The Image of Irelande, with a Discoverie of Woodkarne
The Image of Irelande, with a Discoverie of Woodkarne is a book from 1581. It was written by John Derricke. This book was created during a time when England was trying to control Ireland. It tells a story through poems and pictures about the English victories over Irish leaders.
About The Image of Irelande
The book is dedicated to Philip Sidney, a famous English writer and soldier. It praises Philip's father, Henry Sidney, who was a very important English official in Ireland. He was called the Lord Deputy. The book celebrates the English wins against Irish groups.
What's Inside the Book?
The book starts with poems about Ireland's history. It talks about the conflicts between the Irish and the English. It also gives reasons why the English believed they should rule Ireland.
After the poems, there are twelve special pictures called woodcuts. These pictures are mixed with more poems that tell a story. They show Henry Sidney's victories over Irish rebels. The book also describes Irish culture in a way that made it seem less good.
The book finishes with the surrender of Turlough Luineach Ó Neill. He was a king in Tyrone, a part of Ireland. This happened in 1578. Experts like James A. Knapp say that the pictures in the book are much more interesting than the poems.
Where Can You Find It?
There is only one full copy of this book left today. You can find it at the Edinburgh University Library in Scotland. A copy of the book was made and edited by the university's librarian in 1883.
- Pages from ''The Image of Irelande, with a Discoverie of Woodkarne''
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The Image of Irelande: title page showing the inscription of donation.
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Plate 1. A soldier holding a battle-axe hands a spear to an Irish chieftain in full dress, with a page holding the chieftain's horse.
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Plate 2. An armed company of the kerne, carrying halberds and pikes and led by a piper, attack and burn a farmhouse and drive off the horses and cattle.
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Plate 3. The most famous plate of the set shows the chief of the Mac Sweynes seated at an informal picnic while booleying, and being entertained by a bard and a harper.
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Plate 4. The Irish chieftain receives the priest's blessing before departing to fight the English, who are shown in full armour.
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Plate 6. Sir Henry Sidney, Lord-Deputy, accompanied by an armed force, sets out from Dublin Castle for a progress through Ireland.
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Plate 7. The English army is drawn up for battle, while Sidney himself parleys with a messenger from the Irish.
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Plate 8. Sidney and the English army on the march with standards and trumpets.
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Plate 9. The English army puts the Irish army to flight. The piper is cut down with his pipes beside him.
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Plate 10. Sir Henry Sidney returns in triumph to Dublin Castle and is received by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen.
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Plate 11. Ruaidhrí Óg Ó Mórdha wearing the traditional Irish mantle in the forest, with his hunting dog.
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Plate 12. Turlough Lynagh O'Neil and another kneel to Sidney in submission. In the background Sidney seems to be embracing O'Neill as a noble friend.
