Product Description

A critical history of modern Irish literature. Kiberd develops his story through subtle readings of such writers as Joyce, O'Casey, Beckett and Bowen. Giving a controversial interpretation of post-colonial Ireland, he then surveys more recent works, from Brian Friel to the younger Dublin writers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #29807 in Books
• Published on: 1996-11-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 720 pages

Customer Reviews

An incisive examination of Irishness.
Kiberd's book 'Inventing Ireland' is an examination of how the conception of Ireland and Irishness is reached. What are its components and how are they determined? In addressing this, Kiberd takes the reader on a tour of literary and cultural Ireland. He investigates the affect of colonialisation on Ireland and how Britain still impacts on Irishness. In this discussion he includes the experiences of expatriates in Britain who, he argues, have to 'don the mask of Paddy' in order to be acceptable as really Irish for a British public. Kiberd's argument that the inventors of Ireland are the Irish in Ireland, the Irish diaspora and the British is a stimulating approach which draws on the traditions of Fanon, du Bois and Memmi.

Inventing Ireland. An excellent read, tour de force.
So easy to read, so entertaining, I found it hard to grasp how the author made such a wide ranging subject almost jump off the page. Great stuff for the student or anyone interested in Ireland past and present.

Interesting.........but a little long
Good book, good information. But, as a general reader, I find it a bit too full. I would prefer some illustrations, pictures but there are none. I'm still ploughing through it occasionally when the notion takes me. But, its probably not a book I will ever actually get finished!! One for the academics, who will probably get their information from other sources rather than all in the one book!! If you've all the time in the world for reading and nothing else to do, then this one is for you!! But, Declan Kibberd is a good writer and what I have read was very interesting!