MacMillan Atlas of Irish History

Reviewed by Paul Rice

The MacMillan Atlas of Irish History, by Sean Duffy, Thomas Crean, Brendan Smith (IDG Books, Nov. 1997). Hardcover, 144 pages.

I looked at the local library for some books on the Irish military from 850-1250. It was hard to find anything (I'll check at the Fairfax libraries later). Ireland is basically found under 941, and there wasn't much in the military history section. Most of the books on Irish history were related to the northern unpleasantness, or the potato famine -- in other words, the last two centuries. Many of these books seemed to have agendas. The MacMillan Atlas of Irish History was the best I could find.

Every other page is a map of Ireland with some demographic or campaign portrayed. Very little on the military in the time period in question.

A large percentage of the 49 maps are religious in nature. In fact, the book is almost a "history of Ireland as seen through the eyes of its religions." A large percentage also speaks volumes to the persecution the island has suffered. The last several maps are 'who voted for who.' I only read the first few pages -- until we had passed my time period -- and then skimmed. And again, I smell an agenda. One more knowledgeable on Irish politics-religion might know from which side.

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