Historical Dictionary of Ireland (New edition)

The Historical Dictionaries of Europe series covers practically every European nation, providing a useful starting point to anyone looking to begin research on those countries and their history and related fields. That any dictionary has a second, or in this case “new”, edition is for me usually a good portent; so, this revised Historical Dictionary of Ireland is to be welcomed. It comprises a chronology, an introductory essay, bibliography and finally cross-referenced entries on important people, places, events, political parties and many relevant institutions.

Initially flicking through, it is soon obvious, apart from the fact that it is very hard...