Dooley, Terence
Burning the Big House: The Story of the Irish Country House in a Time of War and Revolution
- ISBN 13:
- 9780300270433
- author:
- Dooley, Terence
- format:
- Paperback
- publisher:
- Yale University Press
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2023
- Pages:
- 368
- Dimensions:
- 3.3 x 12.7 x 12.7 centimetres (0
- Genre:
- History, Modern, 20th Century,
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 5 working days
Description
The Irish country house, a symbol of conquest and colonial oppression, was a target of the revolutionaries' fervent struggle for independence. During the tumultuous years of 1912 to 1923, nearly three hundred of these grand estates were destroyed, leaving behind only ruins like Summerhill. This book explores the struggles over land, the impact of the Great War, and the significance of these country houses as a symbol of the established order. Terence Dooley delves into the shocking acts of occupation and destruction, including the occupation of a Rembrandt painting, and reveals the exhilaration felt by the revolutionaries as they seized these grand houses. The author sheds light on the complex history of the Irish Revolution, revealing the intricate web of power and land ownership that led to the destruction of these iconic buildings. By examining the role of the country houses in the Irish Revolution, Dooley offers a unique perspective on this pivotal period in Irish history.