Nick Maxwell Few figures in Irish history have dominated their times in the way that Daniel O’Connell did. For three decades he personified the aspirations of nationalists and was revered by millions. The popular adulation that he enjoyed, however, was not a natural phenomenon that somehow ‘happened’. In many ways it stemmed from the deliberate and remarkably … Read more
The Parnell sisters are exemplars of two distinct and typical streams of female action in the nineteenth century. Fanny excelled in the traditional field of philanthropic and fund-raising activities, and as a ‘poetess’, all considered suitable occupations for middle class ladies, while Anna was far more radical and militant than was conventionally acceptable. While both … Read more
The nature of history ‘When the curtain falls, it’s time to get off the stage.’ So remarked the British prime minister, John Major, after losing the 1997 general election. The curtain fell on the British empire a long time ago, but unlike politicians, British historians do not see a change of regime as invalidating their … Read more
Sir,—GregoryAllen’s article on Carl Hardebeck in the last issue was most welcome,especially at a time when Irish vocal music enjoys such popularity. Therestoration of Hardebeck’s name and contribution should be ofsignificant interest to all contemporary students of the art form. It is ironic, however, that in crediting the editors and friends ofthe Capuchin Annual with … Read more
Sir,—I greatly enjoyed your Summer 1998edition dedicated to the 1798 rebellion. I discovered aspects new to meand interpretations which challenged my conceptions based as they wereon, In the county of Wexford those rebels did rise, All brave Orangemen they thought they’d sacrifice…. Tofind that Scullabogue barn is little known in (local) popular historyand that Church … Read more