From the creator of the 1998 PBS documentary "Daughters of the Troubles" comes this authoritative assessment of the troubles that have plagued Ulster in Northern Ireland for more than a quarter... This description may be from another edition of this product.
Best book to learn of the Troubles of Northern Ireland
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
Hope against History is an accessible, fascinating account and could easily be used as a textbook on the "troubles" of Northern Ireland. Holland provides all the gritty details of life in the war torn ghettoes of Belfast and Derry and does a great job of bringing the conflict to life for the reader. Not only is it a fine history of the conflict but a very engaging portrayal of Northern Ireland culture, both protestant and catholic. A must read for anyone with even a passing interest in Irish or British history and a wonderfully quick read for those well acquainted with all the violence and horror of the Troubles.
Hope but still conflict.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Having family in Belfast I found this book to be both interesting and factual. It is difficult at best to try to understand the ins and outs of the "Troubles", but Holland takes a neutral approach in explaining how events have transpired since 1966. I found new information that makes me think that both sides screwed up the peace process and how the English are just as ruthless as the IRA, if maybe not more so. The book cleared up a few questions I had on Bloody Sunday and other pertinent dates in this war. Holland should be commended for keeping the details interesting and at the same time informative. The "Troubles" will never really be a victory for either side but at least it is a little easier to see how things have progressed or regressed through the years. It is hard to stop a war, especially one thats been off and on since the 1100s. May peace be with both sides and the killing stops.
SO this is where it all comes from...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
As I followed the progress of the Good Friday agreement (or, rather, lack thereof), I realized that I knew little about the Northern Irish Troubles before 1995 or so. My salvation came in the shape of this book, which recounts the major events between 1966 and 1998 clearly and intelligibly. It is easy to become lost in the endless cycle of violence and even more violent retribution, yet somehow Holland keeps it focused and readable. His viewpoint even seems to remain objective throughout--surprising, surprising all the hot blood surrounding the issues he discusses. I found it a compelling (albeit grisly) read and have a better understanding for it.
a mesmerizing book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
a great book that shows the complexities of a war in which the IRA both won and lost, and in which the british government and prodestent paramilitaries played an active role in both fostering and finally helping to end.
An excellent account of the war in Northern Ireland
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
In Hope Against History, Jack Holland combines excellent writing with razor-sharp analysis in one of the best books about the Troubles I have ever read. His is an honest account of the last 30 years in Northern Ireland, from the civil rights movement and the birth of the Provisional IRA and the loyalist paramilitaries to the signing of the Good Friday agreement. It also offers a logical and well-researched analysis of why and how the Provisional IRA lost the war. Hope Against History is a must for all readers of Irish history.
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