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This is a fabulous,in-depth history of the earliest Ulster Scots from their transplantation into Ireland by the English Crown,giving motives for their removal from Scotland,their attitudes and behaviours.Not only will the reader enjoy this thorough depiction of a people,but also the varied topics such as the settlement of the Americas,why the Scotch-Irish made great settlers,pioneers and Indian fighters,but lousy neighbours to the other immigrant groups who settled at the same or earlier time.Their attitudes towards religion,work,ethics,art and beauty are also discussed,and it rapidly becomes evident that what they contributed to many portions of the US and the Carribean wasn't always positive,with the author clearly illuminating each point.They were a people who had nothing,came from the bleakest lives imaginable,created little of literary or artistic beauty,quarreled incessantly with Indians and whites alike,yet were the first to rise to the call for defense against the British,and later to extend territories Westward in land claims for the expanding American nation.Garrulous,infuriating,religiously intolerant,yet insistent upon education as a means to re-create themselves,the Scotch-Irish are a bundle of fascinating,but rarely flattering contradictions.If you have ever wondered why the original New Englanders are almost exclusively English,it's in here.If you've found folks from a certain region abrasive,chances are,you'll find the reasons within this book.If the Hatfield-McCoy nature of the Appalachians baffle you,now you'll understand it all.It may be the Northern Irish question that intrigues you,that also is covered.In doing genealogical research I had come across this book,and it certainly clarifies the determination of the English,as well as the Scots,to remain separate from them,especially in the New England states,and why they never penetrated ethnic German areas either.It truly makes "the Troubles" in Belfast comprehensible too.A highly informative and endlessly fascinating read,with a few maps and charts at intervals.Not a flashy book,but a must-read for anyone wishing to understand not only the English,British,Northern Irish,American past,but perhaps their own family traditions,behaviours,attitudes and convictions.Five stars for this one!Read full review
Smaller in hand than you'd think, cute! I was hoping it would tell of people who were both Irish and Scottish such as myself. Instead although very informative and interesting, it told of how the Scott's faired living in Ireland. Still a great little book.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Provides a wonderful background of my ancestors home country.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
it has information that I did not have!every American should reas it!!!!!!!!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
book was in better shape than expected....
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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