the centre of government. Chruchill's wartime regime also formed a school of intelligence for future prime ministers, and its secret legacy has endured. Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and David Cameron all became great enthusiasts for spies and special forces. Although Britain's political leaders have often feigned ignorance about what one prime minister called this `strange underworld', some of the most daring and controversial intelligence operations can be traced straight back to Number 10.

Titanic is a fascinating exploration of the most famous maritime disaster of all time. It delves into the astonishing facts surrounding the tragedy of 1912 and is essential for anyone wishing to separate myth from reality. With a range of trivia including facts about the construction of the vessel deemed to be 'unsinkable', the information is presented in an interesting and engaging way to embrace a wide variety of readers. This title is brimming with facts about the Titanic and its passengers, the history of the Titanic, strange stories of premonitions of the disaster, conspiracy theories, the various films, the sinking of the Titanic, the discovery of the wreck and salvage operations, are all explored. Brief, accessible and entertaining pieces on a wide variety of subjects makes it the perfect book to dip in to. The amazing and extraordinary facts series presents interesting, surprising and little-known facts and stories about a wide range of topics which are guaranteed to inform, absorb and entertain in equal measure.

Queen Victoria (4 May 1819 - 22 Jan 1901) is the UK's second longest-reigning monarch after Queen Elizabeth II, with 64 years between becoming queen in 1837 and her death in 1901. This book describes her extraordinary life and reign, her strength and achievements. 24 May 2019 is the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria's birth.

A handy guide to England's most famous cathedrals and abbeys. Includes an eight-page map section showing the locations of cathedrals covered in the book. Historical background and architectural details for each of the cathedrals, accompanied by beautiful colour photographs. Includes the major sites of world famous St Paul's Cathedral and Canterbury Cathedral, home to the leader of the Church of England, and details of location, websites and opening times. * A concise guide to English cathedrals in an accessible format. * Of interest to English, local and architectural historians, visitors to England and the English themselves.

Take a cast of archaeologists and historians who inhabit different worlds. Add a medieval king who died in battle, and was revived by Shakespeare as the ultimate anti-hero. Throw in a forensic quest with almost unbelievable twists, and a theatrical modern burial with no parallel, and you have the material for an irresistible story for our times. In the hands of a leading archaeologist and award-winning journalist, the search for a king's grave becomes the page-turning, entertaining, informed narrative that makes Digging for Richard III the must-read title on the most sensational archaeological find for generations.

'No freeman is to be taken or imprisoned, or dispossessed ... except through the lawful judgment of his peers or through the law of the land.' 'To no one shall we sell, to no one shall we deny or delay right or justice.' Magna Carta (or 'Great Charter' of English Liberties) is one of the most important documents in legal history. Originating as a peace treaty agreed between King John and a group of powerful barons at Runnymede near Windsor on 15 June 1215, it enshrined in law the concept of individual liberty and defined the role of the monarch towards the people. The charter was successively revised and reissued throughout the thirteenth century by England's monarchs, and the ideas expressed in it had a profound influence, as seen in the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights. The Latin text of one version of this landmark document (the 1217 issue of Henry III) is transcribed here in full, together with a modern translation and an introduction which traces the background to the making of the charter and its subsequent revisions through the centuries. It also explains how this text has become an enduring symbol of freedom in Britain and throughout the world.

Henry Stuart's life is the last great forgotten Jacobean tale. Shadowed by the gravity of the Thirty Years' War and the huge changes taking place across Europe in seventeenth-century society, economy, politics and empire, his life was visually and verbally gorgeous. NOW THE SUBJECT OF BBC2 DOCUMENTARY The Best King We Never Had By 1610, the precocious and dynamic Henry Stuart, Prince of Wales was the hope of Britain and Protestant Europe. Eldest son of James VI of Scotland & I of England, his interests ranged far beyond his Court's renowned love of the arts. He invested in cutting-edge science, and began modernising Britain's military and naval capacity. Hailed as `Protector of Virginia', Henry stood at the forefront of the founding of British America. All before his tragic death, aged 18. In this rich and vibrant biography, prize-winning author, Sarah Fraser, brings Henry Stuart to life as the epitome of a Renaissance prince - active, virtuous, ambitious. Henry's story recreates an exciting part of the Jacobean era, during a transformational period of British history.

