The Stories of Cromwell in Ireland are the stuff of Myths and Legends.
This book factually disputes some of the spin and legend created about Cromwell in Ireland, and reflects some of interests of the parties involved.
It shows that some of the controversy surrounding Cromwell is to say the least not factually based, and perhaps may be biased reflecting the opinions of the Catholic Church, Rich and wealthy landowners, and the Governments of England, Ireland. This book although sympathetic to the Parliamentary cause, bases its arguments on the factual historiography of the time, rather than the myths and legends that were created and devloped to support alternative views and perspectives..
One of the main points ignored by most historians is the commercial view taken by Cromwell in not killing Irish people, but rather selling them into Slavery in the English Colonies of America to repay the Treasury to offset the costs of the Wars in Ireland.
Another point is the religious,political, and financial obfuscation of the interested parties.
The Idigenous Irish Families and Tribes seeking to recover their lands and position.
The Irish/English, those people born in Ireland of English parentage, and having some claim to position, properties and wealth in both England and Ireland, seeking to recover their lands.
The English Soldiers and Armies of Cromwell, seeking to obtain the land settlement that Cromwell had given them.
In all the above three interested groups there were mixed religious beliefs and practices, including Catholicism and Protestentism.
The book destroys the myths and Legends of the Cromwell, the Protestant Butcher killing Catholics only in Ireland.
The book reflects a high degree of good quality research, that conflicts with several of the leading writers that have maintained the Institutionally biased myths and legends that have kept the myths alive.
The book reflects Cromwell as a man driven by getting results, and driving England into the Republican vision that he had.
An excellent read. History opening its doors on factually based historiography, and challenging some major myths and legends.