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The Immortal Irishman

The Irish Revolutionary Who Became an American Hero
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( 9,236 ratings, 1,206 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan tells the true story of Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish revolutionary who escapes from a British prison colony and becomes a Union general in the American Civil War. His remarkable journey takes him from the harsh realities of the Great Famine to pivotal moments in American history, highlighting his resilience and enduring spirit.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you enjoy captivating stories of resilience and adventure, blending history and biography. It follows an Irish revolutionary's journey through 19th-century America, full of rich historical detail and a compelling personal narrative.

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In this exciting and illuminating work, National Book Award winner Timothy Egan delivers a story, both rollicking and haunting, of one of the most famous Irish Americans of all time.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
The Immortal Irishman is a gripping narrative by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Timothy Egan that vividly brings to life the epic journey of Thomas Francis Meagher, a dashing orator and leader during Ireland's Great Hunger of the 1840s.

Meagher's story begins with his valiant but doomed attempt to ignite a revolution against British rule, an effort that leads to his exile in a Tasmanian prison colony. In an astonishing twist of fate, he escapes and re-emerges in New York City, where he swiftly becomes a symbol of hope and resilience, earning the title of the most famous Irishman in America. His journey is far from over. As the American Civil War breaks out, Meagher takes command of the newly formed Irish Brigade, leading it through some of the war's bloodiest battles with unparalleled courage and determination.

Post-war, Meagher ventures westward to Montana, envisioning the creation of a new Ireland amidst the rugged expanse of the American frontier. This quixotic undertaking culminates in his mysterious disappearance, a baffling enigma that Egan masterfully unravels, providing a compelling resolution that has long eluded historians.

Through Egan's meticulous research and eloquent prose, The Immortal Irishman not only chronicles the remarkable exploits of Meagher but also encapsulates the broader saga of the Irish immigrant experience in America. Rich in historical detail and human drama, Egan's work illustrates the indomitable spirit and enduring legacy of an extraordinary man.

In the words of Daniel James Brown, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Facing the Mountain, β€œThis is marvelous stuff. Thomas F. Meagher strides onto Egan's beautifully wrought pages just as he lived β€” powerfully larger than life. A fascinating account of an extraordinary life.”

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan is highly praised for its captivating storytelling, thorough research, and engaging narrative. Reviewers commend Egan's ability to bring Thomas Meagher's extraordinary life to vivid, larger-than-life detail, offering a significant reappraisal of Meagher's historical impact. The book has been described as an impressive biography, a gripping page-turner, and a masterful blend of deep reporting and vibrant prose.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780544944831

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 February 2018

Country: United States

Imprint: Mariner Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 135.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 308g

Pages: 384

About the Author

TIMOTHY EGAN is a Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter and the author of eight other books, most recently The Immortal Irishman, a New York Times bestseller. His book on the Dust Bowl, The Worst Hard Time, won a National Book Award for nonfiction. His account of photographer Edward Curtis, Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher, won the Carnegie Medal for nonfiction. He writes a biweekly opinion column for the New York Times.

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