Nation States

Michael Mays' book is a distinguished and original contribution to the current critical confluence of Irish cultural, social, political, and literary history. Mays has unified these elements through a lucid and continuous scholarly narrative marked by a non-pedantic use of primary sources and a fine use of critical theory subordinate to his primary style of presentation. Especially useful is Mays' questioning and judicious use of 'postcolonial' theory and his discussions of modern Irish literature; his crisp and interesting insights regarding Yeats are worth the price of admission. It is the only scholarly work in its genre which I find appropriate for both advanced scholarship and the pleasure of the informed general reader. I unreservedly recommend this excellent book. -- Tom Hofheinz, Author of Joyce and the Invention of Irish History: Finnegans Wake in Context
May's account of the general history of Irish nationalism is efficient, well written, and engaging. Anyone coming to the topic of Irish nationalism for the first time would certainly find Nation States illuminating and helpful. Mays's accounts of the nationalist projects of Pearse and De Valera are particularly useful, being rich, economical, and intelligent….Nation States is a brace and intelligent attempt to tackle a large and important topic in an engaging manner. Students, in particular, will learn much from the author's subtle and well-informed account of Irish culture and history. -- Andrew Murphy, University of St. Andrews * Modern Philology, May 2011 *