The cathedral church of Christ in Oxford - better known as Christ Church Cathedral - was established in 1546. It forms one half of Christ Church, the unique joint foundation of cathedral and university college created by King Henry VIII. Today's cathedral occupies the site of a monastery founded in the late seventh century by Frideswide, patron saint of Oxford and its university. In the early twelfth century it was re-founded as an Augustinian priory, and 400 years later it met its nemesis in Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, whose plan for an Oxford college grander than any other caused its dissolution. But when the cardinal fell from royal favour, the priory church was saved. The King's Cathedral is the first account of the convent, priory and cathedral for nearly a century. Judith Curthoys - author of two previous volumes on Christ Church - has drawn widely on scholarly research into the cathedral's archaeology, architecture and history for her fascinating and accessible new study of this historic building.

A book of 25 detachable postcards of beautiful and eclectic tiles from the National Trust collections. Includes such famous names as Delft and de Morgan and William Morris, as well as rare gems found in bathrooms, fireplaces and even pubs. A great gift for anyone interested in art, pattern design or history.A

'Compelling... A real pleasure to read.' - BBC History Magazine In 1621, fifty-six English women crossed the Atlantic in response to the Virginia Company of London's call for maids 'young and uncorrupt' to make wives for the planters of its new colony in Virginia.While the women travelled of their own accord, the company was in effect selling them at a profit for a bride price of 150 lbs of tobacco for each woman sold. The rewards would flow to investors in the near-bankrupt company. But what did the women want from the enterprise? Why did they agree to make the perilous crossing to a wild and dangerous land, where six out of seven European settlers died within their first few years? And what happened to them in the end?

An insider's account of the great political stories over the past three decades years, illustrated with Peter Brookes' iconic cartoons. Philip Webster covered politics for The Times newspaper for 43 years, including 18 years as its political editor. He has been at the centre of all the big stories of the past four decades - the fall of Labour in 1979, the rise and fall of Margaret Thatcher, the emergence and fall of John Major, the rise and fall of Tony Blair and his wars with Gordon Brown, the aftermath of 9/11, the war in Iraq, the fall of Brown, the rise and rise of David Cameron, and the shock election of Jeremy Corbyn. Beautifully illustrated with Peter Brookes' cartoons, Webster offers fresh insight into the great stories of his time. He gives a frank and revelatory insider's account of great political events since Michael Heseltine brandished the Mace, the night the Callaghan government fell, the day Sir Geoffrey Howe brought down Margaret Thatcher, the day Tony Blair said farewell, the night MPs voted for war in Iraq; and every Budget and autumn statement for 40 years. With the wit and geniality that has made him so many friends in politics, he reveals how stories came into his hands and how political journalism influences events as they unfolded. He has witnessed what he terms a golden age of political journalism and this book offers an intimate account of his trade. The essential handbook for anyone interested by the craft of journalism, 'Inside Story' reviews three decades of lead stories and the many politicians, great and small, that he has encountered.

The British Labour Party has at times been a force for radical change in the UK, but one critical aspect of its makeup has been consistently misunderstood and underplayed: its Britishness. Throughout the party's history, its Britishness has been an integral part of how it has done politics, acted in government and opposition, and understood the UK and its nations and regions. The People's Flag and the Union Jack is the first comprehensive account of how Labour has tried to understand Britain and Britishness and to compete in a political landscape defined by conservative notions of nation, patriotism and tradition. At a time when many of the party faithful regard national identity as a toxic subject, academics Gerry Hassan and Eric Shaw argue that Labour's Britishness and its ambiguous relationship with issues of nationalism matter more today than ever before, and will continue to matter for the foreseeable future, when the UK is in fundamental crisis. As debate rages about Brexit, and the prospect of Scottish independence remains live, this timely intervention, featuring contributions from a wealth of pioneering thinkers, offers an illuminating and perceptive insight into Labour's past, present and future.

This is a remarkable popular history of the English Civil War, from the perspectives of those involved in this most significant turning point in British history. This compelling history, culminating in the execution of Charles I, brings to life the people who fought in it, died in it, and in doing so changed the history of the world forever. In an excitingly fresh approach to the period, Diane Purkiss tells the story of this critical era not just in terms of the battle of ideas, but as the histories of the people who conceived them. The English Civil War builds a gripping narrative of the individuals involved and their motives, from those whose reputations were made on the back of this violent and brutal war, such as Oliver Cromwell and Lady Eleanor Davies, to witchfinders and revolutionaries; and ultimately, the ordinary men who fought and the women who lived with tragedy, finding their political voice for the first time. The consequences of ten years of bloody revolution were to stretch from the cities to the villages to the grand houses, form Ulster to East Anglia to the outer reaches of Cornwall.The tales uncovered by Diane Purkiss paint a picture of a world turned upside down, where madness and prophesy play their part, and where normal life and times are suspended. This important book uncovers forgotten lives and illustrates incisively the critical contribution of this extraordinary period in English history to contemporary politics and society.

