Description

The statues, memorials, and public monuments that occupy our civic spaces are far more than decorative stone—they are active, high-impact declarations of political power and collective memory. Expressions of Nationhood in Bronze and Stone delivers a masterly, interdisciplinary analysis of how identity has been sculpted across the Irish landscape.

The text guides readers systematically through the erection and contested survival of public sculptures from the 18th century to the modern era. The authors evaluate how imperial monuments were replaced by revolutionary icons, analyzing the design selections, funding systems, and public debates that shaped each project. Written with direct clarity, this book is an indispensable asset for cultural geographers, art historians, and urban planners.

Core cultural insights highlighted in this work:

• Iconography and Political Intent: Examines the specific artistic choices, classical symbols, and historic narratives embedded in monument designs.

• Contested Civic Spaces: Chronicles the physical removals, protest actions, and shifting public opinions regarding controversial historic statues.

• Rich Archival Material: Supported by rare vintage design sketches, blueprints, engineering records, and high-definition photography archives.