The Rose and Irish Identity

Book excerpt: Both Ireland and the Pacific Northwest are known for their climates, and have historically been associated with the rose. This collection of essays explores the exchange Ireland has had with the Northwest using the rose as an example by examining the beautiful and the harsh, the petals and the thorns. It is the culmination of the work of established and emerging historians and writers who have traversed the boundary between the Northwest and Ireland several times. The timely contributions gathered here include essays about the imperialist mindset, biased court systems, the victims of social hatred, and organized resistance. Timeless themes include grief, poetry and the oral tradition, and the effect plants have upon a given population. The book is a much-needed contribution to often overlooked aspects of colonialism and boundaries.