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Spike Island
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- Book Synopsis
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A monastic outpost in the Celtic Sea, a fortress built to defend an Empire, a prison established to intern a nation; Spike Island's remarkable 1300-year history far exceeds its modest acreage. No other place better encapsulates the Irish story. Spike Island tells of religious fervour, frequent rebellion, social endeavour, and a nation's inextinguishable yearning for freedom. After 206 years off-limits to the public, its secrets can finally be divulged. The island has garnered international attention many times, such as the famine-era prison overcrowding and inhumane conditions, the triumphant 1938 handover of the island from Britain to Ireland, and the violent prison riot in 1985. Spike Island echoes with the voices of prisoners past, having housed fierce rebels like John Mitchel, who would inspire the 1916 generation, and 1200 Republicans during the War of Independence. More recent arrivals include the notorious crime boss The General, who terrorised 1980s' Ireland. Told in an entertaining and accessible chronological style featuring accounts from island dwellers and the interned alike, this book is sure to captivate anyone interested in Irish history.
- About The Author
- John Crotty is an Irish author living in County Cork who hails from County Waterford. John spent six years working as CEO at Spike Island, and during his time in charge of the island it became known to a national and global audience, winning international awards. John has carried out numerous TV, radio and press interviews, and written dozens of published pieces on the island's history. This is his first book
- Product Details
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- ISBN
- 9781785374883
- Format
- Paperback
- Publisher
- Merrion Press, (25 April 2024)
- Number of Pages
- 320
- Weight
- 386 grams
- Language
- English
- Dimensions
- 234 x 153 x 26 mm
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