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Alice Stopford Green (1847-1929) was an Irish historian and nationalist, acclaimed for her scholarly contribution to the understanding of Irish history, distinctly reflected in her seminal work, 'Irish Nationality' published in 1911. Born Alice Sophia Amelia Stopford in County Meath, Ireland, she grew up in a milieu steeped in historical awareness, which laid the foundation for her enduring passion for Irish heritage. After the death of her husband, British historian J. R. Green, she gradually turned her focus to the history of her native land. Green's literary style combined meticulous research with a narrative prowess that rendered her historical accounts both authoritative and accessible, which gained her the respect of scholars and the public alike. Her advocacy for Irish self-governance was heavily influenced by her historical perspective, as she contended that an understanding of Irish history was intrinsic to the nation's quest for identity and independence. Her contributions extend beyond 'Irish Nationality,' with significant works such as 'The Making of Ireland and Its Undoing, 1200-1600' (1908) and 'A History of the Irish State to 1014' (1925), wherein she challenged prevailing historical discourses and offered revisions that highlighted Ireland's cultural and political autonomy. Green's work remains a touchstone for students of Irish history and nationalism, underscoring her status as a pioneering historian and advocate for Irish heritage.
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