Protestants, Catholics, and University Education

“Once described as ‘the most compleat code of persecution that ingenious bigotry ever compiled’ (Sir George Macartney, An Account of Ireland) the penal laws against Irish Catholics have been regularly denounced and, be it said defended, since the eighteenth century when they were passed. They have not, however, been systematically studied in terms of their effects, impacts, and enforcement. Thomas Power’s book is to be welcomed in that it breaks new ground by offering a scholarly and forensic examination of the educational aspects of the penal laws.”


—Thomas Bartlett, emeritus professor of history, University of Aberdeen.





“Thomas Power deploys his exceptional knowledge of the history of Trinity College Dublin and Ireland in the eighteenth century to excellent effect to elucidate an important and overlooked episode in Irish history. Protestants, Catholics, and University Education at once adds to our understanding of Irish high politics, the history of the University, and the repeal of the penal laws against Catholics.”


—James Kelly, professor of history, Dublin City University