Luck and the Irish: A Brief History of Change, 1970-2000

Luck and the Irish examines Ireland's rapid transformation from 1970-2000, focusing on the economic, social, and political changes that reshaped the nation. The book analyzes key developments including Ireland's entry into the European Economic Community, the evolution of the Northern Ireland conflict, and the rise of the "Celtic Tiger" economy. R.F. Foster structures his history around four main areas: politics, economics, religion/society, and culture/identity. He incorporates statistical data and contemporary accounts to document Ireland's shift from a rural, conservative society to an urbanized, globalized one. The narrative tracks both the external forces and internal dynamics that drove Ireland's modernization, from multinational investment to changing attitudes toward the Catholic Church. Foster pays particular attention to the paradoxes and contradictions within Irish society during this period of rapid change. The book presents a nuanced view of how luck, timing, and policy decisions combined to transform Ireland, while exploring what these changes reveal about Irish identity and values. Foster's analysis raises questions about the sustainability and consequences of such dramatic social and economic shifts.

Readers note the book provides a concise examination of Ireland's economic and social transformation from 1970-2000, though some find the analysis surface-level. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of complex economic factors - Analysis of the Catholic Church's changing role - Focus on cultural shifts beyond just economics - Inclusion of literary and artistic developments Common criticisms: - Too brief treatment of major events - Academic tone can be dry - Limited coverage of Northern Ireland - Not enough attention to working-class perspectives Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (47 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) One reader noted: "Foster excels at linking cultural and economic changes, but skims over some crucial political developments." Another commented: "The sections on Celtic Tiger economics could have gone deeper into causes rather than effects." The book receives stronger reviews from academic readers than general audiences seeking a comprehensive history of the period.

Modern Ireland 1600-1972 by R.F. Foster Chronicles Ireland's transformation from a colonized nation to independence through social, cultural, and political developments.

The Transformation of Ireland 1900-2000 by Diarmaid Ferriter Examines the forces that shaped twentieth-century Ireland through personal accounts, statistics, and historical documentation.

Making Sense of the Troubles by David McKittrick Provides a chronological account of Northern Ireland's conflict from 1960s through the peace process.

Ireland: The Politics of Enmity 1789-2006 by Paul Bew Traces Ireland's political evolution through relationships between nationalism, unionism, and British governance.

The End of Hidden Ireland by Robert James Scally Details the social transformation of rural Ireland through the lens of mass emigration and cultural change during the Great Famine period.

🍀 R.F. Foster holds the prestigious Carroll Professorship of Irish History at Oxford University and is considered one of the most influential modern Irish historians. 📚 The book challenges the popular narrative that Ireland's economic success (the "Celtic Tiger") was purely a result of EU membership and instead examines complex social and cultural factors. 🌍 During the period covered by the book (1970-2000), Ireland transformed from one of Western Europe's poorest countries to one of its wealthiest, with GDP per capita surpassing that of the UK. ⚖️ Foster explores how the Catholic Church's iron grip on Irish society weakened dramatically during these decades, with church attendance dropping from over 90% to below 50%. 🎭 The author argues that Ireland's cultural renaissance, including literature, music, and film, played a crucial role in reshaping the country's international image and self-identity during this period.