Nick Maxwell Founded in 1540 by St Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556) and his companions, the Society of Jesus worked in schools, churches and other ministries in many parts of the world until July 1773, when, already expelled from most Catholic countries, they were suppressed by Pope Clement XIV (they survived in White Russia under Catherine II). On … Read more
In 1917 the British Ministry of Information commissioned several well-known British artists to produce a series of images on different aspects of the First World War. The aim was to encourage a war-weary public and to raise support for the war effort. The images illustrate some of the changing attitudes at the time, such as … Read more
The recent release of Leaving Cert results reminded me of my own exam experience—a two-week marathon of fact-regurgitation and writing. That was nearly 40 years ago but, if current Leaving Cert student Oliver Eagleton is to be believed (Platform, pp 10–11), very little has changed. One of the positive educational developments over that period has … Read more
Normal service is being resumed after our World War One special issue (that’s two special issues in a year; a new record). The latest edition of History Ireland will be hitting the shelves and popping through letterboxes from Monday 1 September; and gentle reader, in it you will find all kinds of good stuff, including: … Read more
It’s been a busy week in history-land. Beginning with last weeks unveiling of the CWGC Cross of Sacrifice in Glasnevin Cemetery, we’ve had a raft of official commemorations of the outbreak of the First World War in Ireland, the UK and Belgium (with Irish representation at the latter two). RTÉ have also launched an ambitious month … Read more