Dwelling Place of Dragons

For the last 10 years, I've been immersed in an intensive study of Irish history. The result of all that research is a recently published book, Dwelling Place of Dragons. It allows three people to present their view of history as it unfolded rather than how it is viewed by historians look back. As a result, this is history that evokes emotions as readers become involved with the experiences of three Ulster Presbyterians, George Henderson, the editor of The Newry Commerical Telegraph, a prominent Ulster newspaper, an Irish farmer who recounted the events of Ireland day by day, and his nephew John Martin. Both James and John were Irish nationalists, a position of great peril during the 19th century. John became a national leader, a man well known throughout Ireland, England and America. The story they tell will make clear to readers the reality, the peril of life in Ireland that drove millions of them away to distant lands.

Yesterday marked an important opportunity in Northern Ireland. Local government returned there after several years absence with both Catholic and Protestant leaders working to better the lives of the citizens of Northern Ireland. At the moment, this is just an event in the history of Ireland. Its significance will depend on what happens next.

One of the great obstacles to a secure peace is the lack of information about Irish history. The residents of Northern Ireland study English history rather than that of their own country. I learned this amazing bit of information one morning, as I made my first visit to the battlefield of Dolly's Brae. As I drove around the area with a friend, I explained how the battle unfolded. I noticed a strange look come over his face. I asked him what he was thinking. He told me that it was very strange to learn about Irish history from an American lady.

At that moment, I knew that I had to put what I had learned into a book form. Dwelling Place of Dragons resulted. It is available from Amazon.com. Enjoy.