Early Christian Ireland
Early Christian Ireland
This book provides a fully documented history of Ireland and the Irish between the fourth and ninth centuries AD, from St Patrick to the Vikings - the earliest period for which historical records are available. It opens with the Irish raids and settlements in Britain, and the conversion of Ireland to Christianity. It ends as Viking attacks on Ireland accelerated in the second quarter of the ninth century. The book takes account of the Irish both at home and abroad, including the Irish in northern Britain, in England and on the continent. Two principal thematic strands are the connection between the early Irish Church and its neighbours, and the rise of Uà Néill and the kingship of Tara.
- A fully documented study of this period of Irish history, which relates early medieval Ireland to its European context, in matters of culture, society and religion
- Covers both the early Irish church and the political history of the period in some detail, and explains how the special features of the Irish Church and kinship were related to early Irish society
- Illustrated by specially drawn maps and tables
Reviews & endorsements
'Early Christian Ireland is a considerable achievement; it should be essential reading for students and scholars for many years to come.' The Innes Review
'There is a wealth of data … Charles-Edwards is an expert guide whom even the uninitiated might follow and chapters can be enjoyed selectively. This book is a model of source criticism and must now become a standard reference.' Church Archaeology
'… closely argued, high quality research … Charles-Edwards … is able to lead his readers through quite complex territory without sacrificing clarity.' The Journal of Ecclesiastical History
Product details
November 2000Hardback
9780521363952
728 pages
236 × 161 × 50 mm
1.277kg
14 maps 40 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- List of maps
- List of tables
- List of figures
- Acknowledgements
- Abbreviations
- A note on pronunciation
- A note on the Chronicle of Ireland
- Introduction
- 1. Ireland in the seventh century: a tour
- 2. Irish society c.700: I. Communities
- 3. Irish society c.700: II. Social distinctions and moral values
- 4. Ireland and Rome
- 5. Conversion to Christianity
- 6. The organisation of the early Irish church
- 7. Columba, Iona and Lindisfarne
- 8. Columbanus and his disciples
- 9. The Paschal controversy
- 10. The primatial claims of Armagh, Kildare and Canterbury
- 11. The origins and rise of Uà Néill
- 12. The kingship of Tara
- 13. The powers of kings
- 14. Conclusion
- Appendix: genealogies and king-lists
- Glossary: Irish and Latin
- Bibliography
- Index.
