Product Description

Friel has written an historical play about Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, who led an alliance of Irish and Spanish soldiers against the armies of Elizabeth I in an attempt to drive the English out of Ireland. The action takes place before and after the Battle of Kinsdale, at which the alliance was defeated. Brian Friel has also written "Philadelphia, Here I Come" and "Translations"

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #81444 in Books
• Published on: 1989-01-09
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Customer Reviews

A political play that never looses sight that it is art
Brian Friel's "Making History" is a wondwerful work of art. The title is very suggestive, and timely, too. Nowadays, we live in an age where voices are being heard announcing 'the end of history'. Friel's title suggests that as long as there are people living, history will continue to flaw. I have to say, though, that history making for Friel is not a matter of a linear description of events; rather, history for him is fragmented. It is a discours that could be totally imaginary, and has nothing to do with reality or the 'truth'. The play is excellent because it tackles a political issue without being a political treatise. Friel never lost sight of the fact that he was writing a drama.Indeed, it had been quite some time since I read a serious play that deals with the struggle of a people to gain its freedom and preserve its culture. A wonderful play by all measures indeed.

Wonderfully poignant!
Through the engaging character of Hugh O' Neill, Friel throws up penetrating questions of what is truth, what is history, who decides and how. His struggle is at once political and personal.

Whilst being political, the play is very emotive and moving, as it explores Hugh's personal relationships and how they directly relate to the political turmoil he's ensconced in.

making history
i felt that this book was realy enjoyabel to read with hugh o neill being the main focus, it was intersting to see the relationships he shared with each of the other chrachters.