'An exemplary narrative history, with the archives plundered judiciously … [Kynaston's] portrait of a globally influential institution is, in characteristic style, rendered on an entertainingly human scale' The Times

'Not an ordinary bank, but a great engine of state,' Adam Smith declared of the Bank of England in 1776, which for over 320 years has been central to British history. Yet to most people, despite its increasingly high profile, its history is largely unknown.

Till Time's Last Sand is the first authoritative and accessible single-volume history of the Bank of England, from the Bank's founding in 1694 to Mark Carney's appointment as Governor in 2013. This history addresses the important debates about the Bank's purpose and modes of operation. Yet this is also a narrative that does full justice to the leading episodes and characters of the Bank, while taking care to evoke a real sense of the place itself, with its often distinctively domestic side.

Deploying an array of piquant and revealing material from the Bank's rich archives, this is a multi-layered and insightful portrait of one of our most important national institutions, from one of our leading historians.

Crosbie Smith explores the trials and tribulations of first-generation Victorian mail steamship lines, their passengers, proprietors and the public. Eyewitness accounts show in rich detail how these enterprises engineered their ships, constructed empire-wide systems of steam navigation and won or lost public confidence in the process. Controlling recalcitrant elements within and around steamship systems, however, presented constant challenges to company managers as they attempted to build trust and confidence. Managers thus wrestled to control shipbuilding and marine engine-making, coal consumption, quality and supply, shipboard discipline, religious readings, relations with the Admiralty and government, anxious proprietors, and the media - especially following a disaster or accident. Emphasizing interconnections between maritime history, the history of engineering and Victorian culture, Smith's innovative history of early ocean steamships reveals the fraught uncertainties of Victorian life on the seas.

Great Britain unearths the hidden legends, laws, landscapes, discoveries, adventures and locations that have shaped Britain's compelling, and at times, tumultuous past. Explore how Britain was formed - its geology and climate, the quirky characters and events of its history and the origin of British institutions, such as public schools, fish and chips and driving on the left hand side. Brief, accessible and entertaining pieces on a wide variety of subjects makes it the perfect book to dip in to. The amazing and extraordinary facts series presents interesting, surprising and little-known facts and stories about a wide range of topics which are guaranteed to inform, absorb and entertain in equal measure.

This book, by a leading authority on early modern social and cultural history, examines in detail how an important English aristocrat managed his horses. At the same time, it discusses how horses and the uses to which they were put were a very significant social statement and a forceful assertion of status and the right to political power. Based on detailed original research in the archives of Chatsworth House, the book explores the breeding and rearing, the buying and selling, and the care and maintenance of horses, showing how these activities fitted in to the overall management of the earl's large estates. It outlines the uses of horses as the earl and his retinue travelled to and from family, the county assizes and quarter sessions, social visits and London for "the season" and to attend Court and Parliament. It also considers the use of horses in sport: hawking, hunting, racing and the other ways in which visitors were entertained. Overall, the book provides a great deal of detail on the management of horses in the period and also on the yearly cycle of activities of a typical aristocrat engaged in service, pleasure and power. PETER EDWARDS is an Emeritus Professor of Early Modern British Social History at the University of Roehampton. He has published numerous books including The Horse Trade of Tudor and Stuart England and Horse and Man in Early Modern England.

Branded one of the greatest villains of all time, the name Guy Fawkes is synonymous with a spectacular crime that never was. Discover who Guy Fawkes was and how he became involved in a world of intrigue, find out who orchestrated the famous plot and unravel the mystery of why it failed in this informative and finely illustrated Pitkin Guide. Students of history and visitors to London will find this book invaluable. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

Discover the fascinating lives of the iconic figures that have shaped Scotland from the early nineteenth century to the present day. Explore the rich history of Scotland's cultural, social and political landscape, with more than 100 obituaries carefully curated from The Times archive. The Scots have contributed richly to the world, most notably in literature and science, but also in the arts, law, politics, religion, scholarship and sport. In this volume, The Times brings together a unique and fascinating collection of obituaries. The list includes people who have made the greatest impact in their fields, others who have led particularly interesting or influential lives, and a selection of notable Scottish figures in the history of The Times. This book features the major Scottish figures of influence from the last 200 years and includes a diverse range of people, including: Sir Walter Scott, Sir David Livingstone, Thomas Carlyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, Keir Hardie, Alexander Graham Bell, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Phoebe Traquair, James Ramsay MacDonald, John Logie Baird, Mary Somerville, Jim Clark, John Smith, Donald Dewar, Eugenie Fraser, Robin Cook, Jock Stein, R. D. Laing, Margo MacDonald, William McIlvanney, Tam Dalyell and Ronnie Corbett.