EMYR ESTYN EVANS (1905-1989) was born in Shrewsbury, England, of Welsh parentage. He studied under H.J. Fleure at Aberystwyth and in 1928 moved to Queen’s University Belfast, where he founded the Department of Geography and held a chair from 1948 to 1968. He helped to establish the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra in 1963, and in 1970 became the first Director of the Institute of Irish Studies. His books include France (1937), Irish Heritage (1942), Mourne Country (1951, rev. 1967), Irish Folk Ways (1957), Prehistoric and Early Christian Ireland (1967), and The Personality of Ireland (1973, rev. 1992).
The totally convincing case Evans puts forward is for a synthesis
of geography, archaeology, anthropology and recorded history – an
interpenetration of these sciences which he himself manages to
raise to the level of historical art sono one claiming an interest
in Irish history should fail to peruse [it] regularly.’ – Robert
Kee ‘Owing to the reach of his mind and his skills as a writer, his
works remain fresh and useful to a new generation’ – Henry Glassie
I well remember the excitement I felt at the first publication in
1973 of The Personality of Ireland… I knew I was reading one of the
most important books of my life’ – Paul Durcan ‘A classic study of
Irish culture … essential reading for students of Irish history and
should be compulsory for all politicians interested in Ireland’s
future.’ – Fortnight ‘A tremendously stimulating book, and one
which can be highly recommended to all.’ – Paul Gosling
The totally convincing case Evans puts forward is for a synthesis
of geography, archaeology, anthropology and recorded history – an
interpenetration of these sciences which he himself manages to
raise to the level of historical art sono one claiming an interest
in Irish history should fail to peruse [it] regularly.’ – Robert
Kee ‘Owing to the reach of his mind and his skills as a writer, his
works remain fresh and useful to a new generation’ – Henry Glassie
I well remember the excitement I felt at the first publication in
1973 of The Personality of Ireland… I knew I was reading one of the
most important books of my life’ – Paul Durcan ‘A classic study of
Irish culture … essential reading for students of Irish history and
should be compulsory for all politicians interested in Ireland’s
future.’ – Fortnight ‘A tremendously stimulating book, and one
which can be highly recommended to all.’ – Paul Gosling
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