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Topic Guide

BostonPL_The Boston Irish in Fact, Fiction & Film

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BostonPL_ReadersAdvisory

Boston Public Library

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The Irish presence in Boston dates back to the 18th century. As one of Boston's most prominent immigrant groups, they have contributed significantly to the political, social, cultural, and economic life of the city. Use this guide to explore their unique history.

By:

BostonPL_ReadersAdvisory

Boston Public Library

1-25 of 29 items

1-25 of 29 items

The Boston Irish

The Boston Irish

A Political History

by O'Connor, Thomas H.

Book - 1995

Boston historian O'Connor explains how the Irish came to dominate local politics, tracing the growth of the city's Irish political machine from the time o...Show more Boston historian O'Connor explains how the Irish came to dominate local politics, tracing the growth of the city's Irish political machine from the time of Hugh O'Brien, the first Irish-born mayor of Boston, to more recent leaders such as Raymond Flynn. Show less

Boston historian O'Connor explains how the Irish came to dominate local politics, tracing the growth of the city's Irish political machine from the time o...Show more Boston historian O'Connor explains how the Irish came to dominate local politics, tracing the growth of the city's Irish political machine from the time of Hugh O'Brien, the first Irish-born mayor of Boston, to more recent leaders such as Raymond Flynn. Show less

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All Souls

All Souls

A Family Story from Southie

by Macdonald, Michael Patrick

eBook - 2010

Michael Patrick MacDonald's compelling memoir of growing up in Southie's Old Colony housing project in the 1970's and 80's. Michael Patrick MacDonald's compelling memoir of growing up in Southie's Old Colony housing project in the 1970's and 80's. Show less

Michael Patrick MacDonald's compelling memoir of growing up in Southie's Old Colony housing project in the 1970's and 80's. Michael Patrick MacDonald's compelling memoir of growing up in Southie's Old Colony housing project in the 1970's and 80's. Show less

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Common Ground

Common Ground

A Turbulent Decade in the Lives of Three American Families

by Lukas, J. Anthony

eBook - 2012

An award-winning account of school integration in Boston from the vantage points of three families, one black and two white. An award-winning account of school integration in Boston from the vantage points of three families, one black and two white. Show less

An award-winning account of school integration in Boston from the vantage points of three families, one black and two white. An award-winning account of school integration in Boston from the vantage points of three families, one black and two white. Show less

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See You at the Hall

See You at the Hall

Boston's Golden Era of Irish Music and Dance

by Gedutis, Susan

Book - 2004

From the 1940s to the mid-1960s the huge dance halls that dotted Boston's Dudley Square were vital centers of social and cultural life for both Irish Americans and recent Irish immigrants. From the 1940s to the mid-1960s the huge dance halls that dotted Boston's Dudley Square were vital centers of social and cultural life for both Irish Americans and recent Irish immigrants. Show less

From the 1940s to the mid-1960s the huge dance halls that dotted Boston's Dudley Square were vital centers of social and cultural life for both Irish Americans and recent Irish immigrants. From the 1940s to the mid-1960s the huge dance halls that dotted Boston's Dudley Square were vital centers of social and cultural life for both Irish Americans and recent Irish immigrants. Show less

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The Rascal King

The Rascal King

The Life and Times of James Michael Curley, 1874-1958

by Beatty, Jack

Book - 2000

The life and times of James Michael Curley, one of Boston's most colorful mayors. He was immensely popular with working-class Irish Americans and served four terms in office. The life and times of James Michael Curley, one of Boston's most colorful mayors. He was immensely popular with working-class Irish Americans and served four terms in office. Show less

The life and times of James Michael Curley, one of Boston's most colorful mayors. He was immensely popular with working-class Irish Americans and served four terms in office. The life and times of James Michael Curley, one of Boston's most colorful mayors. He was immensely popular with working-class Irish Americans and served four terms in office. Show less

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Black Mass

Black Mass

Whitey Bulger, the FBI, and A Devil's Deal

by Lehr, Dick

Book - 2012

An account by two Boston Globe reporters of the unholy alliance made between John Connolly, a major figure in the FBI's Boston office, and James "Whitey" Bulger, leader of Boston's Irish mob. Now a major motion picture starring Johnny Depp. An account by two Boston Globe reporters of the unholy alliance made between John Connolly, a major figure in the FBI's Boston office, and James "Whitey" Bulger, leader of Boston's Irish mob. Now a major motion picture starring Johnny Depp. Show less

