Irish Unionism

Defenders of the Union is a concise and readable overview of the history and contentious politics of Unionism and the affect it has had on Anglo-Irish relations over the last two hundred years. It is an essential guide to this confusing topic and covers key areas such as: * definition of unionism * establishment of the union * Unionist literature * loyalists since 1972.

This collection of essays brings together exciting, fresh work by young scholars working on vital aspects of modern Irish unionism. Its range is broad, taking in much material (literary, political, cultural, intellectual) which has previously been ignored. Using new and extensive sources, the contributors examine important features of modern unionism and do so in ways which challenge much previous thinking about the subject. The book will be of value to scholars working on any aspect of modern Ireland, and also to students and to a wider public with an interest in Irish history, politics, culture, and society.

The politics of Ulster Unionism is central to the success or failure of any political settlement in Northern Ireland. This book examines the relationship between Ulster Unionism and the peace process in reference to these questions.

Uncovers the transnational movement by Ireland's unionists as they worked to maintain the Union during the Home Rule era. The book explores the political, social, religious, and Scotch-Irish ethnic connections between Irish unionists and the United States as unionists appealed to Americans for support and reacted to Irish nationalism.