“A delightful and deeply informative new take on the Scots-Irish who, despite being relatively unknown, made a tremendous contribution to America's culture.” —James Flannery Tracing the journey of the people from the north of Ireland in the early 1700s, Karen F. McCarthy shines a probing light on this fascinating topic, illuminating the extent to which the Scots-Irish helped weave the fabric of our nation. Setting down roots primarily in the South, they went on to produce such American icons as Mark Twain, Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, George Patton, and Stephen King—as well as a number of US presidents. In addition to novelists and military and political leaders, they also contributed to more colorful aspects of our culture, from moonshine to NASCAR. Despite their outsize role in the history of the United States, the story of these descendants of Ulster Protestants is not widely known. This book tells that story, illuminating a lively and fiercely independent cast of characters over the course of centuries.

In his first work of nonfiction, bestselling novelist James Webb tells the epic story of the Scots-Irish, a people whose lives and worldview were dictated by resistance, conflict, and struggle, and who, in turn, profoundly influenced the social, political, and cultural landscape of America from its beginnings through the present day. More than 27 million Americans today can trace their lineage to the Scots, whose bloodline was stained by centuries of continuous warfare along the border between England and Scotland, and later in the bitter settlements of England’s Ulster Plantation in Northern Ireland. Between 250,000 and 400,000 Scots-Irish migrated to America in the eighteenth century, traveling in groups of families and bringing with them not only long experience as rebels and outcasts but also unparalleled skills as frontiersmen and guerrilla fighters. Their cultural identity reflected acute individualism, dislike of aristocracy and a military tradition, and, over time, the Scots-Irish defined the attitudes and values of the military, of working class America, and even of the peculiarly populist form of American democracy itself. Born Fighting is the first book to chronicle the full journey of this remarkable cultural group, and the profound, but unrecognized, role it has played in the shaping of America. Written with the storytelling verve that has earned his works such acclaim as “captivating . . . unforgettable” (the Wall Street Journal on Lost Soliders), Scots-Irishman James Webb, Vietnam combat veteran and former Naval Secretary, traces the history of his people, beginning nearly two thousand years ago at Hadrian’s Wall, when the nation of Scotland was formed north of the Wall through armed conflict in contrast to England’s formation to the south through commerce and trade. Webb recounts the Scots’ odyssey—their clashes with the English in Scotland and then in Ulster, their retreat from one war-ravaged land to another. Through engrossing chronicles of the challenges the Scots-Irish faced, Webb vividly portrays how they developed the qualities that helped settle the American frontier and define the American character. Born Fighting shows that the Scots-Irish were 40 percent of the Revolutionary War army; they included the pioneers Daniel Boone, Lewis and Clark, Davy Crockett, and Sam Houston; they were the writers Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain; and they have given America numerous great military leaders, including Stonewall Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, Audie Murphy, and George S. Patton, as well as most of the soldiers of the Confederacy (only 5 percent of whom owned slaves, and who fought against what they viewed as an invading army). It illustrates how the Scots-Irish redefined American politics, creating the populist movement and giving the country a dozen presidents, including Andrew Jackson, Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. And it explores how the Scots-Irish culture of isolation, hard luck, stubbornness, and mistrust of the nation’s elite formed and still dominates blue-collar America, the military services, the Bible Belt, and country music. Both a distinguished work of cultural history and a human drama that speaks straight to the heart of contemporary America, Born Fighting reintroduces America to its most powerful, patriotic, and individualistic cultural group—one too often ignored or taken for granted.

"Experience the magical world of Irish storytelling where many remarkable characters await you: a king with a mysterious secret, brave warriors famous for their strength, a clever leprechaun who outwits humans, and many more"--Front dust jacket flap.

He looks at what we think we know about the first Irish, where they came from and why they seem to have landed here long after they colonised our neighbours. He asks if the Celts ever landed in Ireland at all and could our genes reveal a twist to that story? The Vikings gave Ireland towns, a thriving slave trade, plenty of words and names. So how come they have left behind very little genetic trace? And how did a row over a woman lead to a band of down-on-their-luck cousins, from a French-Welsh-Norse background, to help conquer Ireland? The Irish (& Other Foreigners) also tells the curious and bloody story of the Plantations, a mass movement of people which convulsed the island, as well as looking at how other newcomers left their mark on the island and its people. And finally, there is a chapter on the recent wave of immigration and how quickly a country of mass emigration became host to people from across the globe.

A magical illustrated collection of Irish words for the natural world from the author of the bestseller, Thirty-Two Words for Field.

This popular introduction to the Irish language is now accompanied by an audio CD. Irish, also known as Irish Gaelic or Gaelige, is spoken today by approximately one million people worldwide. It is also the basis of the Irish literary tradition, which is the oldest in Europe after Greek and Latin. This valuable guide, ideal for both individual and classroom use, teaches the basics of Irish grammar and vocabulary in 10 easy-to-follow lessons. The audio CD feature complements the dialogue and grammar sections of the lesson, aiding the reader in understanding the language as spoken.

AN IN-YOUR-FACE COLLECTION OF TRIVIA THAT'S SURE TO INSPIRE CHEST-THUMPING PRIDE IN EVERYONE OF IRISH DESCENT Is there anyone who does not think the Irish are the greatest people on Earth? Before stepping outside to convince them, first peacefully impart upon any misinformed bar patrons the incontrovertible evidence presented in F*ck You, I'm Irish. Amazing accomplishment or astounding person, if it bleeds kelly green and it's feckin' great, it's in this book. Irish pride has sparked parades, breakfast cereal, beer, riots, international holidays, the fame of Liam Neeson, sports mascots, more beer, and now, this fun and fascinating book. In its pages, Irish culture, history, and general weirdness come to life with snappy entries on everything from snake-chasing saints, cute hoors, and ruthless independence fighters to acclaimed authors, superstar rock bands, and fair-skinned super models. Forget about the leprechaun dolls, T-shirts, hats, wigs, and green beer that people buy every St. Paddy's Day! With true stories of immigrant struggles, rollicking wakes, hurling shenanigans, and Guinness-fueled escapades, F*ck You, I'm Irish offers a far better way to celebrate one's heritage than a manky "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" button.