Reviews for Luck and the Irish : a brief history of change from 1970
Choice
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Despite its subtitle, this short book is not meant as an addendum to Foster's magisterial history textbook, Modern Ireland, 1600-1972 (CH, Oct'89, 27-1078). It does not systematically survey recent events; indeed, the book is clearly aimed at those already familiar with contemporary Ireland and its more distant past. Instead, in five thematic chapters, Foster (Oxford) critically, often brilliantly examines the remarkable changes in the republic since 1970 within the broader context of Irish history. Chapters consider Ireland's economic "miracle" (the "Celtic Tiger"), the secularization and modernization of Irish society, the emergence of a new kind of politics based on cozy (and corrupt) relationships with big business rather than on nationalist posturing, the transformation of southern attitudes toward Northern Ireland, and the global success of Ireland's culture. Foster notes the unevenness and tenuousness of Ireland's recent success, but suggests that the new more liberal, international, and confident Irish society may be able to deal with any crisis. Occasionally, his sparkling prose is more sophisticated than his analysis, particularly when his personal and political biases are too obvious. Nevertheless, Foster provides the most entertaining, thoughtful, and thought-provoking examination of recent Irish history yet written. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. P. C. Kennedy York College of Pennsylvania
