Written by one of Ireland's most noted cultural historians, this beautifully written and illustrated work covers Irish history from the earliest times to the mid-nineteenth century. Although written for children, the author admitted in his introduction that adults had found it equally readable and informative. Starting with an explanation of the ancient originating legends of the Irish people, the author sorts out fact from fiction in an entertaining story-telling manner, keeping the narrative gripping and eventful through the centuries of tumultuous Irish history. Read about Irish Paganism, the conversion to Christianity, the Viking and Danish invasions, the history-turning Anglo-Norman invasion, and the long centuries of bloody and violent struggle with the English overlords. All of the famous characters of Irish history appear in order: St. Patrick, Silken Thomas, Shane O'Neill, Hugh O'Neill, right up to Daniel O'Connell. Along the way, dramatic events such as the invasion of Oliver Cromwell, the Siege of Derry, the Battle of the Boyne, the infamous Penal Laws, and much, much more, are reviewed in this exciting and highly satisfying overview. Now completely reset, with original and new illustrations. Contents I: The Face of the Country in the Olden Time II: Literature, Art, and Music III: Dwellings, Fortresses, and Tombs IV: Food, Dress, and Daily Life V: Irish Paganism VI: Government and Law VII: The Legends VIII: The Dawn of History IX: St. Patrick-Part I X: St. Patrick-Part II XI: Progress of Religion XII: Progress of Learning XIII: From Laegaire to the Danes XIV: The Danish Wars XV: The Battle of Clontarf-Part I XVI: The Battle of Clontarf-Part II XVII: The Eve of the Invasion XVIII: The Anglo-Norman Invasion XIX: The Anglo-Irish Lords XX: John De Courcy XXI: Turmoil XXII: Edward Bruce XXIII: The Statute of Kilkenny XXIV: Art Mac Murrogh Kavanagh XXV: How Ireland Fared during the Wars of the Roses XXVI: Poynings' Law XXVII: The Geraldines XXVIII: The Rebellion of Silken Thomas XXIX: Submission of the Chiefs XXX: New Causes of Strife XXXI: The Rebellion of Shane O'Neill XXXII: The Geraldine Rebellion XXXIII: The Plantations XXXIV: Hugh Roe O'Donnell XXXV: The Rebellion of Hugh O'Neill XXXVI: The Battle of the Yellow Ford XXXVII: The Earl of Essex XXXVIII: The Turn of the Tide: Battle of Kinsale XXXIX: The Siege of Dunboy XL: The Retreat of Sullivan Beare XLI: The Flight of the Earls XLII: The Plantation of Ulster XLIII: Strafford XLIV: The Rebellion of 1641 XLV: The Confederation of Kilkenny: The Battle of Benburb XLVI: Oliver Cromwell XLVII: Ireland after the Restoration XLVIII: The Siege of Derry-Part I XLIX: The Siege of Derry-Part II L: The Battle of the Boyne LI: The Siege of Limerick-Part I LII: The Siege of Limerick-Part II LIII: Athlone and Aughrim LIV: The Second Siege and Treaty of Limerick LV: The Penal Laws LVI: Laws to Repress Irish Trade and Manufacture LVII: The Beginning of the Parliamentary Struggle LVIII: Discontent and Danger LIX: The Volunteers LX: Legislative Independence LXI: Grattan's Parliament LXII: Revival of Secret Societies LXIII: Catholic Progress towards Emancipation LXIV: Catholic Disappointment LXV: Towards the Brink of the Precipice LXVI: The Rebellion of 1798 LXVII: The Union LXVIII: Catholic Emancipation LXIX: From Emancipation to the Death of O'Connell