By Dan Walsh at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy
Historian James Quinn’s new book, Bloody Summer: A New History of the 1798 Rebellion, was officially launched by Dr. Kevin Whelan in a pleasant ceremony at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy, this evening.
Unfortunately, the author has health issues and could not attend, however, his latest work was given a warm introduction by Dr. Whelan.
Dr. Whelan said; “We’re particularly excited to bring Bloody Summer to Enniscorthy because Quinn’s perspective offers a significant contribution to our understanding of the role of County Wexford in the rebellion and further expands upon the legacy of this seismic event.
“The National 1798 Rebellion Centre itself was made a permanent exhibition due to prominent local interest – it was established in 1998 through a massive community effort.
“Like the Centre, Bloody Summer recognises how we still live with the ideological and practical consequences of the rebellion today.
“This new history offers a fresh and comprehensive exploration of 1798 as a year of unrest and highlights how the bloody climax of a decade of radicalism and reaction saw the emergence of new forms of militant republicanism and popular loyalism that strongly influenced the course of Irish history.
James Quinn is a historian who has written widely on 18th and 19th century Ireland, particularly in the areas of biography and historiography. He was formerly Managing Editor of the Royal Irish Academy’s Dictionary of Irish Biography and wrote many of its most important entries relating to the 1798 Rebellion. His other books with UCD Press include Young Ireland and the Writing of Irish History(2015) and John Mitchel(2008).
“Bloody Summer is a fresh and comprehensive exploration of the rebellion that seeks to answer the question of not just what happened in 1798, but why it happened, and demonstrates a new, compelling account of this seismic event in Irish history,” concluded Dr Whelan.
The master of ceremonies for the launch was Maura Bell, new Manager of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy and Vinegar Hill, who welcomed the attendance and complimented James Quinn on holding the launch in Enniscorthy which is best known for the 1798 Rebellion.
Bloody Summer: A New History of the 1798 Rebellion by James Quinn, 150 pages, on sale at Easons, Gorey, Enniscorthy and Wexford, the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy or online at ucdpress.ie. ISBN: 9781068502347.
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