Sinn Féin: A Hundred Turbulent Years - Softcover

Feeney, Brian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 086278770X ISBN 13: 9780862787707

Publisher: O'Brien Press, 2002

Synopsis

Sinn Fein is one of the most controversial and uncompromising parties in Irish politics. Brian Feeney presents a comprehensive account of the role of Sinn Fein in Irish history since the inception of the movement in 1905 when Arthur Griffith first published The Sinn Fein Policy. Sinn Fein has survived an extraordinary history in politics and has seen some of the most famous names in Irish history pass through its ranks. This book examines the party in terms of the men who have led it and their progress through the electoral mechanism, the party's relationship with the IRA and the British and Irish governments, and, of course, its role in the current peace process. This is an important and timely book from an esteemed journalist, and an impartial analysis of Sinn Fein's involvement in Irish politics, north and south, over the last hundred years.

About this title

Review:

'This is an easy read, a popular history which glitters with insight and valuably illuminates the present ... the elegant way he has laid out a mass of fact, quote, reminiscence and deft observation in a work which, among its other qualities, includes the best and most level-headed account of the Provos in the Peace Process yet to emerge.' -- Eamonn McCann - The Sunday Tribune The Sunday Tribune 'An analytical and narrative masterpiece ... Brian Feeney has managed to recount the roller-coaster history of Sinn Fein in a balanced and extremely vivid manner.' -- Professor Declan Kiberd 'Historian and political journalist Feeney is well qualified to make this a definitive text on the vast list of figures and their advances as well as setbacks in this phoenix of a party.' -- Books Ireland Books Ireland 'Feeney's book represents the first attempt to outline the long-term historical development of Sinn Fein both as a party and as a movement ... Feeney's analysis of the early years of Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland, and its more recent history as part of the burgeoning peace process, is masterful, fast-moving and well-argued.' -- Derry People Donegal News Derry People & Donegal News 'Brian Feeney's history of the party is obviously timely. It is also impressive. Feeney ... diligently traces the party through its various incarnations from the loose grouping launched by Arthur Griffith in 1905 to the slick machine of today. Feeney's work is clear, thorough and fluently written.' -- Sunday Business Post Sunday Business Post 'Already confirmed as an astute observer of the political landscape here, Brian Feeney is well placed to document and analyse the progress of Sinn Fein ... He is also adept at covering the genesis and early development of a movement which, more than any other, shaped the destiny of this country over the past 100 years.' -- Fermanagh Herald '(T)he first comprehensive account ever written on the history of the party. Feeney has managed to do that with an account that is well-written and always easy to read ... With contributions from Danny Morrison, Tom Hartley, Jim Gibney and Ruairi A" Bradaigh and drawing on the writings of Gerry Adams, Feeney's latest book ... will become a reference point for every student of Irish history.' -- North Belfast News 'For anyone wishing to understand the changing fortunes of Sinn Fein, Brian Feeney's book will be essential, indeed vital reading ... He manages at the same time to be judicious, well informed and un-academic.' -- Irish Catholic The Irish Catholic 'Fascinating and engrossing ... This excellent book will to appeal those interested in Irish history and Irish political history in particular.' -- Bray People Bray People 'Should be required reading for all those who believe that Sinn Fein is incapable of being anything other than what they insist it has always been. Certainly it will be the starting point definitive text on the subject of political republicanism, standing alongside the histories of the IRA written by Tim Pat Coogan and J. Bowyer-Bell.' -- Ulster Herald 'Timely reading for those who wish to gain a balanced perspective of a movement which claims to be the dynamo of change in both the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland.' -- Evening Herald Evening Herald 'Feeney's books serves as useful overview and is to be welcomed' --Irish Democrat

'An analytical and narrative masterpiece ... Brian Feeney has managed to recount the roller-coaster history of Sinn Féin in a balanced and extremely vivid manner.' --Professor Declan Kiberd

'Brian Feeney's history of the party is obviously timely. It is also impressive. Feeney ... diligently traces the party through its various incarnations from the loose grouping launched by Arthur Griffith in 1905 to the slick machine of today. Feeney's work is clear, thorough and fluently written.' --Sunday Business Post

About the Author:

Brian Feeney, a political columnist with the Irish News, is a leading nationalist commentator and frequent broadcaster on Northern Ireland affairs. He was an SDLP councillor for sixteen years. He is co-author of Lost Lives: the story of the men, women and children killed in the Northern Ireland troubles. In 2001 the book won the Christopher Ewart-Biggs award for its contribution to reconciliation in Ireland and Europe. A historian by profession, he is Head of History at St Mary's University College, Belfast.

About this edition

• Publisher: O'Brien Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 086278770X
• ISBN 13: 9780862787707
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 488