An account by two Boston Globe reporters of the unholy alliance made between John Connolly, a major figure in the FBI's Boston office, and James "Whitey" Bulger, leader of Boston's Irish mob. Now a major motion picture starring Johnny Depp. An account by two Boston Globe reporters of the unholy alliance made between John Connolly, a major figure in the FBI's Boston office, and James "Whitey" Bulger, leader of Boston's Irish mob. Now a major motion picture starring Johnny Depp. Show less

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Boston Catholics

Boston Catholics

A History of the Church and Its People

by O'Connor, Thomas H.

Book - 1998

A history of the Archdiocese of Boston and its parishioners by Boston historian O'Connor. A history of the Archdiocese of Boston and its parishioners by Boston historian O'Connor. Show less

A history of the Archdiocese of Boston and its parishioners by Boston historian O'Connor. A history of the Archdiocese of Boston and its parishioners by Boston historian O'Connor. Show less

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Boston Against Busing

Boston Against Busing

Race, Class, and Ethnicity in the 1960s and 1970s

by Formisano, Ronald P.

Book - 2004

Examines the racial conflicts resulting from school desegregation in Boston in September, 1974, analyzing the motivations of white anti-busing activists, Boston's historic racial divides, and the effects of the law. Examines the racial conflicts resulting from school desegregation in Boston in September, 1974, analyzing the motivations of white anti-busing activists, Boston's historic racial divides, and the effects of the law. Show less

Examines the racial conflicts resulting from school desegregation in Boston in September, 1974, analyzing the motivations of white anti-busing activists, Boston's historic racial divides, and the effects of the law. Examines the racial conflicts resulting from school desegregation in Boston in September, 1974, analyzing the motivations of white anti-busing activists, Boston's historic racial divides, and the effects of the law. Show less

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Charlestown

Charlestown

by Sammarco, Anthony Mitchell

Book - 2004

An informative photographic history of Charlestown by Boston historian Anthony Mitchell Sammarco. An informative photographic history of Charlestown by Boston historian Anthony Mitchell Sammarco. Show less

An informative photographic history of Charlestown by Boston historian Anthony Mitchell Sammarco. An informative photographic history of Charlestown by Boston historian Anthony Mitchell Sammarco. Show less

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South Boston

South Boston

by Sammarco, Anthony Mitchell

Book - 2004

Sammarco tracks the development of this Irish-American suburb from the nineteenth to early twentieth centuries. Sammarco tracks the development of this Irish-American suburb from the nineteenth to early twentieth centuries. Show less

Sammarco tracks the development of this Irish-American suburb from the nineteenth to early twentieth centuries. Sammarco tracks the development of this Irish-American suburb from the nineteenth to early twentieth centuries. Show less

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South Boston, My Home Town

South Boston, My Home Town

The History of An Ethnic Neighborhood

by O'Connor, Thomas H.

Book - 1994

Boston historian O'Connor combines his own personal recollections, with the accounts of others, to create a compelling history of this unique neighborhood. Boston historian O'Connor combines his own personal recollections, with the accounts of others, to create a compelling history of this unique neighborhood. Show less

Boston historian O'Connor combines his own personal recollections, with the accounts of others, to create a compelling history of this unique neighborhood. Boston historian O'Connor combines his own personal recollections, with the accounts of others, to create a compelling history of this unique neighborhood. Show less

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Irish Boston

Irish Boston

A Lively Look at Boston's Colorful Irish Past

by Quinlin, Michael P.

Book - 2013

Quinn tells the stories behind the well-known history. Quinn tells the stories behind the well-known history. Show less

Quinn tells the stories behind the well-known history. Quinn tells the stories behind the well-known history. Show less

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Hidden History of the Boston Irish

Hidden History of the Boston Irish

Little-known Stories From Ireland's "next Parish Over"

by Stevens, Peter F.

