The Immortal Irishman

The Irish Revolutionary Who Became an American Hero

By: Timothy Egan

Narrated by: Gerard Doyle

Length: 14 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

From the National Book Award-winning and best-selling author Timothy Egan comes the epic story of one of the most fascinating and colorful Irishmen in 19th-century America.

The Irish-American story, with all its twists and triumphs, is told through the improbable life of one man. A dashing young orator during the Great Famine of the 1840s, in which a million of his Irish countrymen died, Thomas Francis Meagher led a failed uprising against British rule, for which he was banished to a Tasmanian prison colony. He escaped and six months later was heralded in the streets of New York - the revolutionary hero, back from the dead, at the dawn of the great Irish immigration to America.

Meagher's rebirth in America included his leading the newly formed Irish Brigade from New York in many of the fiercest battles of the Civil War - Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg. Twice shot from his horse while leading charges, left for dead in the Virginia mud, Meagher's dream was that Irish-American troops, seasoned by war, would return to Ireland and liberate their homeland from British rule.

The hero's last chapter, as territorial governor of Montana, was a romantic quest for a true home in the far frontier. His death has long been a mystery to which Egan brings haunting, colorful new evidence.

©2016 Timothy Egan (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Gerard Doyle narrates the astonishing life story of Thomas Meagher with the lilting enthusiasm of an Irishman who has a fine yarn to tell. And how fine it is.... Infinitely listenable, Doyle delivers this remarkable biography with a clarity, pleasure, and ease that will entice even those who've never heard of Meagher." ( AudioFile)

A man who clearly saw the world and himself.

Clearly saw the Irishman as slaves. Clearly saw that the American Civil War was a fight for freedom. Clearly understood that the country needed to be fought for.

I didn't want it to end!

What did you love best about The Immortal Irishman?

What a life! Thomas Francis Meagher led an inspiring and thrilling 43 years. This was the most exciting history lesson/text I've ever read.

What does Gerard Doyle bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I don't think I could have been as enthralled without the narration of Doyle. His brogue brought authenticity to the story. The book is amazing but Doyle made this the perfect audiobook!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The tales of the Irish Brigade during the Civil War. I had no idea what was truly at stake for those immigrants. Forced out of their home country, hoping to belong, to be a part of the United States, they paid the ultimate price. The reputation they earned was inspirational but they way they had to earn it was quite depressing.

Any additional comments?

MUST READ. I think I have to listen again.

If you're Irish, read this

You'll hope your ancestors knew Meagher or at least heard him speak. This is narrative non-fiction at its best -- the story of a great man told with heart and lyrical language. And the narrator's brogue is a pleasure to hear.

Great book

Loved it. Great story, and narration. A good read for any lover of history. Thumbs up

Very interesting historical tale.

Enjoyable recounting of an Irishman who lived through important times in Ireland and America. What a life he had! Excellent narration.Excellent writing.

How has this not been turned into a movie?!?!

To be completely honest, there was a point were I was going to stop listening...I thank god I didn't. It truly was a great book about an amazing man and an amazing life. I don't understand how Mel Gibson hasn't turned this into a movie - much more amazing story then William Wallace (Braveheart) or The Patriot or the My Left Foot guy (I know not Mel Gibson).

I will make a pilgrimage to Montana to see his statue.

I got lost when he went to Tasmania but I think it was more about me than the book. I am going to listen to it again to soak it all in. I often listen 30 minutes at a time (commute).

Great book must read especially if you're Irish

Really Great

Really enjoyed this book. Great history and wonderful discretion on the man and the times he lived in!

Wonderful Surprise

For whatever reason, I was not expecting much out of this book. In the past, I have been disappointed by biographies of people who I did not know much about. I loved this book. It is a great story about a great man. I highly recommend it. It has just the right pacing and does not lend itself to hyperbole. The first half hour or so was a little rough because the introduction was not as smooth as it could have been and it took awhile to get used to the narrator's accent. Trust me, stick it out and you will not be disappointed.

Amazing story

I would love to hear about other spatular peepul such as Thomas Marr. It did get tedious through the Civil war though. I love Timothy Eagan's books. He writes about the most interesting times and people.

A must read/listen for everyone with an once of Irish ancestry.

An excellent book of Irish and American history though the eyes of a great and fearless Irishman. Also an excellent narration with an appealing Irish brogue.