For the Cause of Liberty

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The story of Irish nationalism unfolds from the legendary king Brian Boru, who united Ireland's chieftains against the Vikings, to the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland. In a fast-paced narrative, Terry Golway chronicles a thousand years of Irish history, highlighting the patriots who kept the dream of freedom alive until it was finally realized. As England focused on Ireland during the Middle Ages, the Irish began a long struggle for identity, marked by colonization that initiated a powerful saga of suffering, sacrifice, and triumph. Over the centuries, heroes emerged to lead the resistance against assimilation, with Golway recounting their dramatic stories. Among them are Wolfe Tone, who chose death over capture during the 1798 rebellion; Kevin Barry, executed at eighteen rather than betray his comrades; and Bobby Sands, whose hunger strike in 1981 drew global attention to the Northern Ireland conflict. Notable women, including Anna Parnell and Countess Markievicz, also played crucial roles. Golway emphasizes that the quest for Irish freedom transcended religious divides, with many nationalist heroes being Protestants, some descended from English settlers. The narrative also acknowledges the influence of the United States, particularly following significant Irish immigration in the mid-1800s. This chronicle of Irish aspiration is a captivating account for anyone interested in the nation's history.