Review by Choice Review
Brooke's pioneering work illuminates the often misunderstood history of Presbyterianism in Northern Ireland. Brooke (Institute of Irish Studies at Queen's College, Belfast) has written an intellectual history of the independent Ulster Presbyterian tradition, in which he finds much worthy of respect. From its origins in the early 17th century well into the 19th century, Ulster Presbyterianism experienced remarkable continuity and vitality, and was characterized by vigorous intellectual controversy and development. In the 18th century, it served as the organizing center of a distinct quasi-national society, without help from and often in opposition to the state. At the end of the 18th century, there was a real possibility that this society would provide the nucleus of an all-Ireland national democratic culture. In the 19th century, however, Ulster Presbyterianism declined to the status of a private voluntary worshipping society under the impact of the powerful secular culture of Britain. Brooke places this important story in its necessary context of British and Irish history, and the history of Anglicanism, Catholicism, and English and Scottish Presbyterianism. Contains a valuable bibliography. Highly recommended for college, university, and public libraries.-C.W. Wood Jr., Western Carolina University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
