RECOMMENDATION FROM ANDREW HAZUCHA,

     Lorcan Collins, Irish historian and political theorist, visited the campus of Carson-Newman College the week of February 18-23, 2002. Having gone on his 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour in Dublin, Ireland on two occasions and having seen him give a presentation on the Easter Rebellion here at Carson-Newman, I feel particularly well qualified to comment on his engaging speaking style and vast knowledge of Irish history.

     I first met Lorcan two years ago on his 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour, a roughly two-hour tour of the sites of the Dublin fighting during the Irish uprising of Easter week 1916. His passion for and knowledge of the historical details of that event so impressed me that I immediately decided to bring a group of Carson-Newman literature students on the tour the following year. Because I was familiar with other Dublin tours I was expecting an informative and provocative session, but Lorcan's presentation exceeded all expectations. His familiarity with all of Irish history, and his intimate knowledge of American politics and foreign policy, made for a most fascinating blend of history lesson and running political commentary. The perspectives he offered on American involvement in Irish and European affairs gave out students a unique look at global attitudes toward the United States.

     When our students went on Lorcan's walking tour in Dublin last spring they asked him afterwards if he would consider coming to our campus in East Tennessee sometime and giving his presentation to a larger audience. He agreed, we secured the funding, and we brought him to Carson-Newman last month. While he was here he visited a number of classes, including an Irish Literature survey course that I am currently teaching. Since Lorcan is quite knowledgeable about the Irish playwright Sean O'Casey, and since I was teaching O'Casey's Juno and the Paycock that week, Lorcan came to the class and discussed O'Casey's complicated attitude towards the Irish Civil War. His congenial and engaging manner, his dry wit, and his command of his subject left the students bedazzled, and they told me afterwards how grateful they were for his visit. Lorcan also visited some of my colleagues' classes that week, including a Joyce/Beckett seminar, a World Literature course, and a Political Science course in political theory.

     To say that Lorcan was a hit on this small, liberal arts college campus would be an understatement. I give him my unqualified endorsement for such future visits to other colleges and universities.

Sincerely,

Signed,

Assistant Professor of English
Carson-Newman College
Jefferson City, TN 37760
(865) 471-3283

Contact Andrew Hazucha to confirm above.

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