This captivating book of Irish history and civilization is without a doubt, not your usual humdrum historical account of names, dates and battles. It is written in plain language for people of all ages. There is an enormous amount of information packed into a fairly short book. According to one review,
Brighid O'Sullivan has worn many hats. She attended college for nursing and writing. She ran two businesses of her own, one in sales and the other sewing wedding gowns. Now she writes Irish historical fiction and all about Ireland, which she visits often. Brighid has written for History Magazine, History Channel magazine, and also writes a blog centered on history, travel, and all things Irish . She lives in Western NY with her adoring husband, her amusing grand-children and a few goldfish.
America and Ireland have been linked in one way or another almost since the beginning of America's history. Besides emigration, science, and aid in rebellion, great men like Ben Franklin, after touring Ireland made life changing decisions based on that trip. Like Ireland, America was under British rule and had some of the same problems economically and politically. He wasn't' the only one to tour Ireland and make decisions based on his views of Irish life. William Seward, Sec. of State to Abraham Lincoln also toured Ireland with his father. This led Seward to fight for the rights of Irishman in the United States.
Book Excerpt
100 Things You Didn't Know About Ireland
50. In the 1700s Benjamin Franklin, who was already famous for discovering electricity and after having exhausted his efforts in trying to play the peacemaker between England and America, toured Ireland. He was horrified by the extreme poverty in Ireland which at the time was part of the UK. Not unlike their role in America, England appeared greedy for taxes and power and cared little for what American's views were. This new knowledge helped to pave Franklin's thinking. He thought America must deal with England through defiance and refusal to accept the way things were. Previously, Franklin had tried to negotiate without violence but he now saw that there was no other way. One could say that Ireland helped add fuel to the American Revolution ideals.
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