A History of the Irish Language: From the Norman Invasion to Independence
A History of the Irish Language by Aidan Doyle traces Irish from the Norman invasion in the late 12th century to independence in 1922. Its seven chapters pair political and cultural context with changes in the language, making it a focused history rather than a language-learning course.
At a glance
- Covers Irish-language history from the Norman invasion through independence in 1922.
- Seven chapters address distinct historical periods, moving from the language’s external position to internal linguistic change.
- Combines political, cultural and linguistic history.
- The description presents it as a resource for students and readers who cannot read Irish.
Reference price: $43.99
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionOften bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Connects language change to the historical circumstances of each period instead of treating linguistic developments in isolation.
- The English-language presentation makes the subject accessible to readers who cannot read Irish, according to the listing.
- A defined historical span and seven-period structure give readers a clear scope for study.
Cons
- Its focus ends at independence in 1922, so it does not cover later Irish-language history.
- The book is a historical and linguistic study, not described as a practical Irish-learning course.
Technical specifications
10 specifications| Author | Aidan Doyle |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| Publication date | August 11, 2015 |
| Edition | Illustrated |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 384 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0198724764 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0198724766 |
| Dimensions | 0.7 x 6.7 x 9.6 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 1.22 pounds |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Undergraduate students studying Irish language history.
- Readers interested in the relationship between Irish language change and political or cultural history.
- Readers seeking an English-language account of Irish linguistic history through 1922.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for lessons or exercises to learn conversational Irish.
- Readers seeking a history of the Irish language after 1922.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
79% 79% - 4 stars
13% 13% - 3 stars
4% 4% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
4% 4%
Aggregate ratings are generally favorable, with most ratings in the top category, but a smaller low-star share means the overall score alone cannot show which aspects readers liked or disliked. No written review themes are provided, so it is not possible to assess reactions to the book’s historical scope, linguistic detail or accessibility from customer comments.
Frequently asked questions
What period does this book cover?
It traces Irish-language history from the Norman invasion at the end of the 12th century to independence in 1922.
How is the book organized?
The description says it has seven main chapters, each focused on a period and addressing the language’s external position before internal changes.
Is this a textbook for learning to speak Irish?
It is described as a history of the language and its development, not as a practical speaking course.
Is the book written in Irish?
The listed language is English, and the description says the book makes material accessible to readers who cannot read Irish.
Alternative options
Thirty-Two Words for Field: Lost Words of the Irish Landscape
$18.59
Learning Irish: Text with Online Media
$30.00
Teach Yourself Irish Grammar You Really Need to Know: A Practical Course
$16.99
Short Stories in Irish for Beginners: Read for pleasure at your level, expand your vocabulary and learn Irish the fun way!
$8.29
Step-by-Step Irish: An Irish Language Workbook for Beginners
$11.50
Irish Grammar (Collins Easy Learning) (English and Irish Edition)
$14.95
First Steps in Irish: A classic, succinct, book for learning to read, write and speak the Irish language
$9.99
Collins Easy Learning Irish – Easy Learning Irish Dictionary
$18.99
Irish Verbs (Collins Easy Learning) (English and Irish Edition)
$14.95
Ireland: A History
$39.40
Irish-English/English-Irish Easy Reference Dictionary
$14.22
Early Irish Myths and Sagas (Penguin Classics)
$11.48
