Examining an impressive length of Irish cultural history, from 1700–1960, Reading the Irishwoman explores the dynamisms of cultural encounter and exchange in Irish women's lives. Analyzing the popular and consumer cultures of a variety of eras, it traces how the circulation of ideas, fantasies, and aspirations shaped women's lives both in actuality and in imagination. The authors uncover a huge array of different representations that Irish women have been able to identify with, including heroine, patriot, philanthropist, actress, singer, model, and missionary. By studying this diversity of viable roles in the Irish woman's cultural world, the authors point to evidence of women's agency and aspiration that reached far beyond the domestic sphere.

From patriots to pirates, warriors to writers, and mistresses to male impersonators, this book looks at the unorthodox lives of inspiring Irish women. In times when women were expected to marry and have children, they travelled the world and sought out adventures; in times when women were expected to be seen and not heard, they spoke out in loud voices against oppression; in times when women were expected to have no interest in politics, literature, art, or the world outside the home, they used every creative means available to give expression to their thoughts, ideas and beliefs. In a series of succinct and often amusing biographies, Marian Broderick tells the life stories of these exceptional Irish women.

This collection of interviews with exceptional women from the Emerald Isle “will make you laugh, and cry, and think, and love” (Mary Higgins Clark, international bestselling mystery author). Open the door to the legends of successful, inspirational women with one common thread—a heartwarming connection to Ireland. Each story, in its own unique way, is about pursuing a dream and making a difference. Whether it’s one by the great mystery writer Mary Higgins Clark, playwright Marianne McDonald, or the authors themselves, each illuminates how these wise women have made a difference in their own corner of the world. “What a wonderful book, again illustrating that the Irish have it all, both the tragedy that shaped their thoughts and the joy and wit to see the rainbow after every rainfall. This book is the most precious pot of gold you could ever find.”—Marianne McDonald, PhD, MRIA “Wise Irish Women embraces the essence of the Fearless Women books, illuminating women who shine in their lives and make a difference in spite of their challenges and fears.”—Mary Ann Halpin, internationally acclaimed author and photographer of the Fearless Women books

Irish Women have been around for ages - some would say almost as long as Irish Men. We've learned a lot in that time but, until now, we haven't shared it. Perhaps being shushed by priests/foreign invaders/the wind for too long has taken its toll - but our time has finally come to speak out. Here comedian Tara Flynn shares the wisdom of the Irishwoman, and why she holds the keys to success in life and how to live it - especially the rough bits. Armed with her all-purpose 'You're grand' philosophy, there is nothing the Irishwoman can't weather (even the weather). Need dating advice? Ask an Irishwoman. Need a recipe for brown bread? We're your gals. Worried about death? Don't be! Put the fun back in funeral! Covering all things grand, from the grand basics starter pack, to how to spice up your love life (a lesson in 'Irotica', anyone?) - if this book doesn't change your life (and it will), it might just help you laugh at it.

The first analysis of the Enlightenment and Irish women and the most comprehensive study to date of Irish women and American emigration. Irish women negotiated, selected and at times defied the representations of womanhood presented to them in official and commercially sponsored media.

Michael Moran is an old Irish Republican whose life was forever transformed by his days of glory as a guerrilla leader in the Irish War of Independence. Moran is till fighting—with his family, his friends, and even himself—in this haunting testimony to the enduring qualities of the human spirit.

“Bridget” was the Irish immigrant servant girl who worked in American homes from the second half of the nineteenth century into the early years of the twentieth. She is widely known as a pop culture cliché: the young girl who wreaked havoc in middle-class American homes. Now, in the first book-length treatment of the topic, Margaret Lynch-Brennan tells the real story of such Irish domestic servants, providing a richly detailed portrait of their lives and experiences. Drawing on personal correspondence and other primary sources, Lynch-Brennan gives voice to these young Irish women and celebrates their untold contribution to the ethnic history of the United States. In addition, recognizing the interest of scholars in contemporary domestic service, she devotes one chapter to comparing “Bridget’s” experience to that of other ethnic women over time in domestic service in America.