The image of Irelande
Book • 1581
John Derricke's 'The Image of Ireland' (1581) is an illustrated pamphlet that depicts Ireland and the conflicts between Irish chieftains and English authority during the late sixteenth century.
Combining woodcut images with accompanying verse and prose, it presents a strongly English perspective aimed at justifying military action and plantation policies.
The work includes dramatic portrayals of figures such as Rory Oge O'More and scenes intended to demonstrate Irish 'wildness' and English responses.
It was widely read in England and influenced contemporary attitudes toward Ireland and imperial policy.
As a source, it is valued both for its vivid imagery and for revealing how propaganda and representation shaped Elizabethan public opinion.
Combining woodcut images with accompanying verse and prose, it presents a strongly English perspective aimed at justifying military action and plantation policies.
The work includes dramatic portrayals of figures such as Rory Oge O'More and scenes intended to demonstrate Irish 'wildness' and English responses.
It was widely read in England and influenced contemporary attitudes toward Ireland and imperial policy.
As a source, it is valued both for its vivid imagery and for revealing how propaganda and representation shaped Elizabethan public opinion.
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Neil MacGregor
7. Ireland: Failures in the Present
