The passage of more than one hundred years since The Scotch-Irish in America was first published in 1915 has rendered the book no less fascinating and gripping. Written in a thoroughly accessible way; it tells the story of how the hardy breed of men and women; who in America came to be known as the ‘Scotch-Irish’; was forged in the north of Ireland during the seventeenth century. It relates the circumstances under which the great exodus to the New World began; the trials and tribulations faced by these tough American pioneers and the enduring influence they came to exert on the politics; education and religion of the country. The author had this to say about the characteristics of the Scotch-Irish: “Whatever questions be raised as to the controlling heredity in particular cases there can be no question that there is a distinct Scotch-Irish type of frame and physiognomy. It is well known and easily recognized. The long chin gives a characteristic square effect to the lower part of the face. One may notice it in the pictures of Woodrow Wilson as in the pictures of Andrew Jackson. And the race character is as persistent as the physical type. Professor [James] Heron’s description of the distinguishing characteristics of the Ulster Scots is applicable also to their kinsmen; the Scotch-Irish in America: An economy and even parsimony of words; which does not always betoken a poverty of ideas; an insuperable dislike to wear his heart upon his sleeve; or make a display of the deeper and more tender feelings of his nature; a quiet and undemonstrative deportment which may have great firmness and determination behind it; a dour exterior which may cover a really genial disposition and kindly heart; much caution; wariness and reserve; but a decision; energy of character; and tenacity of purpose; which; as in the case of Enoch Arden; ‘hold his will and bear it through’; a very decided practical faculty which has an eye on the main chance; but which may co-exist with a deep-lying fund of sentiment; a capacity for hard work and close application to business; which; with thrift and patient persistence; is apt to bear fruit in considerable success; in short; a reserve of strength; self-reliance; courage and endurance; which; when an emergency demands (as behind the Walls of Derry); may surprise the world. The activity and influence of that race have a securely established importance among the factors of American history.†Henry Jones Ford (1851–1925); was a professor of politics at Princeton University. He wrote a number of books on the political and constitutional history of the United States; as well as a biographical study of his friend; Woodrow Wilson; who was of Scotch-Irish descent. This new edition; with reset text and revised index; includes a biographical note on the author. The cover image is from the painting Climbing the Western Slope by the American historical artist H. David Wright.
#4770238 in Books Archive Media Publishing Ltd 2011-10-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.61 x .28 x 6.69l; .48 #File Name: 1906783489130 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Real soldier life at WaterlooBy Ricardo PortellaIf you are looking for a good description of the Waterloo battle; go elsewhere. This book is a witness account of some events of the Waterloo campaign from the point of view of a artillery Captain. What impress most is almost total lack of clear orders for him and also his very limited overview of the battle; but it a must read if you want to know how a real napoleonic battle was fought.The edition is OK but they could have done a better revision job. The figures included do not add too much to the narrative.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. One of the best eye witness accounts of Waterloo.By HenriWhat a great read. I am sure that history buffs will love the human element of the campaign as told by Mercer. His description of rural life in Belgium and of the ball attended by Wellington the night before the battle are fascinating. The illustrations put a face to the story.His description of the carnage the day after the battle brings home the horrors of war at its worst.Highly recommended.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Real first person historyBy 18DI really liked the total sense of reality in this first person account of Waterloo. The pre battle confusion and rushing from crisis to crisis brought the battle into better focus than any of my previous reading of history. The excellent writing style is clear and flows directly to the point without missing the ambience.
