Dueling Dragons ― The Struggle for Ireland 1849-1875

Marjorie Harshaw Robie's Dueling Dragons picks up where her Dwelling Place of Dragons ended, continuing an historical account of the critical years in 19th century Irish history that set the stage for turmoil in Ireland that lasted for more than one hundred years. In Dueling Dragons, famine and emigration decimate the Irish population; religious conflicts divide Protestants from Catholics; and friendships and families are torn apart.This history is recounted from the front-lines, the headlines, and through the writings of three connected Irishmen. James Harshaw, an ordinary Irish farmer, respected for his good works and his community commitment, kept a daily journal that disappeared years after his death, only to reappear miraculously one hundred years later, and several thousand miles away. Harshaw's nephew John Martin left his own farm to become an internationally known and respected political leader, devoting much of his life to achieving Irish independence from England. Martin's ideas and adventures were contained in letters, public speeches and newspaper articles. Martin's schoolmate and friend George Henderson, editor of an important and influential newspaper in Counties Down and Armagh, covered the major news of the day and wrote powerful editorials supporting the union of Ireland and England.Save for their writings, these men might have faded into oblivion. Ms. Robie spent years searching for the Harshaw diaries (which she found in Keokuk Iowa after a series of mind-boggling coincidences). She researched hundreds of historical documents including Martin's personal letters and decades' worth of Henderson's Newry Commercial Telegraph to piece together this startlingly personal and exquisitely detailed account of rebellion, religion and politics.In Dueling Dragons, Ms. Robie helps three important, unsung voices to emerge from the shadows. She has written a seminal story for history buffs, followers of religious and political history, and every Irish person on earth who imagines what his or her ancestors' lives were like.