cover image OUR OWN DEVICES: National Symbols and Political Conflict in Twentieth-Century Ireland

OUR OWN DEVICES: National Symbols and Political Conflict in Twentieth-Century Ireland

Ewan Morris, . . Irish Academic, $45 (311pp) ISBN 978-0-7165-2663-6

Morris, who teaches at the University of Sydney, considers the use of symbols in both Ireland and Northern Ireland and their impact, focusing particularly on the period 1922–1939. Symbols, Morris contends, have been extremely important in defining Irish identities and demarcating divisions. By the 19th century, Ireland had developed an array of symbols: the harp, the shamrock, the Celtic cross, the round tower, the wolfhound, the sunburst and Cathleen Ni Houlihan. The 1916 Rising was a watershed event: "The rising itself," notes Morris, "was more an exercise in symbolic or 'demonstration' politics than a serious attempt to take political power." The new Irish Free State adopted the tricolor flag and the anthem ("The Soldier's Song") of the 1916 martyrs. In 1928, images on Free State coins became a divisive issue. The coin designers rejected traditional Irish symbols in favor of farm animals, while critics argued that the coins disrespected the cultural and religious traditions of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, Morris tells us, symbols, especially the Union Jack, were used to emphasize the connection with the United Kingdom, while Free State symbols stressed the opposite; thus, symbols on both sides, Morris concludes, made Irish unification less likely. Today, he argues, the island of Ireland needs to create new, cross-cultural symbols that respect the sensitivities of all traditions. Morris does an excellent job organizing his material and making his points. While probably too specialized for most readers, this should make a fine addition to academic collections. (Nov.)