ORANGEISM: A HISTORICAL PROFILE

Book excerpt: Orangeism: A Historical Profile traces the Orange movement from its pre-Reformation beginnings in the French principality of Orange, to its role in 21st century Ulster. This narrative history offers a lucid account which explains how the Orange tradition took root and developed. Many important events are examined, including the Orange/Green controversies of the 19th century, the Order’s role in the creation of Northern Ireland, its influence during the Stormont era and its stance during the ‘Troubles’. The book also features hard-to-get data provided on the Order’s associated bodies: The Apprentice Boys of Derry, the Purple Order and the Black Preceptory, and provides details of their rituals and lodge practices. International Orangeism and the Order’s role in popular culture are explained and apprised, and the stage is filled with historic figures. Meticulously researched and written without malice, Orangeism: A Historical Profile embodies a reevaluation of accepted views and includes information from unused, usually sealed, archives. Praise for the First Edition: “At last there is an excellent, reliable and absorbing account of Orangeism” – Eamonn Phoenix, The Irish News “A thorough and determinedly unbiased account … written with great enthusiasm” – Niall Savage, The Sunday Business Post