Book - 2008

An entertaining account of some not-so-famous Irish-American Bostonians. An entertaining account of some not-so-famous Irish-American Bostonians. Show less

An entertaining account of some not-so-famous Irish-American Bostonians. An entertaining account of some not-so-famous Irish-American Bostonians. Show less

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A Journey Through Boston Irish History

A Journey Through Boston Irish History

by Ryan, Dennis P.

Book - 1999

A comprehensive photographic record of one of Boston's most conspicuous immigrant group. A comprehensive photographic record of one of Boston's most conspicuous immigrant group. Show less

A comprehensive photographic record of one of Boston's most conspicuous immigrant group. A comprehensive photographic record of one of Boston's most conspicuous immigrant group. Show less

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The Kennedys

The Kennedys

America's Emerald Kings: A Five-Generation History of the Ultimate Irish-Catholic Family

by Maier, Thomas

eBook - 2009

A behind-the-scenes portrait of this powerful and influential Boston family. A behind-the-scenes portrait of this powerful and influential Boston family. Show less

A behind-the-scenes portrait of this powerful and influential Boston family. A behind-the-scenes portrait of this powerful and influential Boston family. Show less

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Rogues and Redeemers

Rogues and Redeemers

When Politics Was King in Irish Boston

by O'Neill, Gerard

Book - 2012

An account of the role of the Irish in Boston politics from a former Boston Globe investigative journalist. An account of the role of the Irish in Boston politics from a former Boston Globe investigative journalist. Show less

An account of the role of the Irish in Boston politics from a former Boston Globe investigative journalist. An account of the role of the Irish in Boston politics from a former Boston Globe investigative journalist. Show less

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While The Music Lasts

While The Music Lasts

My Life In Politics

by Bulger, William M.

Book - 1996

This entertaining and informative memoir from Bulger, a major force in Massachusetts politics for many years, is an excellent primer on how local politics works. This entertaining and informative memoir from Bulger, a major force in Massachusetts politics for many years, is an excellent primer on how local politics works. Show less

This entertaining and informative memoir from Bulger, a major force in Massachusetts politics for many years, is an excellent primer on how local politics works. This entertaining and informative memoir from Bulger, a major force in Massachusetts politics for many years, is an excellent primer on how local politics works. Show less

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Commanding Boston's Irish Ninth

Commanding Boston's Irish Ninth

The Civil War Letters of Colonel Patrick R. Guiney, Ninth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

by Guiney, Patrick R.

Book - 1998

Christian Samito writes in his introduction: "In reading Guiney's words, one can have a fuller appreciation of what motivated civilians to volunteer to fight a war and of the privations they suffered in service to their country." Christian Samito writes in his introduction: "In reading Guiney's words, one can have a fuller appreciation of what motivated civilians to volunteer to fight a war and of the privations they suffered in service to their country." Show less

Christian Samito writes in his introduction: "In reading Guiney's words, one can have a fuller appreciation of what motivated civilians to volunteer to fight a war and of the privations they suffered in service to their country." Christian Samito writes in his introduction: "In reading Guiney's words, one can have a fuller appreciation of what motivated civilians to volunteer to fight a war and of the privations they suffered in service to their country." Show less

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Fanatic Heart

Fanatic Heart

A Life of John Boyle O'Reilly, 1844-1890

by Evans, A. G.

Book - 1999

A comprehensive biography of a remarkable man who made significant and long-lasting contributions to literature, civil rights, and the Irish republican cause. A comprehensive biography of a remarkable man who made significant and long-lasting contributions to literature, civil rights, and the Irish republican cause. Show less

A comprehensive biography of a remarkable man who made significant and long-lasting contributions to literature, civil rights, and the Irish republican cause. A comprehensive biography of a remarkable man who made significant and long-lasting contributions to literature, civil rights, and the Irish republican cause. Show less

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Strong Boy

Strong Boy

The Life and Times of John L. Sullivan, America's First Sports Hero

by Klein, Christopher

Book - 2013

John L. Sullivan rose from Boston Irish working-class roots to become heavyweight champion of the world. John L. Sullivan rose from Boston Irish working-class roots to become heavyweight champion of the world. Show less

