A history of the Irish working class

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A history of the Irish working class

by Peter Berresford Ellis.

This book is a must for anyone interested in a class analysis of the history of Ireland. I found the first few chapters of the book the most interesting and my favourite section was about celtic communism,ive read about primitive communism and it was great to have it relayed to me in an Irish context. The book was written in the 70's i think so its pandering to SF's socialism has to be taken with a pinch of salt.

The chapters towards the end were a bit boring,just because all the revolutionary action seemed to just stop,it was a brilliant reminder of a time when this country deserved its reputation as a land of rebels. Reformism has sadly got its grasp of the Irish now and the last few chapters showed this. In saying that it was interesting to read about the history of the free state and how we got to where we are now. I got it here www.alibris.co.uk/ I think there are options for really old originals which cost a fortune but i got an up to date one which had prefaces for each time it was re-written fairly cheaply.

[dangeresque]

it's a great book, easy to read and really worth the effort. he really did a lot of research and even shows how initially there was not nearly as much sectarianism in the north.

I've been meaning to one day establish a republican socialist library with books like these that could be loaned out.

[Stallit 2 de Halfo]

Ill have to get a copy sometime!!, sounds great.

I've been meaning to one day establish a republican socialist library with books like these that could be loaned out.

Go for it!

There was a scheme in Britain I heard abot where people left books in public areas so people can just pick them up, and when theyr finished they did the same - leave it ina public place. they probably had little stickers on them saying about the scheme so people wouldnt keep it.

With our weather theyd probably get drenched if you left in on a park bench though ;D

[RedFlag32]

Thats something id LOVE to get involved in,i love books,i get a hard on looking at old dusty book covers id love to work in a revolutionary bookstore.

[dangeresque]

yeah I was thinking of trying to get it started by the beginning of next year. It wud be officially an IRSM thing, but non-members could be involved too and wud be encouraged to do so.

I've got an enormous collection of books, mostly cos I used to work in a left wing store and got em there.

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dangeresque said:

I've got an enormous collection of books, mostly cos I used to work in a left wing store and got em there.

I hate you! Keep me posted,id love to be involved.