1001 Things Everyone Should Know
About Irish American History by
Edward T. ODonnell
A Good Book, And A Great Gift Item
This compendium contains 1001 fascinating facts and trivia about the
intertwined histories of Ireland and the United States. It is a complete
reference to important historic events and the contributions of Irish
Americans in areas including:
• Politics
• The arts
• Science and medicine

• Sports
and much more.
Personal Review: 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About
Irish American History by Edward T. ODonnell
Overall a very good book and a very scholarly work. The book's
Introduction provides us a brief insight into O'Donnell's motive for
embarking on this work: This book ... is my answer to a question I've
heard countless times in the past: Where can I find a book about the
history of the Irish in America that is both accurate and accessible? My
goal has been to write just such a book --- a fun yet factual look at the
people and events that have marked Irish American history. I've brought to
this task an inclusive approach that recognizes that Irish Americans always
been characterized by an extraordinary diversity --- from religion to politics
to class and identity. My inclusive approach has likewise led me to
chronicle not simply the triumphs of Irish Americans, but also their failures.I
feel that in 1001 THINGS ..., O'Donnell met his goal!I'm a regular reader of
O'Donnell's weekly Hibernian Chronicle column in the Irish Echo. So his
"easy to read and understand" writing style comes as no surprise to me.
But the other user friendly features are: A sensible organization of 10
chapters; about 175 illustration or photographs; numbered entries, and a
good index. Indeed the book is "accurate and accessible," and provides a
handy reference to answer questions. Not only questions raised by others,
but also questions that arise in one's mind while reading news accounts,
books, watching films, etc. I always rely on reading to reduce the ardors of
travel. I001 THINGS ... is a perfect travel book. The individually numbered
entries, in a flexible paperback book, are very compatible with "stop and
go" reading in an airport terminal or in flight --- particularly in the 'hurry up
and wait" environment of these post 9-11 days.And the price? I purchased
several copies because the price is reasonable, and it makes a great gift
item. I generally trust my judgement. If I enjoy a book, the recipient of my
gift probably will too.I've read many reviews of 1001 THINGS ... All have
been favorable. Overall I share that assessment.But I'm a little
disappointed about the omission of some notables. The McCourts ---
Frank, Malachy, and one or two other brothers we have yet to hear from ---
are not mentioned. I first thought that perhaps O"Donnell only included
personages no longer with us. But this doesn't appear to be the case. Live
personages such as Michael Flatley, Jean Butler, The Berrigan brothers,
and Ted Kennedy make the pages of 1000 THINGS ... Then there is the
omission of General O'Reilly, the second Spanish Governor of Louisiana.
Yes, I was surprised too. Spain also ruled Louisiana. And a man with the
decidedly Hispanic-Hibernian name of Alejandro O'Reilly was the second
Spanish Governor of Louisiana. Indeed an interesting career in politics in
the new world, for a descendant of a "Wild Geese" family. The most
unfortunate omission is the Healy family. In the early 1800s, Michael
Healy, an Irish-born Georgia planter, purchased Mary Eliza, a mixed-race

slave. Laws during the slavery era prohibited interracial marriages, but
Michael and Mary Eliza carried out their family life as husband and wife.
Their union produced 10 children. Three brothers entered the priesthood
--- James Healy was the first black American to be ordained a Roman
Catholic priest. He later became Bishop of Portland Maine (certainly
another first), where he provided distinguished leadership in pastoral work,
education, social advocacy, and public welfare. Sherwood Healy
reportedly received a doctorate in Canon Law from the North American
College in Rome in 1860. Patrick Healy was ordained as a Jesuit
priest, going on to serve as Georgetown University's prefect of studies
from 1868 to 1878, and its president from 1873 to 1881 ---- the first
African-American president of a predominantly white university. Healy Hall,
one of Georgetown's major buildings is named in his honor.Unlike his
brothers, Michael Healy did not embark on an ecclesiastical career. He
ultimately joined the US Revenue Service, the forerunner of today's US
Coast Guard. He mostly served in the waters of Alaska, attaining the rank
of Captain and the Commanding Officer of the BEAR. The Coast Guard
icebreaker, HEALY, is named in his honor. We know little of the remaining
Healy children except that three of the girls became nuns, with one of them
attaining the rank of Mother Superior of her order.Indeed the Healys were
a distinguished Irish - American family.Aside from the omissions, 1001
THINGS ... is still a good book. I hope that O'Donnell will address the
omissions with a future sequel to 1001 THINGS. Perhaps a suitable title
might be ANOTHER 1001 THINGS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
IRISH AMERICAN HISTORY. In the meantime, I'll keep distributing the
current version as suitable gifts to friends.
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