Very British Rebels: The Culture and Politics of Ulster Loyalism

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Challenging traditional narrow views, this unique work proposes to rethink and reinterpret Ulster loyalism from the beginning of the "Troubles" to the present day, by tracing its religious, paramilitary, political, and community influences. The work examines the core values of loyalist communities, the roots of violence, and the shift toward peaceful coexistence with former enemies. Also discussed are the DUP's claims that it represents loyalism's "true voice" along with the complex and varying degrees of commitment to the Crown, the Protestant Faith, and the British governance of Northern Ireland. Lastly, it looks at how cultural expressions of loyalist identity, such as poetry or cartoons, are being used in the (re)construction of a loyalist memory. Written by a leading expert on Ulster loyalism, the work is based on extensive interviews with loyalists and loyalist literature to provide an inside account of the processes of loyalist identity formation and transformation. Drawing on political science, sociology and cultural studies, it will appeal to anyone interested in Irish politics as well as conflict and peace processes.

Reviews

Whilst scholars have recently started to address the gap in the literature on Loyalism, there is still much to be understood of the Loyalist community. Jim McAuleys expertise in Northern Ireland and especially Loyalism remains a starting point for any serious scholar in the area. Very British Rebels is an excellent contribution to the literature available on Northern Irelandespecially Northern Irish politics and Loyalist identity. * Lyndsey Harris, Assistant Professor, School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Nottingham, UK *

Author Bio

James W. McAuley is Professor of Political Sociology and Irish Studies and Associate Dean for Research and Enterprise at the University of Huddersfield, UK. He is a recognized expert on Ulster unionism and loyalism.