Overview
An Irish Passion for Justice reveals the life and work of Paul O'Dwyer, the Irish-born and quintessentially New York activist, politician, and lawyer who fought in the courts and at the barricades for the rights of the downtrodden and the marginalized throughout the 20th century. Robert Polner and Michael Tubridy recount O'Dwyer's legal crusades, political campaigns, and civic interactions, deftly describing how he cut a principled and progressive path through New York City's political machinery and America's reactionary Cold War landscape. Polner and Tubridy's dynamic, penetrating depiction showcases O'Dwyer's consistent left-wing politics and defense of accused Communists in the labor movement, which exposed him to sharp criticism within and beyond the Irish-American community. Even so, his fierce beliefs, loyalty to his brother William, who was the city's mayor after World War II, and influence in Irish-American circles also inspired respect and support. Recognized by his gentle brogue and white pompadour, he fought for the creation of Israel, organized Black voters during the Civil Rights movement, and denounced the Vietnam War as an insurgent Democratic candidate for US Senate. Finally, he enlisted future president Bill Clinton to bring an end to the Troubles in Northern Ireland. As the authors demonstrate, O'Dwyer was both a man of his time and a politician beyond his years. An Irish Passion for Justice tells an enthralling and inspiring New York immigrant story that uncovers how one person, shaped by history and community, can make a difference in the world by holding true to their ideals.
Full Product Details
Author: Robert Polner C/O and Robert Polner ,
Michael Tubridy
Publisher: Three Hills
Imprint: Three Hills
Dimensions:
Width: 15.20cm
, Height: 4.60cm
, Length: 21.60cm
Weight: 0.907kg
ISBN: 9781501773051
ISBN 10: 1501773054
Pages: 472
Publication Date: 15 May 2024
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Available To Order
We have confirmation that this item is in stock with the supplier. It will be ordered in for you and dispatched immediately.
Reviews
"It's a must-read! -- ""WBAI's ""Radio Free Eireann"""" This book is a compelling read about an inspiring life. A terrific new book. -- ""WBAI's ""Deadline NYC: Tales of New York From a Veteran Reporter"""""
It's a must-read! -- ""WBAI's ""Radio Free Eireann"""" This book is a compelling read about an inspiring life. A terrific new book. -- ""WBAI's ""Deadline NYC: Tales of New York From a Veteran Reporter""""
"It's a must-read! --John McDonagh, Host of ""Radio Free Eireann,"" WBAI This book is a compelling read about an inspiring life. A terrific new book. --Tom Robbins, Investigative journalist in residence, CUNY's Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism; Host of ""Deadline NYC: Tales of New York From a Veteran Reporter,"" WBAI"
Author Information
Robert Polner is a public affairs officer at NYU, and a former reporter for New York Newsday. He is coauthor of The Man Who Saved New York (winner of the Empire State History Book Award) and Three Men in a Room. Michael Tubridy is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Irish America and The Recorder. He writes about Irish and Irish-American history in his blog A Boat Against the Current.
