Wearing of the Green

Mike Cronin graduated with a Ph.D. in history from Oxford University in 1994. He is currently Accademic Director for Centre of Irish Programmes at Boston College, Dublin. Cronin has a particular interest in the study of twentieth-century Irish history, as well as the politics of sport in Irish history. He is author of The Blueshirts and Irish Politics (1997), Sport and Nationalism in Ireland (1999) and A History of Ireland (2001).Daryl Adair graduated with a Ph.D. in history from the Flinders University of South Australia in 1995. He is currently Lecturer in Sports Humanities in the Centre for Sports Studies, University of Canberra, Australia. Adair has a background in Australian history, with a keen interest in public spectacles. He is author of Sport in Australian History (1997, with Wray Vamplew), and editor of Sport Tourism (2002, with Brent Ritchie).

'An inventive, delightful, and percipient book which uses the national feast day as a means to examine the texture and drama of the history of the Irish wherever they might find themselves.' – Thomas Keneally'The most complete history we are ever likely to have of [St Patrick's Day] ... A work of popular history that is readable, entertaining, challenging, provocative, well-written and thoroughly researched.' – Joseph O'Connor'A fascinating exploration of what has become one of the world's most public and internationally celebrated festivals.' – Visitor

• 1. Introduction  2. Evolution of St Patrick's Day  3. Famine and Exodus  4. Visualising Ireland: Nationalism and Diaspora  5. Contesting Ireland: Republicanism and Militarism  6. Proclaiming Ireland: Independence and Empire  7. Modern Times, Troubled Times  8. Reinventing St Patrick's Day  9. Conclusion