"Irish History: Beyond Shamrocks & Shillelaghs" is packed with fascinating and inspiring stories. Thoroughly researched and written in an engaging style, this eclectic collection of stories brings to life some remarkable characters of Irish and Irish American past. The individuals and events portrayed best exemplify the Irish traits of tenacity, perseverance, and the desire for freedom at whatever the cost. Conversely, one becomes keenly aware of the frailty of the Irish nature and the propensity to go to battle for the sake of a good fight. Sidney Littlewood once said, "The Irish don't know what they want and are prepared to fight to the death to get it."