John L. Sullivan rose from Boston Irish working-class roots to become heavyweight champion of the world. John L. Sullivan rose from Boston Irish working-class roots to become heavyweight champion of the world. Show less

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The Given Day

The Given Day

by Lehane, Dennis

Book - 2012

Lehane's novel is set in Boston just after World War I. It centers on Irish-American police patrolman Danny Coughlin as he struggles to survive during a t...Show more Lehane's novel is set in Boston just after World War I. It centers on Irish-American police patrolman Danny Coughlin as he struggles to survive during a time of great political, economic, and social unrest. This compelling portrait of the city in the early part of the 20th century includes the rise of unions, race conflicts, and the 1919 police strike. Show less

Lehane's novel is set in Boston just after World War I. It centers on Irish-American police patrolman Danny Coughlin as he struggles to survive during a t...Show more Lehane's novel is set in Boston just after World War I. It centers on Irish-American police patrolman Danny Coughlin as he struggles to survive during a time of great political, economic, and social unrest. This compelling portrait of the city in the early part of the 20th century includes the rise of unions, race conflicts, and the 1919 police strike. Show less

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The Friends of Eddie Coyle

The Friends of Eddie Coyle

by Higgins, George V.

Book - 2010

A compelling view of Boston's Irish-American underworld in the 70s by Higgins, an assistant US attorney in Boston at the time. The book was the basis for the movie of the same name starring Robert Mitchen. A compelling view of Boston's Irish-American underworld in the 70s by Higgins, an assistant US attorney in Boston at the time. The book was the basis for the movie of the same name starring Robert Mitchen. Show less

A compelling view of Boston's Irish-American underworld in the 70s by Higgins, an assistant US attorney in Boston at the time. The book was the basis for the movie of the same name starring Robert Mitchen. A compelling view of Boston's Irish-American underworld in the 70s by Higgins, an assistant US attorney in Boston at the time. The book was the basis for the movie of the same name starring Robert Mitchen. Show less

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The Last Hurrah

The Last Hurrah

A Novel

by O'Connor, Edwin

Book - 2016

O'Connor's novel of big-city politics is loosely based on the life of Boston's Mayor James Michael Curley. The book was later adapted into a movie starring Spencer Tracy and directed by John Ford. O'Connor's novel of big-city politics is loosely based on the life of Boston's Mayor James Michael Curley. The book was later adapted into a movie starring Spencer Tracy and directed by John Ford. Show less

O'Connor's novel of big-city politics is loosely based on the life of Boston's Mayor James Michael Curley. The book was later adapted into a movie starring Spencer Tracy and directed by John Ford. O'Connor's novel of big-city politics is loosely based on the life of Boston's Mayor James Michael Curley. The book was later adapted into a movie starring Spencer Tracy and directed by John Ford. Show less

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The City Below

The City Below

by Carroll, James

eBook - 1996

Set in Boston, this novel chronicles the story of two Irish brothers who take very different paths in life. Terry Doyle is drawn to Kennedy's Camelot, Nick to organized crime. Set in Boston, this novel chronicles the story of two Irish brothers who take very different paths in life. Terry Doyle is drawn to Kennedy's Camelot, Nick to organized crime. Show less

Set in Boston, this novel chronicles the story of two Irish brothers who take very different paths in life. Terry Doyle is drawn to Kennedy's Camelot, Nick to organized crime. Set in Boston, this novel chronicles the story of two Irish brothers who take very different paths in life. Terry Doyle is drawn to Kennedy's Camelot, Nick to organized crime. Show less

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Boondock Saints

Boondock Saints

DVD - 2001

When two vigilante brothers start eliminating the criminals the justice system has been powerless to stop, Boston FBI agent Paul Smecker is not quite sure whether to arrest them or join them. When two vigilante brothers start eliminating the criminals the justice system has been powerless to stop, Boston FBI agent Paul Smecker is not quite sure whether to arrest them or join them. Show less

When two vigilante brothers start eliminating the criminals the justice system has been powerless to stop, Boston FBI agent Paul Smecker is not quite sure whether to arrest them or join them. When two vigilante brothers start eliminating the criminals the justice system has been powerless to stop, Boston FBI agent Paul Smecker is not quite sure whether to arrest them or join them. Show less

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